Baku: The Baku Contemporary Music Society will host the 4th edition of the ‘Baku Contemporary Music Days’ from May 18-24, 2026. The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijani.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the festival will bring together local and international composers and performers engaged in the field of contemporary music. The mission of this year’s edition remains to strengthen Azerbaijan’s representation in the global contemporary music scene.
The festival, taking place from May 18 to 24, will feature performances of works by 20th- and 21st-century composers included in the program. The repertoire will be presented by local musical ensembles such as the Cadenza Orchestra, the BCMS Ensemble, and distinguished soloists, alongside internationally acclaimed contemporary music ensembles including Catinblack and C2E2 Ensemble. The festival will also host invited performers and lecturers from various countries, among them Szilard Benes, Aleksey Potapov, Rachel Walker, and others.
The festival program comprises morning, afternoon, and evening sessions and is open to the public. Events will take place across leading cultural and concert venues in Baku, including the International Mugham Center, the State Museum of Azerbaijani Musical Culture, the Gara Garayev House Museum, and the Museum Center. These venues will host not only evening concerts but also workshops and lectures accessible to both professional musicians and anyone interested in contemporary music.
The program includes nearly 40 works, some of which will have their world premieres and have been composed specifically for this festival.
On the final day of the Baku Contemporary Music Days Festival, a screening of a film dedicated to one of the world’s most influential composers, Morton Feldman, will traditionally take place with Azerbaijani subtitles.
Pre-registration is required for this event due to limited seating. For more information, visit the official website and follow the festival on social media.