Every year on September 18, Azerbaijan celebrates National Music Day. This special date is not random—it’s the birthday of the legendary composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, the man widely regarded as the father of modern Azerbaijani music. Our nation honors this day because the growth and recognition of our national music and culture owe so much to his genius.
The tradition of celebrating this date began long before it became official. Famous conductor Maestro Niyazi, who deeply admired Hajibeyov, started marking the composer’s birthday after his passing. For many years, crowds would gather in front of the Azerbaijan State Conservatory (today known as the Baku Music Academy) to listen to the State Symphony Orchestra, under Niyazi’s baton, performing Hajibeyov’s timeless works.
In 1995, this tradition was given new life when President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree declaring September 18 as National Music Day in honor of Hajibeyov’s 110th anniversary. Since then, the day has been officially celebrated across the country.
On this date, cultural institutions, music schools, and especially the Baku Music Academy organize performances featuring fragments of Hajibeyov’s masterpieces. Although the tradition faced interruptions in the early 1990s due to political unrest, it has since been revived with even greater passion.
Today, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism hosts a series of large-scale events, including ceremonies in front of the Baku Music Academy, cultural programs at Hajibeyov’s house-museum, and a grand evening concert at the Heydar Aliyev Palace dedicated to his memory.
Even the Baku Metro joins the celebration. Each year, it organizes concerts inside busy metro stations, where live performances of classical and national music fill the air. These unique concerts bring joy to thousands of passengers and create a festive spirit throughout the city.
National Music Day is more than just a cultural event—it’s a heartfelt reminder of how one man’s vision shaped the identity of an entire nation. Through his music, Uzeyir Hajibeyov gave Azerbaijan a timeless voice that continues to inspire generations.