Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of organ and chamber hall of Azerbaijan State Philharmonic

The organ and chamber musical hall of the Muslum Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall was opened, following its capital reconstruction and overhaul.

President of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

The building of the organ and chamber musical hall of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic holds a special place among the architectural monuments built in Baku. This building, that upholds a great history and gives a special beauty to the capital, is a part of the rich Azerbaijani culture.

Historical research confirms that, starting from the mid XIX century, more and more ethnic German and Swedish people settle in Baku. The oil boom ongoing in Baku at the time results in the influx of foreign labor force. Ethnic German and Swedish people, who settled in Baku at that time, decide to build this church for religious services. Our people, who have historically been a role model for tolerance, support them in realization of this idea. As a result, in March of 1896, foundations were laid for an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baku, which opened its doors for people in 1899. The building, built by 24-years old German Adolf Eichler, entered the list of the rarest architectural pearls of Baku. Nobel brothers also paid attention to the construction of this building, which explains the participation of Emmanuel Nobel with governor of Baku at the inauguration ceremony of the church.

In 1900, an organ gets installed in the church and the first concert takes place. During the Soviet times, the church stops its functions, just like the other religious service domes. At times, the building faces the threat of total deconstruction. In the following years, with the decision adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers, the building was reorganized into organ and chamber music hall and was given into the guardianship of Azerbaijan State Philharmonic. The following period leaves its traces on the building. Because of neglect, ceiling of the building falls into desuetude. The decrepit condition of the furniture and equipments render organization of ceremonies impossible.

With the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, capital reconstruction and overhaul commenced in the building in 2010. The President, who pays a special attention and care to cultural values, allocated 1 million AZN funding from the Reserve Fund of the President, as per the decree on reconstruction and overhaul of the organ and chamber musical hall, signed by him. In a few months, the works carried out played an important role in the life of this historical building.

Director of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic, Murad Adigozelzade, gave information to President Ilham Aliyev about the capital reconstruction and overhaul works carried out in the building, adding that for many years, various cultural events had been organized in the building. This historical building has hosted numerous grandiose concerts.

Having familiarized himself with the conditions created in the edifice, the President also toured the administrative building. It was noted that every condition was set in place for comfortable activities of the staff of organ and chamber musical hall.

The President and his spouse also inquired about the conditions created at the main building.

It was noted that the Azerbaijani specialists carried out the major reconstruction and overhaul works, by preserving the original style and the ancient historical architecture of the building. Special attention was paid to the acoustics of the building, which is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional German gothic architecture. Moreover, for the first time ever, a ventilation system has been installed in the building. The President was informed that the organ was repaired by specialists invited from abroad.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata in D Minor” – first music performed on an organ 110 years ago, as well as a number of other world classical music pearls were performed on an organ by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, professor of the Hajibeyov Baku Academy of Music, Rena Ismayilova.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva viewed the photo gallery reflecting the pre-overhaul condition of the building.

The President expressed his satisfaction with the works carried out in the building.