NEWS

European Broadcasting Union has released a video with the most viewed Eurovision 2021 music videos.

The TOP-10 includes the performance of Azerbaijan's entry Samira Efendi.

The song "Mata Hari" has reached more than 5 million views on YouTube. 

The TOP-10 also includes Maneskin - Zitti E Buoni (Italy), Go_A - Shum (Ukraine), Manizha - Russian Woman (Russia),  Hurricane - Loco Loco (Serbia ),  Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo (Cyprus), Blind Channel - Dark Side and others. 

Notably, Samira Efendi performed in the second half of the Eurovision 2021 final with the song "Mata Hari" and took place the 20th place. She thrilled Eurovision fans with stunning performance that featured a giant orb in the background.

At the end of the stage show, the orb was lifted into the air where it exploded in a rain of golden sparkles, leaving the image of Nazar, a symbol of fortune in Azerbaijan. 

Efendi's costume was adorned with precious and semi-precious stones; it  combined Azerbaijan's traditional elements but with a modern twist. The costume was designed by world-famous fashion designer Rufat Ismayil was behind her outfit.

Speaking about the meaning of the song, Efendi noted that it is about female power.

"It is very important to talk about strong women in order to remind our beautiful ladies that despite the fact that we still live in a world full of prejudices, a woman can do anything and female power cannot be compared with anything. And if suddenly you do not have enough inspiration now, let the stories of strong women in history become the source of that very charge of energy with which you can cope with everything and achieve even bigger success. There is a queen in each of us and I want to remind you that it's time to release her," said Efendi.

Meanwhile, Italian rock band Maneskin took the first place at Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Zitti e buoni". It's the third time Italy wins Eurovision. The second place went to France, while Switzerland ranked third.

With its spectacular show, the 4th All-Russian Festival of Gymnastics, Dance and Vocal has been held in Moscow, bringing together young talents. 

The festival was organized by Azerbaijani dancer and gymnast, European Cultural Association Ambassador Farid Kazakov. The event took place in the Rodnik House of Culture. 

This year the festival has reached a new level. It was named the "All-Russian" festival.

Next year, the festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary. So, Farid Kazakov decided to hold the 5th All-Russian Festival of Gymnastics, Dance and Vocal not only in Russia but also in Azerbaijan. 

Moreover, Farid Kazakov's debut song "I Can Do Anything" will be premiered as part of the festival.

"Through my song, I wanted to convey to everyone very important words, meaning and message, which are sometimes so lacking in our modern world. I believe that versatility is one of the main characteristics for every artist. So I decided go beyond choreographic art and perform a song...," said Kazakov.

Farid Kazakov is a two-time winner of the prize "Most professional young dancer in Azerbaijan". Moreover, the dancer's name has recently entered the book dedicated to Azerbaijan's prominent public and cultural figures. 

The dancer has previosly presented a patriotic project "My Azerbaijan" to the music of Azerbaijani and Russian opera and pop singer Muslim Magomayev, which received a huge number of positive reviews and was recognized as "Best patriotic performance" at Solo Star Russia 2020".

Over this time, Farid Kazakov has participated in many large-scale projects.

Kazakov won the Grand Prix of the St. Petersburg Open Word National Award 2020 in performing arts. 

The dancer also thrilled the audience with a one-man show "Enuement" premiered at the YARAT Contemporary Art Space this year.

The one-man show, staged by Russian director Louise Eyre, is considered the first solo choreographic performance in Azerbaijan.

In 2019, the dancer successfully performed at the International Kremlin Stars Competition, Solo Star All-Russian Theatre Festival and the Art Star International Competition and Festival.

He was also named the most successful dancer according to "Trend of the Year 2019 Awards". The winners were determined by voting on social networks and media monitoring.

This year, the dancer won the prize "Turkiye Zirve Odulleri" in Turkey. He got the title the "Most Talented Dancer of Turkey 2021".

In February, Kazakov released a patriotic video dedicated to fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

As the dancer says, he was looking for music for the new video for a long time, as a result, his choice fell on the very heartfelt song "Daima yaşa Azərbaycan" performed by Sinan Akchil and Saida Guliyeva. The song literally captivated the dancer with its beauty and depth. 

The video was seen by the organizers of the Turkiye Zirve Odulleri Awards. The winner was chosen through voting. 

Farid Kazakov shares his skills and knowledge with young people. Farid has been training future gymnasts since 2012. Presently, he is the head coach of the Zabradance Baku School of Gymnastics and Dance.

He is also actively involved in charity work. He has presented his new charity project "For Kids of Azerbaijan" at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Down Syndrome.

The famous dancer held a charity project in several organizations such as the Ders Evi Education Centre and the Yaradan Creative Union.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has launched another project in the city of Shusha (Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan), liberated from Armenian occupation.

At present, repair and restoration work is underway in the creative center, art gallery, and carpet weaving gallery of the city.

The building in which the creative center is located was once known as the caravanserai of Agha Gahraman and is included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of republican significance.

The carpet weaving gallery will be located in the building of the Shusha carpet museum, which suffered serious damage during the Armenian occupation.

