Introduction Closing Ceremony Overview Scene-by … · Awakening Introduction Forewords 3 Baku 2015 European Games 6 Welcome to Azerbaijan 8 Closing Ceremony Overview Key points 10

AwakeningIntroductionForewords 3Baku 2015 European Games 6Welcome to Azerbaijan 8

Closing Ceremony OverviewKey points 10

Scene-by-SceneClosing Ceremony 13

CreditsArtistic team 33Ceremonies executive 35Sponsors 36

1 Embargo: 28 June 2015, 21:00 (local time)


EmbargoInformation in this media guide is embargoed until 21:00 (local time) on 28 June 2015.

During the Ceremony there are some things we’d like to keep secret for the audience until the moment they’re revealed, so please don’t spoil the surprise.

The past 17 days have been a magnificent celebration of sport, and an occasion befitting the first European Games.

Despite only having 30 months to prepare to stage an event which most host cities have five to seven years to deliver, Baku has truly done the European Olympic movement proud by hosting such wonderful Games on a continental scale. The infrastructure and sporting improvements that have been implemented are a testament to the transformative power of sport.

In launching the European Games, our aim has been to unite the 50 National Olympic Committees in a sporting celebration which would further the Olympic Movement’s cause, and bring the benefits of staging a major sporting event to host cities across the continent. In the first objective, Baku 2015 has undoubtedly delivered – 12 sports held over the past 17 days offered qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Baku 2015 has also achieved our second aim, as a catalyst for numerous civic improvements and a great model for the next host city to follow.

The bar has been set high, and I now look forward to the next European Games in 2019.

Patrick HickeyPresident, European Olympic Committees


In the Old City of Baku, rising above the ancient buildings and cobblestone streets, stands the Maiden Tower – a building steeped in history and legend, a symbol of the endurance of its people. From atop the tower, beyond the walls of the Old City, we see modern Baku, a city transforming itself, fulfilling the reawakening promised in the legend of the simurg. Contemporary architecture, shining with lights and video screens, creates the new skyline – a fitting symbol of the energy, proud independence and modern aspirations of the people of Azerbaijan.

The Closing Ceremony celebrates this bright future, exploring the union of traditional and modern Azerbaijani culture. We see how the past is shaping the present and influencing the future. Today’s music, dance and architecture are all rooted in tradition, and this beautiful fusion is our inspiration.

For the very first time, the European Games have brought together 50 nations to unite in competition. Tonight, we celebrate the success of the Games and the triumphs of the athletes.

Azerbaijan, land of fire, has shared its flame with the world. Its light lives on in us all.

James HadleyArtistic Director

This Closing Ceremony of the Baku 2015 European Games marks the end of what has been a memorable 17 days of sport, celebration and friendship in our capital city. As the curtain falls on these inaugural Games, the Baku 2015 Operations Committee’s work is also coming to a close. In many ways, however, the journey has only just begun.

For Azerbaijan, a valuable legacy has been secured. Our people have experienced first-hand the inspiration of a sporting event of this scale, and the wonderful performances of our athletes have made the whole country proud, increasing interest in sport and an active lifestyle. We developed valuable transferable skills on the road to Baku 2015, which will serve us well during other major sporting events to be hosted here in the coming years.

The Baku 2015 legacy extends to new sporting facilities and the transformation of the city’s transport system. These improvements are part of the country’s long-term development and go hand-in-hand with Azerbaijan’s emergence as a modern and dynamic centre for business, tourism, leisure and sport.

We will build on this defining moment in our country’s history by continuing to harness the power of sport for social and economic development, and look forward to welcoming the world to our city at future events.

Azad RahimovMinister of Youth & Sport of the Republic of AzerbaijanChief Executive Officer, Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee


Flamekeepers

In tribute to Azerbaijan ‘land of fire’ and the passion and warmth of its people, volunteers at Baku 2015 are called ‘Flamekeepers’.

Nearly 12,500 Flamekeepers have taken on a wide variety of roles (there are 124 across 30 different functions): from welcoming visitors to transporting athletes, helping out behind-the-scenes and making sure the results get displayed as quickly as possible.

The Gilan Textile Park has produced 110,000 uniform items for Flamekeepers to wear.

