On February 4, 2026, a roundtable was held in the Art Room to honor the rich musical legacy of the world-famous composer, People's Artist of the USSR, and laureate of the State Prizes, Gara Garayev. It was organized jointly by the Presidential Library and the "Culture That Unites Us" Public Union, as part of the series themed "Heydar Aliyev and Culture."

Opening the event with an introductory speech, Professor Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library, highlighted the extraordinary contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the development of Azerbaijani culture and the state's significant support for preserving the legacy of the great composer. She noted that Gara Garayev's work remains an endless resource for young musicians and researchers.

A video showcasing the life and creative journey of the great artist was presented during the official segment.

A virtual exhibition dedicated to the world-renowned composer Gara Garayev, prepared by the Presidential Library, was also featured as part of the event.

Following that, well-known figures from Azerbaijan's cultural, scientific, and artistic sectors delivered speeches around the round table. Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, Professor Firangiz Alizadeh, People's Artist and Composer Elnara Dadashova, Composer Azad Zahid, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History and Director of the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev, Leyla Guliyeva, Writer and Translator, Member of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Khanim Aydin, and Deputy Chairman of the "Culture That Unites Us" Public Union, Riad Guliyev highlighted the creative philosophy of the great composer who laid the foundation for modernism in Azerbaijani music. They discussed the magnificent spiritual bridge he built between Eastern and Western cultures through his world-class works. They particularly emphasized the significance of the Gara Garayev phenomenon in the global musical heritage and the school of composition he founded, which continues to represent Azerbaijani culture effectively on the international stage.

The musical segment added a special charm to the event. Honored Artist Ilham Nazarov performed the composer's romances "I Loved You," "On the Hills of Georgia," and the memorable "Song about Baku"—accompanied by Honored Artist Nushaba Isa. International competition laureate and pianist Saida Taghizadeh performed the composer's "Preludes" and selected pieces from the film "A Man Drops Anchor."