NEWS

Shamil Aliyev's documentary "Creators" enjoys international success.

The film has won Diamond Award at Europe Film Festival 2021 as well as Special Mention Prize within London International Monthly Film Festival 2021.

Europe Film Festival U.K. (EFFUK) is a reputable monthly competition and annual online film festival based in one of the elegant cities in the world, London in 2020-2021. The results were announced virtually amid coronavirus pandemic. 

The documentary "Creators" tells about the life and work of well-known architects Mikail Useynov (1905-1992) and Sadig Dadashev (1905-1946).

Mikail Useynov and Sadig Dadashev were the same age, studied together at school and university. They were one of the first graduates of the architectural faculty of the Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute. They were even tied by family ties - Useynov's sister was married to Dadashev.

As students, they received the first prize for the joint project of the monument to Nizami Ganjavi (1926). Among their best architectural works are the buildings of the Azerbaijan's Central Committee of the Communist Party, the Azerbaijan Conservatory, the Museum of Azerbaijani Literature and other buildings in Baku.

The joint work of outstanding architects reflected the formation and development of Azerbaijani architecture.

The film also tells how the communist ideology affected their creativity and Azerbaijan's cultural heritage in the 20th century.

The film has been recently premiered at Nizami Cinema Center.

The documentary was produced by the order of the Culture Ministry and Salname film studio in 2020.

Although the film has been already awarded at international film festivals in Italy, India, Japan, USA, Great Britain, it was presented in Baku for the first time.

The author of the idea is the chairman of the board of the Azerbaijan Architects' Union, Honored Architect  Elbay Gasimzade.

Rufat Suleymanov (director of photography), artistic director Lala Huseynzade Azer Asgarov (composer) and Nazim Huseynov (producer) were engaged in the filming process.

"Karabakh" mugham ensemble has given a series of concerts in Sweden.

The series of concerts were held by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Sweden with the support of the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO to celebrate the 880th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi.

Speaking about the concert, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Sweden Zaur noted that numerous cultural events, including concerts are being held in Azerbaijan and abroad within the Year of Nizami Ganjavi.

The Ambassador mentioned that Nizami's collection of epic poems "Khamsa" is included in the treasury of world literature.

Azerbaijani poet and philosopher preached humanism, nobility, enlightenment and justice, mercy and peace. Nizami Ganjavi's legacy has not lost its relevance, and after centuries.

His works have been translated into many languages and are studied by scientists of different countries.

Next, the audience enjoyed a concert of the "Karabakh" mugham ensemble which included People's Artists Mansum Ibrahimov (leader), Elchin Gashimov (tar), Honored Artists Elnur Ahmadov (kamancha) and Kamran Karimov (naghara).

The musicians performed music pieces composed to Nizami Ganjavi's poetry. The concert was also remembered for incredible mugham music and tasnifs.

Heydar Aliyev Palace has been premiered Afrasiyab Badalbeyli's teleopera "Nizami".

The teleopera was presented within the Year of Nizami Ganjavi to celebrate the poet's 880th anniversary, Trend Life repored.

Honored Artists Ramil Gasimov (author) Inara Babayeva (stage director), as well as Rza Khosrovzade, Elmir Rustamov, Mahir Tagizade and Emin Ismayilov played in the new production.

Directed by People's Artist of the USSR Farhad Badalbeyli, the teleopera brought together Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev (conductor), Honored Artist Jeyhun Gubadov (choreographer), Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva ( chief choirmaster). The teleopera aroused great interest among viewers.

The project was implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Palace with the support of the Culture Ministry, BEAT Group, VISA and Stamperia print companies, the Confederation of Trade Unions and the Azerbaijan Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Agency with the participation of the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the State Song and Dance Ensemble.

A first edition of “Harry Potter” sold for $471,000 in the US on December 9 in what the auctioneers said was a world record price for a 2Oth century work of fiction, Report informs referring to Reuters.

The hardback 1997 British edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” with a color illustration on the cover, was described by Heritage Auctions as “magical, incredibly bright and so very near pristine.”

The book was published in the US as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

The Dallas-based auction house said only 500 copies with the specific binding were printed. The final price was more than six times the pre-sale estimate of $70,000.

The book was sold by an American collector and the name of the buyer was not released.

British author J.K. Rowling went on to write six more books about the adventures of the orphaned boy wizard that have sold some 500 million copies worldwide in 80 languages, according to US publisher Scholastic. The books were turned into eight films which made $7.8 billion at the global box office.