Games Academy

The Baku 2015 Games Academy is an innovative and impactful learning programme that’s been developed to build the skills and knowledge required to deliver the European Games and leave a lasting legacy in Azerbaijan.

Participants include students who graduated from universities in Azerbaijan in the last five years and a selection from the 50 EOC nations. Intensive training covers the core knowledge and skills needed to deliver large, complex projects; plus real hands-on practical experience and mentoring by experienced members of the BEGOC team.

In December 2012, Baku was announced as the host city for the first-ever European Games – an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent.

The Games mark a historic moment for European sport, and for Azerbaijan it will be a milestone in the country’s progress as an independent, forward- looking member of the European family.

The Opening Ceremony will be held in the newly- built Olympic Stadium on Friday 12 June, and the following 17 days will see nearly 6,000 athletes competing in 253 medal events.

There will be a total of 20 sports, including four exciting non-Olympic sports – 3x3 Basketball, Beach Soccer, Karate and Sambo.

Twelve sports offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball and Wrestling.

Azerbaijan has always had a passion for sport and its investment in the Games will pay dividends in the future as the country hosts further events, such as the 2016 Formula One European Grand Prix, the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, and UEFA Euro 2020 football matches.

Part of the lasting legacy will be to help educate and inform Azerbaijan’s younger generation (40% of the population are aged under 25) about the sporting world and major event management – invaluable skills in shaping the country’s future.

European Olympic Committees

The idea to formally bring together European National Olympic Committees began in 1967. Today, led by President Patrick Hickey, the EOC pursues the objectives of the Olympic Charter and develops programmes and activities geared to the specific needs of its 50 member nations.

Baku 2015 European Games

FACTS & STATS

17 competition days

18 venues

20 sports

50 National Olympic

Committees

253 medal events

6,000 athletes


The largest country in the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey and Iran. While its eastern coastline is bounded by the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water.

A land of plentiful natural resources, centuries-old culture and deeply-engrained hospitality, Azerbaijan has always played a vital role in the region.

It’s a nexus of ancient historical empires. But also a new nation – independent since 1991 – and a youthful country, with 40% of the 9.5 million population aged under 25.

It’s been known for its oil springs and natural gas sources since ancient times, when Zoroastrians (for whom fire is an important symbol) erected temples around burning gas vents in the ground.

Azerbaijan enjoys a booming economy that achieved the second highest GDP growth in the world between 2000 and 2010. The boom is largely driven by natural resources, but there’s also a strong maritime tradition and growing agriculture and tourism industries.

Nine out of 11 climate zones are present in Azerbaijan – from subtropics to Alpine mountains. At the extremes, temperatures can reach 46°C and drop as low as -33°C.

Food is deeply rooted in the history, traditions and values of the nation. Aside from wonderful soups and kebabs, one of the most widespread dishes is the rice-based plov. Pomegranates (‘nar’) are also a feature of the cuisine. As a symbol of unity in Azerbaijani folklore, they can be seen everywhere – even one of the Baku 2015 mascots takes the form of a pomegranate.

The cosmopolitan capital, Baku, sits on the shore of the Caspian Sea surrounded by semi-desert. Its UNESCO-listed Old City is ringed by burgeoning new skyscrapers yet, barely a few hours’ drive away, timeless rural villages are backed by the soaring Caucasus mountains.

Welcome to Azerbaijan

MAJOR EVENTS COMING UP IN AZERBAIJAN

The Baku European Grand Prix 2016 will see Formula One cars racing

through the streets of Baku.

Athletes from more than 50 countries will gather in Azerbaijan for the Islamic Solidarity Games 2017.

Three group stage football matches and a quarter-final of the

UEFA European Championships 2020 will be played at the Olympic Stadium.

AWAKENING Closing Ceremony


• The Closing Ceremony of the inaugural European Games is a historic event for Azerbaijan and the European sporting community. Brought together by world-leading artistic, production and technical teams, it promises to be creative, inspiring and memorable.

• The Ceremony will explore the union of traditional and modern Azerbaijani culture. We’ll see how the past is shaping the present and influencing the future.

• The Ceremony celebrates the joy of paradox – the old teaching the young, the traditional inspiring the modern.

