The Gabala Music Festival in Azerbaijan attracted 200 musicians to the country’s oldest city, situated around 200 kms northwest of the capital Baku.

Farhad Badalbeyli, the artistic director, said: “Our festival features mainly classical music but also Azerbaijani folk music, jazz, and even ballet. The festival aims to attract a wide range of the public. Kids are welcome, even if they are not always quiet. We accept that because we really want them to appreciate good music from a young age.”

All the concerts were free and this year the line-up included the Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Brass Quintet, Kiev Soloist National Chamber Orchestra and the Vienna Academic Orchestra.

Jeyran Mahmudova, a professor at the Baku Music Academy said: “I believe that this festival plays an important role in the musical education of young people and adults alike. I really think classical music makes people happy.”