SOLEMN OPENING CEREMONY OF AZERBAIJAN STATE PHILHARMONY BUILDING

Azertag - State Information Agency of Azerbaijan Republic, 27 January 2004

The building of the Azerbaijan State Philharmony named after Muslim Magomayev was solemnly opened after major repairs, on January 27.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the ceremony.
Dear memory of the nationwide leader, President Heydar Aliyev was ordered with a minute of silence.
Minister of Culture Polad bulbul oglu, rector of Baku Musical Academy, prof. Farhad Badalbayli, young violinist, Presidential scholar Jamila Musayeva and world-known musician, our fellow countryman Mstislav Rostropovich delivered speeches at the ceremony.

Afterwards, a concert dedicated to the opening was held.
In bright memory of his dear and beloved friend, genial son of Azerbaijan people, President Heydar Aliyev, maestro Mstislav Rostropovich performed in violin Johan Sebastian Bach's Sarabande from partite N 2.

Afterwards, the great musician led Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra after Uzeir Hajibayov performing "Ithaf" ("Dedication") composed by Firangiz Alizade on the occasion of the Philharmony opening. The orchestra and State Choir directed by people's artist Rauf Abdullayev performed compositions by Uzeir Hajibayov, Gara Garayev and Fikrat Amirov as well.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony.
Present at the opening ceremony were Chairman of Milli Majlis Murtuz Alasgarov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, chief of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehtiyev, Ministers, heads of committees and companies, deputies of Parliament, renowned workers of culture and art, foreign Ambassadors in Baku and other officials.