Azerbaijan is among the first contributors to the digital exhibition of the Council of Europe “Free to Create – Create to Be Free”.

Report informs citing the CE press service that two works by Azerbaijani artists were selected for the digital exhibition in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture - DNA by Faig Ahmed and "Glance - Eternity of the Soul" by Rashad Mehdiyev.

It is noted that the COVID-19 crisis has seriously affected artists, the cultural and creative sector, while at the same time clearly highlighting the importance of art and culture in helping people stay involved, communicate and inspire. The pandemic prompted artists to explore new directions in their creativity and look for new tools to reach their audiences, including the virtual one. That is why, at the end of 2020, the Council of Europe Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape developed the concept of the digital exhibition "Free to create - Create to be free".

The exhibition is aimed at the participation of all member states of the Council of Europe. “We strive to ensure that all member states of the organization display works of their choice that reflect the important role of creative freedom in a democratic society,” said Björn Berge, Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

Avishai Cohen trio has performed at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The jazz trio includes Avishai Cohen (double bass), Elchin Shirinov (piano) and Roni Kaspi (drums). The concert program featured the songs from the new album "Arvoles".

Israeli-born singer and songwriter Avishai Cohen has been recognized as the most influential figures in the jazz history of the 20th century music. His musical works have gained popularity among jazz lovers.

Azerbaijani Elchin Shirinov has been working closely with Avishai Cohen for the last three years. He joined Avishai Cohen trio and gave a number of spectacular concerts in many countries.

Another member of the trio is Israeli-born drummer Roni Kaspi, who now lives in the United States. Over the past years, Roni Kaspi has performed in the United States, Mexico, Canada and other countries.

Avishai Cohen trio has gained worldwide fame. The musicians have successfully performed in Japan, Hungary, Sweden, Germany, France, etc.

Heydar Aliyev Palace will premiere a new play "Five Doors" on December 29.

The play will be staged within the Year of Nizami Ganjavi and the poet's 880th anniversary.

The play "Five Doors" is based on "Khamsa" (Quintet), an epic poetry collection  written in the form of masnavi (couplet).

The audience is invited to reveal five poems in a peculiar form - through the entrance to five doors, which are portals to the past. The play also includes some elements of the pantomime art.

The project aims at promoting of Nizami's legacy. It also focuses on providing support to young talents.

The images will be embodied by the students of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.

The project is being implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Palace and the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts  with the support of the Culture Ministru.

Stage director is Honored Art Worker Hafiz Guliyev, scriptwriter - Shahin Musaoghlu, composer - Tamilla Asadova.

Tickets can be purchased at all ticket offices in Baku.

Azerbaijan Fashion Week  has been successfully held at Hilton Baku Hotel. 

On the first day, several Azerbaijani designers presented their collections with the patriotic theme. The second day featured fashion shows which reflect the revival of the fashion industry.

Amelie Baku Kids Couture (Azerbaijan), B&G store (Turkey), Volskaya atelier (Kazakhstan),as well as the well-known Italian manufacturer of kids clothing iDO showed their collections for little fashionistas.

Amelie Baku Kids Couture demonstrated  elegant kids dresses, B&G store and iDO provided insight into current trends in casual kids fashion, while Volskaya atelier called school kids and teenagers to dress ultra-fashionably, for example, stylish black jackets and eco-leather raincoats.

Next, fashion designer Nara Eyvazova presented cocktail and evening gowns with bold drapery inserts, shiny decor and embroidery.

Turkish brand Utopia Bamboo Organic headed by Ozlem Beliktay, surprised fashionistas with gorgeous dresses, sundresses made of  exclusively natural, organic fabrics from bamboo fiber.

Mario Russo brand presented a men's collection that featured both classic  and bold leather and velvet jackets. Interestingly, the models went on stage barefoot. TV presenter Shakhriyar Abilov was one of the models who walked the catwalk.

At the end of the show, fashion designer Ruslan Mammadov  entered the stage wearing a helmet like a Roman soldier. 

The brand Hanym atelier (Turkey) that left no one indifferent. 

Casual dresses, pajama-type suits and even evening gowns from Hanym atelier creates a free cut that does not restrict movement.

Azerbaijan Fashion Week ended with a show of the Giedi brand.