• Artistic Director, James Hadley has directed large-scale Cirque de Soleil shows in North America and on tour.

• The majority of this evening’s 1,600+ volunteer performers are from Azerbaijan, but there are also representatives from 17 other countries. They completed more than 400 rehearsal sessions.

• More than 300 production staff from 28 countries, and 1,000 crew from 34 countries have been involved in bringing the Ceremony to fruition.

Key points

James HadleyArtistic Director

Catherine ArchambaultAssociate Artistic Director & Acrobatic Choreographer

Libby HylandCreative Director

Christopher ScottDirector of Choreography

Josh ZangenProduction Designer

Liz VandalCostume Designer

Christian SteinhauserMusic Director

Robert A. DickinsonLighting Designer

Bryn WaltersDirector of Mass Choreography

Eric TuckerPyrotechnic Designer

Scott WillsallenAudio Designer

Artistic team Running order

15 Arrival of the Head of State

16 Countdown & National Anthem

18 Transformation

20 Parade of Athletes

22 Voices of Europe

24 Energy of Youth

26 Highlights of the Games

28 Awakening

30 Extinguishing the Flame

32 Unity


250 distance of aerial lines in metres, across the stadium, with a capacity to carry 7.5 tons.

450m2 LED floor tiles used on the three buta stages.

500+ truck loads of freight and 100 tons of airfreight came from 20 countries to create the Ceremony.

800 speakers and 25km of cabling for the sound system.

2,000+ lighting fixtures.

12,000+ ear pieces and 180,000+ recycled batteries used by the cast and crew.

20.5 million

man hours spent building the new Olympic Stadium since work began in June 2011.

Closing Ceremony scene-by-scene

Closing Ceremony facts & stats


A fanfare draws our attention to the Presidential Box and welcomes…

Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Mehriban Aliyeva First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Chair, Baku 2015 European Games Organising Committee

Patrick Hickey President, European Olympic Committees

Arrival of the Head of StateDuration: 00:00:53

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan since 2003. President of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee since 1997.

Mehriban Aliyeva, Chair of BEGOC, is President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, President of the Azerbaijan Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and is a member of the Executive Board of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee.

Patrick Hickey has been President of the European Olympic Committees since 2006. He’s also President of the Olympic Council of Ireland and a member of the IOC’s Executive Board. As an athlete, he excelled in Judo, becoming an Ireland national champion.

Cauldron stage Protocol stagePresidential Box

Athletes seating North and south buta stagesMain buta stage


Azerbaijan is a rich tapestry of different colours, peoples, traditions and influences. Like threads of a carpet each are distinct but, united by their diversity, they create a beautiful pattern.

On the stadium screens, a carpet weaver’s threads come to life and journey through the countryside, across the ancient landscape to the city of Baku.

Distinctive carpets by renowned local artist, Faig Ahmed, transform into numbers – from 10 to zero – reflecting the vitality of modern Azerbaijan.

As the countdown hits zero, light shines on two singers on the Main buta stage. They’re joined by a chorus to sing a new, symphonic arrangement of the national anthem.

They share the story of a proud and devoted people, and their love for their country. It’s a love story to their motherland as reflected in the lyrics, ‘My love for you is embedded in my heart’.

Our attention is drawn to the Protocol stage where we see the flag of Azerbaijan carried by eight and raised by three servicemen of the National Guard of the Special State Protection Service.

Countdown & National AnthemDuration: 00:04:04

• Composer Uzeyir Hajibayli and poet Ahmad Javad wrote the national anthem in 1919.

• This evening is the first time it’s been performed in a new symphonic arrangement.

Action

On the stadium screens, a carpet weaver’s threads come to life and journey across the country.

The flag of Azerbaijan is carried and raised by 11 servicemen of the National Guard of the Special State Protection Service.

Music

• The 12 singers of the national anthem are: Samir Javadzadeh, Sabina Babayeva, Farid Mammadov, Chingiz Mustafayev, Suada Alekperova, Gullu Muradova, Farid Askerov, Miri Yusif, Roya, Elchin Aziziv, Dilara Kazimova and Nigar Jamal.

• They’re joined by 25 children from Baku.

