Culture policy

Culture policy

Azerbaijan Culture Days held for first time at Montreux Classical Music Festival

13 September 2026 14:16 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan Culture Days are being held for the first time as part of the Montreux Classical Music Festival (“Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey”) in Switzerland, APA reports.

During the two-day program, Azerbaijan’s rich musical and artistic traditions will be presented to an international audience.

An Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Culture Adil Karimli has already arrived in Montreux to participate in the events.

The program features performances by Azerbaijani artists including Murad Huseynov, Afaq Abbasova, Sevda Alakbarzade, Yusif Eyvazov, Alim Gasimov, Elvin Hoca Ganiyev, Elmina Hasan, Fuad Ibrahimov, Isfar Sarabski, Jeyla Seyidova and Azer Zade, as well as the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble. An Azerbaijani jazz night is also included in the program.

The Montreux Classical Music Festival was launched at the Casino-Kursaal on September 6, 1946. Founded by Manuel Roth, it is considered one of Switzerland’s oldest classical music festivals after the Lucerne Festival.

The festival was established in the aftermath of World War II, when the presence of prominent musicians living or temporarily staying in Montreux and on the Swiss Riviera helped create a new international platform for music.

One notable moment in the festival’s history came in 1956, when world-renowned composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky personally conducted a program of his own works.

Over the decades, the festival has hosted internationally acclaimed musicians including Yehudi Menuhin, Arthur Rubinstein, Isaac Stern, Martha Argerich, Radu Lupu, Mikhail Pletnev, Valery Gergiev, Daniil Trifonov and Yuja Wang. Despite its focus on classical music, the legendary rock band Pink Floyd also performed at the festival in September 1971.

This year marks the festival’s 80th edition, running from September 9 to 18. The anniversary program is based on the “Classic & Lab” concept, combining traditional classical music with jazz and experimental formats.

Concerts are being held at several prominent venues, including Auditorium Stravinski, Chillon Castle, Caux Palace, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and Théâtre Le Reflet in Vevey.