Fashion designer Murad Huseyn has always relied on courage, boldly experimenting with the form and presentation of his fashionable ideas.

AFW's final runway show Giedi was no exception. The designer put on a real show, turning the catwalk into a stage where the singer Narmeen performed her hits. 

The fashion week was also remembered for an effect appearance of the two models, the bride and groom Marina Dar and Sergey Krauz, who revealed their feelings to the guests of the evening. 

Azerbaijan Fashion Week has become exactly the platform that united the efforts of all those who work in the field of fashion, becoming a platform that brought together designers, buyers, local and foreign press, as well as all fashionistas.

Over the ten seasons, Azerbaijan Fashion Week has retained the status of the most important fashion event in Azerbaijan.

AFW General Director is Nijat Bakhshaliyev, general producer - Sayat Dossybaev (Kazakhstan).

Pearls Of Azerbaijan Awards 2021 has been held at Hilton Baku Hotel.

Established by Avand Production, the prize is awarded for achievements in various fields of culture and art, public life and media, medicine and business, tourism and sports.

The host for the evening was Azer Ahsham.

"Each award is important and valuable in its own way, because it is a reasonable payment for great work in professional activity, which ultimately goes to the benefit of the development of society. A person who receives an award often acquires a special social status. Although statuettes, diplomas, prizes, prizes and gifts are often presented as awards, attention to personality is very important for us. I wish you all success! "said the head of Avand Production and the author of the project Ayaz Mammadov.

The list of laureates included People's Artists Konul Khasiyeva, Mubariz Taghiyev, Melekhanum Ayyubova, Samir Jafarov, Maleyka Asadova,  Gulyaz Mammadova, Gulyanag Mammadova, Honored Artists Manana Japaridze, Rashad Ilyasov, Jahangir Gurbanov, dancer  Fatima Fataliyeva, 26-time world kickboxing champion Eduard Mammadov, TV presenter Medina Abdullayeva, Trend News Agency's correspondent Vugar Imanov and others. 

Executive producer of Pearls Of Azerbaijan Awards 2021 is Khayal Ahmadov, executive producer for culture Narmina Gafarli, producer for design and graphics - Gunay Tapdigova.

The Kremerata Baltika Chamber Orchestra has performed at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

Founded in 1997, the Kremerata Baltika Chamber Orchestra includes 23 young talented musicians from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

With its performance at the Lockenhause Festival in Austria in 1997, the orchestra immediately won the audience's sympathy.

Being one of the famous orchestras in Europe, it has given over one thousand concerts in more than 50 countries and 600 cities.

In Baku, the orchestra mesmerized the audience with music pieces of Frederic Chopin, Felix Mendelssohn, Fikrat Amirov, and other outstanding composers.

The classical music night was held within the framework of the Year of Nizami Ganjavi, one of the most prominent figures of medieval Azerbaijani philosophical poetry.

The evening was opened by Nino Rota's Concerto for Strings. The piece performed by the orchestra was remembered for its incredibly beautiful melodies.

Next, the laureate of international competitions, diploma winner of the 17th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition Georgy Osokin (piano) appeared on the stage.

Having touched the keys, the pianist seemed to plunge into the mysterious world of music. His performance was distinguished by phenomenal virtuosity.

Honored Artist Elvin Ganiyeva (violin) and Kremerata Baltika Orchestra performed Felix Mendelssohn's Concerto For Violin,  Piano and Strings in D minor under the baton of conductor Fuad Ibrahimov.

The virtuoso violinist conquered the audience with his talent, impeccable skill and depth of performance. Ganiyev's performance aroused a storm of applause.

Fikrat Amirov's Symphony "To the Memory of Nizami" left no one indifferent. This music piece is considered one of the pearls of Azerbaijani musical culture.

They say that the same orchestra with different conductors sounds different. Under the baton of Honored Artist Fuad Ibrahimov, the Kremerata Baltika Orchestra sounded magnificent, soulful and incredibly melodic.

The concert made an indelible impression on the audience, turning into a major cultural event.

The audience endlessly thanked the musicians and the conductor for the feast of music.

After the concert, Fuad Ibrahimov shared his impressions about the concert with media representatives.

"I am very glad that such a marvelous concert took place in this beautiful hall. I hope that music fans have enjoyed the evening...," said Ibrahimov.

Fuad Ibrahimov expressed his hope that similar events would be organized in Azerbaijan as often as possible," he added.