Singers

• Baku-based artist, Faig Ahmed, takes traditional Azerbaijani carpets, unweaves them and reconstructs them to create new patterns. In doing so, he takes a traditional form and reinvents it to make works of art that ask the viewer to reflect on the past and its impact on the future. He’s exhibited all over the world, including London, New York, Moscow and at the Venice Biennale.

• Carpets have been made in Azerbaijan since the 2nd century BC and represent the country’s ancient past and unique culture.

• The geometric patterns, vivid colours and craftsmanship of Azerbaijani carpets are recognised around the world. In 2010, UNESCO added Azerbaijani carpet weaving to their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• The national flag has three horizontal stripes. Blue symbolises Turkic heritage, red represents the progress to establish a modern state and the development of democracy, while green is a link to the nation’s relation to Islamic civilizations.

• The Azerbaijani flag that flies in Baku, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, is one of the largest in the world – 35 x 70m. It tops a 162m high flagpole.

11 servicemen of the National Guard of the Special State Protection Service carry and raise the flag.

Facts & stats

Background notes

The countdown on the screens shows carpet patterns transforming into numbers – from 10 to zero.


Transformation applauds the rich traditions of Azerbaijani music, dance and architecture, juxtaposed with the energy and power of their modern equivalents.

Traditional musicians call out a melody that’s answered by a group of their contemporary counter-parts. As the scene builds, traditional and modern dancers respond to each others’ rhythms and energy.

Sixteen dancers spin around the Main buta stage – their dresses flaring out to create beautiful patterns.

The rhythm of the music changes as three giant sculptures begin to spin as well. Each of their skirts is extended and held by 24 performers.

As the music becomes a rock fusion, the traditional skirts are transformed into modern, brightly coloured patterns. Then, the modern dress is pulled away to reveal the 128 performers who have been manoeuvring each sculpture.

All 504 dancers spin and create mosaic patterns across the stage.

Finally, the walls of the ‘Maiden Tower’ peel away to reveal the architecturally spectacular ‘Flame Towers’, and once again we see that our present is born from our past.

TransformationDuration: 00:12:30

56

traditional and contemporary dancers.

504 ‘spinning’ dancers.

Action

Traditional musicians and dancers interact with their contemporary counterparts.

Three giant sculptures appear – each of their skirts are extended and held by 24 performers.

Walls of the ‘Maiden Tower’ peel away to reveal the ‘Flame Towers’.

Cast

• The music is based on ‘Eynur Reqsi’, a traditional Azerbaijani folk song.

• Other music was composed specially for the Ceremony and is played by five traditional musicians (tar, kamanche, balaban, naghara and jura) and five contemporary musicians (drums, electric guitar and violin, keyboard and saxophone).

Music

• Picturesque and historically remarkable, Baku’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its heart is the Maiden Tower. Possibly millennia old, its original date of construction is the subject of debate, though much of the present structure appears to be 12th century.

• In stark contrast, the Flame Towers overlooking the Old City transformed the skyline when they opened in 2012.Azerbaijan’s history of fire worship provided the design inspiration for these three distinctive buildings. At night, high-powered LEDs create the effect of flames dancing on the facade or flags blowing in the breeze.

4minutes to inflate the ‘Maiden Tower’ and ‘Flame Towers’.

10height in metres of our ‘Maiden Tower’. The real one rises to 30m and its walls are 5m thick at floor level.

12,500man hours to make skirts for the three giant sculptures. The skirts are 23m in circumference.

Facts & stats

Background notes


A short film on the stadium screens pays tribute to the 12,500 Flamekeeper volunteers whose energy, enthusiasm and remarkable dedication have contributed to the success of Baku 2015.

The film is followed by a 50-strong children’s choir singing the traditional folk tune, ‘Cal Oyna’. It’s a celebratory song for the nearly 6,000 athletes from 50 nations whose exceptional sportsmanship, courage and commitment have captured our hearts and minds over the past 17 days.

The placard bearers and athlete flag bearers enter in two lines – headed by Greece (birthplace of the Olympics) and Azerbaijan (our hosts) – and meet in front of the Main buta stage. Children from the choir give water lilies – a symbol of peace and unity – to the placard bearers, before singing a reprise of ‘Cal Oyna’.

