In preparation for World Opera Day on 25 October, OperaVision travels to Baku Azerbaijan for the closing concert in the International Azerbaijan Vocal Festival at the Heydar Aliyev Palace. Showcasing the finest voices from Azerbaijan and other countries in the region, this live event is a first for OperaVision.
A first livestream from Baku for sure. And for many OperaVision viewers, tonight’s concert may be the first time hearing such an eclectic programme put together by conductor Ayyub Guliyev who is artistic director of Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre. Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Leoncavallo, Bizet and Gounod - so far the composers on the programme may sound familiar enough. But what about Hadjibeyli, Amirov and Garayev? By the end of this stream, you will know more about: Uzeyir Hadjibeyli Azerbaijani leading composer of opera; Fikret Amirov whose music is strongly influenced by Azeri folk melodies; and Gara Garayev prolific Azerbaijani composer of everything from ballets, operas, symphonic and chamber works to piano pieces, songs and marches.

The Marschallin is relishing time with her young lover, when her cousin’s sudden arrival ignites a comic chain of events. With honour at risk, social status bartered and happiness illusive, the Marschallin accepts time cannot be stopped and she must set young love free.
Exquisite music, poignant comedy and fairy tale romance: Der Rosenkavalier has it all. For its Garsington premiere, Bruno Ravella transposes what is perhaps  Richard Strauss’s most famous opera to the glamorous 1950s. Jordan de Souza conducts the excellent Philharmonia Orchestra and a bravura cast. ‘Garsington is back with a show that’s a joy to the ears, and a feast for the eyes.’