Baku International Arts Festival

The Baku International Arts Festival returns for its second year, transforming the Azerbaijani capital into a global center for music, dance, and drama. The 2026 program is notably dedicated to the 120th anniversary of composer Dmitri Shostakovich, featuring a visual interpretation of his Symphony No. 10 by artist William Kentridge and performances by the BIAF Festival Orchestra under the direction of Dmitry Sitkovetsky. The festival emphasizes professional collaboration between international stars and local institutions such as the Baku Music Academy and the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra.

Theatrical highlights include Lev Dodin’s award-winning production of "The Seagull" and the Gesher Theatre’s "Bloody Mary," directed by Dmitry Krymov. The dance lineup is equally prestigious, showcasing the English National Ballet, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and new works by renowned choreographers Akram Khan and Shahar Binyamini. Music fans can also attend a unique "Millennium Symphony" concert by violinist David Garrett at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Events are distributed across multiple locations, including the Heydar Aliyev Palace, the Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre, and the historic Icherisheher (Old City) district. In addition to public performances, the festival schedule includes educational masterclasses and meet-the-artist sessions intended to foster artistic exchange between visiting international masters and the local creative community.