Finally, the athletes enter en masse and circle the stadium, before taking their seats in the stands to watch the rest of the Ceremony.

Parade of AthletesDuration: 00:26:15

Action

A short film on the stadium screens pays tribute to the Flamekeeper volunteers.

The design of the placard bearers’ costumes reference the filigree architecture of Baku’s Old City.

Athletes enter en masse and circle the stadium, before taking their seats in the stands.

• The 50 members of the choir are aged 10-18, and all from Baku.

• Parade of Athletes music is arranged by DJ Mansur Ahmadov. The mix of modern pop and traditional Azerbaijani music has been selected to be uplifting and inspiring.

Music

6,000 athletes in the Games, though not all of them take part in this evening’s Parade of Athletes.

50 flags.

50 placard bearers.

150 marshals.

Facts & stats

Parade of Athletes

AlbaniaAndorraArmeniaAustriaAzerbaijan BelarusBelgiumBosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

FranceGeorgiaGermanyGreat BritainGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandIsraelItalyKosovoLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaRepublic of MoldovaMonacoMontenegro

NetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussian FederationSan MarinoSerbiaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTurkeyUkraine


Mehriban Aliyeva, Chair of the Baku 2015 European Games Organising Committee and First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivers a speech.

Behind her on the Protocol stage are 669 Flamekeepers – the volunteers who’ve been so vital to the success of the Games. As Mehriban Aliyeva thanks them, they wave their flags.

Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees, delivers a speech.

There then follows a short film about Baku, highlighting the city’s attractions and forthcoming major events, such as the 2016 Formula One European Grand Prix, the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, and UEFA Euro 2020 football matches.

Text of the speeches will be available to download from the media extranet.

Voices of EuropeDuration: 00:10:39

• Music accompanying the speeches was specially composed for the Ceremony by Christian Steinhauser.

Action

Mehriban Aliyeva, Chair of the Baku 2015 European Games Organising Committee and First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees, make speeches from the Protocol stage.

Music

• In tribute to Azerbaijan ‘land of fire’ and the passion and warmth of its people, volunteers at Baku 2015 are called ‘Flamekeepers’.

• Nearly 12,500 Flamekeepers have taken on a wide variety of roles (there are 124 across 30 different functions): from welcoming visitors to transporting athletes, helping out behind-the-scenes and making sure the results get displayed as quickly as possible.

Flamekeepers

10,000 pieces of pyrotechnics.

5,000

hours of preparation on site have gone into creating this evening’s spectacular pyrotechnics displays.

200

hours of programming to sychronise the fireworks with the music.

120

launch pads on the stadium roof.

Closing Ceremony pyrotechnics


Technology provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect countries and individuals – their ideas, their cultures and their energies. We see the possibilities of our future: the energy of youth.

A male dancer discovers a light of energy on the stage. As it travels up through him, his body reacts and he transfers the light to a female dancer. Then to many more. Their urban and athletic movements build into a high-energy hip-hop dance.

More than 500 performers flood the stage, carrying LED hexagons above their heads. As they move, the hexagons create patterns – first a graphic equalizer, then a lotus flower and other stunning images.

As the music becomes more ethereal, our attention is drawn high above the stage. Performers are creating acrobatic moves inside six cyr wheels that have hexagon-shaped lighting bars. As they descend, they’re joined by three more cyr wheels performing on the ground.

Seventy-five performers move across the stage with brightly coloured flags. Meanwhile, the hexagons rhythmically move to create an image that incorporates the three buta stages… it’s the pomegranate tree graphic of the Baku 2015 European Games.

Energy of YouthDuration: 00:12:10

• Salah is the performer who discovers the light of energy on the stage. Originally from France, he is an award-winning competitive hip-hop dancer with millions of YouTube views.

• Salah passes the light to Jaja, a Czech-born dancer and choreographer who’s appeared at events and on TV shows all over the world.

40 hip-hop dancers from Azerbaijan and across the world

9 cyr wheel acrobats.

75

flag performers.

504

hexagons performers.

Action

As light travels through a dancer, his body reacts and he transfers the light to others.

