The gala concert of the International Composition Competition, organized by the National Music and Global Culture Society based in New York City, USA, was held. The event took place at the world-renowned Lincoln Centre in New York, with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The evening was attended by representatives of the Permanent Missions of Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the United Nations, diplomats, art lovers, and members of the local community.

The final concert of the competition, which brought together composers from various countries, featured new works inspired by the musical heritage of Turkic peoples. The presentation of traditional music through contemporary compositional approaches delighted the audience.

Nargiz Alyarova, Honored Artist, renowned pianist, and Head of National Music & Global Culture Society, performed excerpts from works by Gara Garayev and Fikrat Amirov, prominent composers of Azerbaijan. Her performance was received with great enthusiasm and hearty applause.

In her speech, Nargiz Aliyarova noted that the competition was created to introduce and promote Azerbaijani music globally. She highlighted that over time, the scope of the project has expanded to include the musical heritage of other Turkic peoples. She emphasized that the competition encourages composers from different countries to draw upon this musical heritage, creating opportunities to bring it to an global audience through new compositions.

According to the decision of the jury, Shafag Alicioğlu from Türkiye won 1st place, Federico Beilinson from Argentina took 2nd place, as well as Xun Vang from China secured 3rd place. The winners were awarded diplomas and cash prizes.

During the event, prize-winners Federico Beilinson and Xun Vang share their impressions of the event and competition.

As part of the gala-concert Critics’ Choice Award established by the “Itzhak Mavashev” Fund was presented. Composer Rovshen Nepesov from Turkmenistan received the award for contemporary compositions that vividly reflect national and cultural identity. The cash prize of USD 500 was presented by Rafael Nektalov, Executive Director of the Foundation, music critic, and editor-in-chief of The Bukharian Times newspaper.