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The soiree marking Ukrainian-Azerbaijani friendship, held at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, was dedicated to Azerbaijan Independence Day, which is celebrated on Oct. 18.

The soiree was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine. The chief sponsor of the soiree was the International Charitable Fund of Ukrainian-Azerbaijani Friendship. Ambassador Talyat Aliev of Azerbaijan attended the event.

The soiree consisted of a magnificent concert featuring two opera stars from Azerbaijan and Ukraine, who presented the vocal art of their respective countries. Songs and ballads by Azerbaijani composers, folk songs, and classical jazz songs were performed by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Fidan Gadjieva, who is the leading soloist of the Opera and Ballet Theater of Azerbaijan. Her performance of songs from Carmen thrilled the audience.

The singer was accompanied by the outstanding jazz musician Javan Zeynally, who captivated the audience with his improvisations on the famous Ukrainian melody “Song of the Embroidered Runner.” Oleksandr Hurets, a soloist from the National Opera of Ukraine, gave a brilliant performance of several operatic arias as well as a selection of Neapolitan and Ukrainian folk songs. He was accompanied by Anastasia Tytovych, a winner of many international competitions.

Inna Kapynis, an actress from the Ivan Franko Theater, and the popular Azerbaijani TV personality Rafiq Hashimov were the high-spirited emcees of the soiree, which was marked by an atmosphere of harmony between the performers and the audience members, and a sense of unity among all those who love the arts.

There was a surprise in store for the guests at the end of the concert, which featured Gadjieva and Hurets singing Ukrainian folk song duets.