Performers create acrobatic figures with specially designed cyr wheels, featuring hexagon shaped lighting strips. Six are in the air and three on the ground.

504 LED hexagons create the pomegranate tree graphic of the Baku 2015 European Games.

Cast

• All music in this segment was specially composed for the Ceremony.

Music

• A cyr wheel is a large metal ring that rotates gyroscopically as a performer moves inside, allowing them to execute a virtually infinite number of acrobatic figures.

• The hexagon, seen on buildings throughout Baku’s Old City, is one of the world’s most ancient and magical symbols.

3stages in the shape of a buta, an ancient almond-shaped design found on Azerbaijani decorative artworks and architecture. Together, the three stages cover 600m2.

9

custom-built cyr wheels with hexagon-shaped lighting bars.

20LED costumes, containing 4,617 pieces of LED, covering 3,322m.

504 custom-built LED hexagonal panels. Each one is controlled by a computer on the performer’s belt.

Facts & stats

Background notes


This evening, we pay tribute to the nearly 6,000 athletes from 50 nations whose exceptional endeavours and commitment have captured our hearts and minds.

Highlights of the past 17 days are shown on the stadium screens. We see examples of incredible sportsmanship, courage and joy. The highs and lows of competition. And the friendships forged along the way.

The first-ever European Games have been a historic event for Azerbaijan and the European sporting community. For the athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators, it’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights of the GamesDuration: 00:06:04

17 competition days.

18 venues.

20 sports.

50 National Olympic Committees.

253 medal events.

6,000 athletes.

Facts & stats


Under the light of the Cauldron, Elnur Mikailov plays the kamanche – a haunting and yearning sound embodying Azerbaijani mugham music.

From the north buta stage, Lamiya Karimova beckons him with an enchanting melody.

We see the Ateshgah fire temple rise from the Main stage. Standing on top, a sand painter is drawing ‘the tree of life’ from the simurg legend. Soon we discover that what she draws magically comes to life on stage.

Seventy-six dancers create dynamic choreography with sand. As the sand painter draws a brewing storm, dancers representing wind and water appear. Next, she draws birds, and 50 appear, representing the 50 nations of the Games. The birds flock together and, as in the legend, transform into a giant simurg.

As the music becomes more dramatic, the sand painter draws images of fire, conjuring performers with fire wings who run in and scatter the bird performers.

Fire dancers perform athletically as the music intensifies, and fire effects engulf the stadium. As the dance reaches a fever pitch, the simurg ignites in spectacular fashion and burns brightly in the centre of the stadium.

AwakeningDuration: 00:10:29

50

bird puppets.

12

fire wings.

16

acrobats (trickers).

20

fire dancers.

76 sand dancers.

152

silk dancers.

Action

A sand painter draws ‘the tree of life’ from the simurg legend, from atop the Ateshgah fire temple.

The simurg is created by 50 bird puppets, in front of the Main buta stage.

The simurg, surrounded by fire dancers, rises high above the ground and ignites in spectacular fashion.

Cast

• Singer, Lamiya Karimova, studied at the Azerbaijan National Conservatoire and has performed at concerts around the world.

• The kamanche, widely used in traditional Azerbaijani music, is a stringed instrument played with a bow. The body has a long upper neck and a lower bowl-shaped resonating chamber.

• Mugham music is a complex art form that weds classical poetry and musical improvisation.

Music

• Legend has it that a flock of birds were looking for the magical simurg – bringer of happiness, health and wisdom. As they converged upon a field, they realised that the spirit of the simurg lived inside them and, if they came together, they could create a single mystical creature.

Surrounded by flames, the simurg rose from the ground, catching fire as it soared and disappeared into a thousand points of light. As its embers fell to earth, they carried the seeds of rebirth and renewal, fulfilling the hopeful promise of the legend.

18 x 18msize of the simurg. It weighs nearly 2 tons.

50 birds, with wingspans of 1m up to 3.4m.

88 silks, measuring up to 8m.

8 telescopic flowers.

Facts & stats

Legend of the simurg


Fireworks enhance the fiery scene and glowing embers (LED lights) fall from the stadium roof onto the spectators – signifying the seeds of rebirth and renewal from the simurg legend.

