By Elena Kosolapova
Azeri Observer Staff Writer
As summer bathed the Caspian coast in golden light, the heart of Baku pulsed to a different rhythm – one not born of waves or wind, but of music. From June 14 to 28, the city played host to the magnificent Baku Piano Festival 2025, an international celebration of sound and soul that transformed the capital into a vibrant hub of harmony, creativity, and emotional resonance.
The festival, which has swiftly become one of Baku’s most anticipated cultural events, welcomed virtuosos from across the globe – from Austria to Brazil, France to Turkey – all gathering in a jubilant celebration of the piano and its boundless possibilities. Yet, beyond the technical brilliance and diverse repertoire, it was the spirit of the festival that struck a chord: a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every note told a story and every concert felt like a homecoming.
The Heartbeat of the Festival
At the epicenter of this musical constellation stood the festival’s founder and artistic director, Shahin Novrasli – Azerbaijan’s acclaimed jazz pianist and Honored Artist. His concert, held under the stars at the Rotunda Roof Garden, was not just a performance; it was a revelation. Accompanied by Fuad Jafar (bass guitar), Elshad Abdurahimov (nagara), and Brazilian percussionist Isac Jamba, Novrasli delivered a masterclass in musical storytelling.
Each composition unfolded like a chapter from a secret diary – rich with nuance, infused with tradition, and brimming with innovation. His improvisations danced on the edge of East and West, weaving jazz, Mugham, classical, and blues into a seamless tapestry. The audience, spellbound, followed every rise and fall of emotion as if under a shared enchantment. The crescendo? A thunderous standing ovation that echoed long after the final note.
Music Without Borders
At the Baku Piano Festival, music crossed every boundary – national, cultural, and stylistic – and became a universal language spoken fluently by artists from around the world. From fiery tangos to ethereal ballads, from jazz improvisations to classical grandeur, each evening unveiled a different musical universe, all tied together by the expressive soul of the piano.
The festival opened with a vibrant concert, featuring the Mina Agossi Quartet from France. The sold-out evening gathered prominent cultural figures and media, all eager to witness Agossi’s genre-blending performance. Known for her bold, emotional sound and unique fusion of jazz influences, Agossi’s performance set a high standard for the remarkable program that followed.
Another enchanting night featured the Turkish Altera Ensemble alongside dancers Kamran Babayev and Ezgi Er. Their tango performance wasn’t just choreography – it was a dialogue of passion and precision, a mixture of different genres and a mirror of the festival’s global essence.
Another unforgettable moment came from the Simon Raab Jazz Trio of Austria. The trio’s experimental soundscapes blended traditional jazz with contemporary harmonies. Raab’s expressive piano danced effortlessly with Martin Kocian’s dynamic bass and Michat Wirzgon’s nuanced percussion, creating a layered, textured performance that captivated even the most discerning listeners.
Another emotionally rich concert was brought to Baku by Croatian jazz vocalist Lela Kaplowitz, accompanied by pianist Petar Kulibrk, violinist Lucia Kaplowitz, and guitarist Filip Pavik. Singing in her native language, Kaplowitz created a Balkan atmosphere and bathed the audience in warmth and nostalgia, her velvet voice echoing through the summer evening like a lullaby full of longing.
The Dutch jazz master Mike del Ferro once again proved why he’s a beloved guest in Baku. His trio, featuring Brazilian bassist Berval Moraes and Azerbaijani drummer Elvin Bashirov, delivered a performance bursting with energy and spontaneity. Del Ferro’s ability to blend classical piano traditions with jazz improvisation – seasoned with the colors of local music – left the audience both breathless and uplifted.
And classical music lovers, too, were given their due. A sold-out concert at the International Mugham Center featured the refined artistry of pianists Rüya Taner (Northern Cyprus) and Yegana Akhundova, alongside the Baku Chamber Orchestra led by Valid Agayev.
Each of these concerts painted a different facet of the human experience, reminding all in attendance that music, when guided by passion and skill, knows no boundaries – and that in Baku, the piano speaks to everyone.
Hope in Harmony: We Are the Future
While established stars illuminated the main stage, the festival’s brightest promise came from its youngest performers. The We Are the Future project – a cornerstone of the Baku Piano Festival – returned with heartwarming elegance, showcasing young Azerbaijani talents in both classical and jazz concerts. Conducted by maestro Valid Agayev, the children’s classical concert radiated a rare sincerity and grace.
But it was more than just a display of skill; it was an offering of dreams. As these young musicians shared the stage with seasoned artists, they embodied the very spirit of the festival: a dialogue between generations, an investment in cultural legacy, and a celebration of potential. Their performances brimmed with freshness, innocence, and undeniable promise – a standing ovation to the future itself.
A Dazzling Finale: Liz Rosa Quartet’s Brazilian Fire
As the curtain drew on the Baku Piano Festival 2025, it did so not with a sigh, but with a samba. The Brazilian Liz Rosa Quartet brought the festival to a jubilant close with a performance that turned the Rotunda Roof Garden into a living, breathing celebration of rhythm and soul.
Liz Rosa’s velvet vocals – warm, expressive, and vibrant – captivated the audience from the first note. She was joined by Ricardo Fiuza on piano, Berval Moraes on bass, and the ever-energetic Isac Jamba on drums. Together, they created a performance that felt like a musical carnival – colorful, passionate, and deeply joyful. Special guests Shahin Novrasli and Dutch maestro Mike del Ferro added extra sparkle to the night, bridging continents through a shared language of music.
The atmosphere was electric, the energy infectious. The audience, many of whom had attended multiple events over the two weeks, danced in their seats, clapped in rhythm, and bid farewell to the festival with hearts full of rhythm and gratitude.
A Festival of More Than Music
Beyond concerts, the Baku Piano Festival blossomed into a true celebration of art in all its forms.
At the Literary Étude for Piano award evening, writers gave voice to music through story. The event honored winning authors whose words captured sound in imaginative ways. Poets from the Modern Poets collective also shared their work, turning the evening into a lyrical dialogue between literature and music.
In addition, art exhibitions added color to several concerts, offering visual echoes of the music’s mood. Meanwhile, jam session and art workshop brought spontaneous energy, making the festival not just a series of performances, but a living, breathing artistic journey.
From prose to painting, from movement to melody, the Baku Piano Festival proved that creativity is boundless – and even more beautiful when it’s shared.
The Afterglow
As the final applause faded into the summer night, and the last piano lid closed with reverence, the city of Baku was left humming with memory. For two weeks, time had slowed, hearts had opened, and music had become a shared language of joy, nostalgia, and hope.
With Shahin Novrasli’s vision at its helm, the Baku Piano Festival has once again proven that music, when played with soul and purpose, can unite people across age, nationality, and background. And as the young talents of We Are the Future take their first confident steps onto the world stage, we are reminded that this festival is not just a celebration of the present – it is a promise of a luminous future, written in the language of keys and chords.
Until next summer, may the music inspire you!