Extinguishing the European Games Flame is a poignant moment, the climax of 17 days in which the athletes’ endeavours and triumphs have caught the imagination of people across the globe.

As the Cauldron flame slowly fades, our spirits rise, as we honour the athletes.

Fifty children, representing the 50 participating nations, are near the Cauldron stage.

One child captures the light of the Games with her lantern. She shares it with the other children and, one by one, their lanterns light up. As they walk towards the centre, they pass all of this evening’s performers and their lanterns light up too.

The children hang their lanterns on an enormous chandelier, which then rises. And the entire field of play is filled with beautiful lights.

Just like the simurg, the European Games Flame will never truly die, if we carry its embers in our hearts and share it with the world.

Duration: 00:03:27

600

performers

50 children

Action

Glowing embers (LED lights) fall from the stadium roof onto spectators – a gift for them to keep.

A child captures the light of the Games with her lantern and shares it with the other children. A total of 50 children, representing the 50 participating nations.

The children hang their lanterns on the lower ring of an enormous chandelier, which then rises.

Cast

• Lanterns – arrangement by Martin Rosengarten, Christian Steinhäuser with musician Shirzad Fataliyev (balaban), based on the traditional tune ‘Sari Gelin’ (composer unknown).

Music

280number of lanterns on the chandelier. It measures 10 x 10m.

25,000‘glowing embers’ (LED lights) fall from the roof over spectators, a gift for them to keep.

Facts & stats

Extinguishing the Flame


For the 6,000 athletes who trained exhaustively to compete in Baku, the Games are over and it’s time to celebrate.

As spectacular fireworks shoot across the Baku sky, the first-ever European Games comes to a close.

UnityDuration: 00:29:30

Artistic teamJames HadleyArtistic DirectorJames was Cirque du Soleil’s Senior Artistic Director for their North American shows including Mystère, La Nouba, “O”, The Beatles’ LOVE, Ka, Iris and Zumanity. He was also Artistic Director for their touring shows Amaluna and Delirium, and directed Cirque performances in events including the Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, Live with Kelly and Michael, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Today Show. His next project is directing a circus show that will tour South America.

Catherine ArchambaultAssociate Artistic Director & Acrobatic ChoreographerCatherine has 25 years’ experience in dance and circus arts, during which time she’s created and adapted more than 500 acts. She’s worked as achoreographer and artistic director for Cirque du Soleil shows including Viva Elvis, Wintuk, Delirium, La Nouba, Solstrom, Saltimbanco and Fascination, as well as special events around the world. Catherine has won numerous awards, including three from the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris.

Libby HylandCreative DirectorLibby was Emmy-nominated for her directing work on the Rio 2007 Pan American Games Ceremonies. She was Artistic Director of the Emmy Award- winning Guadalajara 2011 Pan American Games Ceremonies; Creative Director of the Cinco de Mayo 150th Anniversary in 2012 (broadcast to 300m); Artistic Producer of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Opening Ceremony; and is Executive Creative Director of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Closing Ceremony.

Christopher ScottDirector of ChoreographyChristopher is a two-time Emmy nominated choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance. He’s also known for his work in the Step Up film franchise as an actor, dancer and choreographer. Other credits include Dancing With the Stars, America’s Best Dance Crew, The LXD, Disney Channel’s Original Movie Teen Beach Movie, and the acclaimed Virgin America Safety Video. He’s also choreographed for Miley Cyrus, Gloria Estefan and Taylor Swift.

Josh ZangenProduction DesignerConcert/tours: Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience, Kylie Minogues’ Aphrodite-Les Follies and USA 2009, Jack White Lazaretto, Outkast 2014,Britney Spears’ Circus, Rihanna 2012 and Crystal Hall Baku, Shakira, Nickelodeon’s Storytime Live! TV: Rihanna (SNL, American Idol finale), Justin Timberlake (Grammy’s, SNL, Brits). Theatre: Absinthe (Caesars Palace, Las Vegas), Empire (Spiegelworld), Ringling Bros Circus Extreme 2015, Orchid (Miami). Visual marketing/ events: Macy’s 2010 award-winning Christmas windows ‘Yes, Virginia’, ESPN, History Channel, HBO, Nascar, Nike.

Liz VandalCostume DesignerLiz started her career as a fashion designer and for the past 25 years has worked with dance, film and circus companies around the world. Projects include Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, Washington Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland, Cirque Éloize’s Cikopolis, Backstreet Boys’ Black ‘n’ Blue Tour and the films The Lathe of Heaven (director Philip Haas) and La Turbulence des Fluids (director Manon Briand).

Christian SteinhauserMusic DirectorChristian is renowned for his unique fusion of classical and contemporary music. His compositions have been played at major events around the world, including the Doha 2006 Asian Games, the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, celebrations to mark the Sultan of Oman’s 35th anniversary on the throne and the King of Bahrain’s 10th anniversary. Other work includes the opera Himmelsmechanik/Eine Entortung and numerous compositions for festivals and ceremonies.

Robert A. DickinsonLighting DesignerRobert is one of the most recognised lighting designers in the entertainment industry, with a career that’s spanned three decades. During this time he’s won 19 Emmy Awards among other accolades. He has over 2,500 on-screen television credits, including the 1996, 2002, 2004 and 2010 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the 1997 Hong Kong Handover, 2010 Shanghai Expo Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and 28 Academy Awards broadcasts.


Bryn WaltersDirector of MassChoreographyOver the past 15 years, Bryn has become one of the world’s leading experts in mass choreography and protocol staging for stadium events. He’s worked on ceremonies for five Olympic Games: Athens, Torino, Vancouver, London, Sochi and three Commonwealth Games: Manchester, Melbourne, Delhi. Other ceremonies credits include: Rio 2007 Panamerican Games, Pescara 2009 Medi-terranean Games, Donbass Arena 2009, Shakhtar 75th 2011, Juventus Stadium Inauguration 2011, Euro 2012 and Veracruz 2014.

Eric TuckerPyrotechnic DesignerTrained at France’s Ruggieri Fireworks and the winner of multiple international fireworks competitions, Eric has nearly 40 years of entertainment experience. He’s produced pyrotechnic displays for hundreds of corporate clients, festivals, shows and concerts around the world, including Nike, Walt Disney, the Pan American Games and several Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Scott WillsallenAudio DesignerScott is a leading expert in audio design for major international events. Credits include Ceremonies for Sochi 2014, London 2012, Vancouver 2010 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games; Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010 Common-wealth Games; Doha 2006 Asian Games, Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics, Rugby World Cup 2003 and 2011, and Arab Games 2011. He trained in music, engineering and physics, and holds a Masters with Honours in Audio Design and Acoustics.

Ceremonies executiveAzad RahimovMinister of Youth & Sport of the Republic of AzerbaijanChief Executive Officer, Baku 2015 European Games OperationsCommitteeOver a near 30-year career, Azad has held senior roles at the Khatai district Committee of the Youth Union (Komsomol) and he was Head of Youth Organisations Committee of Azerbaijan. He was General Director at Ros-Imesko and Italdizayn Close Joint-Stock Company. In 2006 he was appointed Minister of Youth and Sport. He was President of the Azerbaijan Dance Sport Federation (2005-6) and, since 2006 has been Vice President of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee. In 2014 Azad was awarded the Olympic Order.

Catherine UgwuDirector of CeremoniesCatherine has over 20 years’ experience delivering some of the world’s largest events. Most recently, she was Executive Producer for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies and the Glasgow Handover Ceremony at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, as well as Producer for the 2006 Doha Asian Games Opening Ceremony and the XVII Manchester Common-wealth Games Closing Ceremony. In 2013, Catherine received an MBE for her significant contribution to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Scott GivensExecutive ProducerScott is an Olympic Ceremonies and mega-event producer with credits spanning more than 400 spectaculars, including 12 Olympic Games. Most recently he served as Executive Producer of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Ceremonies. He’s a recipient of the Olympic Order, the highest honour afforded by the International Olympic Committee. His productions have been recognised by numerous awards, including Emmy Awards, Telly Awards, Themed Entertainment Association and Sports Business Awards.

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Documents

Introduction Closing Ceremony Overview Scene-by … · Awakening Introduction Forewords 3 Baku 2015 European Games 6 Welcome to Azerbaijan 8 Closing Ceremony Overview Key points 10