Currently, in addition to renovation and restoration work, works are being selected to be exhibited in all three buildings. Soon, works of Azerbaijani artists, paintings with views of Karabakh before and after the occupation, as well as carpets will be demonstrated in Shusha.

Azerbaijan Youth Union and the Union of Culture and Arts has awarded the winners of the 7th International Arts Olimpia-2021 Contest.

The project aims at development of creative skills in young people as well as  promotion of culture and art and straightening friendly ties between nations. 

The competition was held virtually amid coronavirus pandemic.

The Arts Olimpia was open for solo, duets, groups and ensembles in the following categories: music (keyboards, winds and drums), vocals, visual arts, theater and art reading, dance. 

All areas of art were represented in folk, modern and classical (academic) genres among young talents in the following age categories: up to 7 years old, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15 years old, from 16 years older. 

The jury included the president of the Azerbaijan Dance Association Aziz Azizov, a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR and the Union of the Azerbaijani Artists Rafail Aliyev, director of the Arts Gymnasium at the  National Conservatory Ayten Ahmadova, head of the Performing Arts Department at of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Sabina Mehdiyeva.

The Grand Prix of the competition was awarded to the quartet of the Rostropovich School No 21, which includes Magsud Jafarli, Ramiz Mammadli, Aisu Mammadli, Kyanan Gelenderov.

The quartet was accompanied by Lala Khalili. The young talents are students of music teacher Gulnara Seidova.

Azerbaijan's Karabakh carpet school has been highlighted at international conference in Turkmenistan.

Director of the National Carpet Museum, Chairman of the ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee Shirin Melikova addressed the 21st conference of the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs and the international conference "Turkmen Carpet is an example of beauty".

Shirin Melikova made a presentation at the event on the theme "The beauty of Karabakh carpets".

She informed the conference participants about Azerbaijani carpet weaving art, including Karabakh carpets, massively exported to Europe in the 15th-16th centuries, and now adorning world-famous museums and private collections.

She pointed out that  first exhibit of the National Carpet Museum was the 19th century Karabakh carpet "Balyg".

The museum director provided insight into famous Karabakh carpet compositions such as "Khatai", "Azhdahali" (Dragon), "Chelebi" and many others.

During her presentation Shirin Melikova shared the semantic meaning of carpet symbols and ornaments. In addition to pile carpets woven in Karabakh, Shirin Melikova also spoke about pileless carpets - kilim, jedjim, shadda, varni, zili and others.

In her speech, the Carpet Museum director highlighted the work done within the framework of the State Program for the Preservation and Development of Carpet Art in Azerbaijan for 2018-2022. She also spoke about Azerbaijani carpets retured back with the support of the country's leadership and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

She stressed that one of the most valuable exhibits in the collection of the National Carpet Museum is the 17th century Karabakh carpet "Khatai", donated to the museum by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in 2018.

Carpet weaving reflects the rich spiritual world, worldview and life philosophy of the Azerbaijani people.

In 2010 the traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

Karabakh carpets are distinguished from other national carpet schools by their artistic and technological production and their size.

This carpet school is famous for its pileless carpets, including shadda, zili, verni, kilim and palas products. Karabakh carpets are characterized by bright colors and vegetative motives.

There are 33 compositions of Karabakh carpets. These carpets are produced in the towns Malibeyli, Muradkhanli, Dashbulag, Jabrayil, Horadiz in Karabakh in the mountainous part of Karabakh.

With its colorful patterns and manufacturing technique, Zangazur and Nakhchivan are also included in Karabakh carpet school.

These carpet compositions feature classical patterns of Karabakh carpet-weaving school, including "Aran”, "Bagchadaguller", "Balıg", "Buynuz", "Barda", "Bahmanli", "Garabag", "Goja", "Gasımushagı", "Lambaran", "Mugan", "Talısh", "Lampa", "Malıbayli ", "Khangarvand", "Khanlıg", "Khantirma", "Chalabi", and "Shabalıdbuta".

With its rich colors, this carpet school  comprises all undertones of the nature of Karabakh. Besides various plants, these colors are gained from different kinds of insects. The most popular insect from which red color is produced is scale insect or red worm.

Summertime in Baku is filled with sunshine-filled days. So, it's no wonder why the city is such a popular destination for a summer getaway. 

The hottest of the four temperate seasons has inspired Azerbaijani artists to create a series of art works inspired by summertime in Baku.

An exhibition of art works "Summer Delight" will open on June 15 at Leyla Khazari Art-Gallery. The curator of the exhibition is Rustam Huseynov.

The works of artists are filled with warm atmosphere. The exhibition brings art lovers pleasant emotions and leave a vivid impression for the whole year.

The exhibition "Summer Delight" presents a vibrant image of  Baku in summer. A series of paintings shows us native places so dear to the heart.

Weightless clouds, calm waves, a lighthouse risen above the sea and ships welcome all lovers of sea adventures.

Cozy summer cottage, where for generations people have been relaxing and boosting energy  for the whole next year warms up the soul.

The summer breeze drove the wave to the sandy shore, the warmth of the heated sand, palm leaves, south wind capture wont left you indifferent.

Have a great rest and leave a pleasant past in your memory - this is the art of life and the guarantee of a healthy and bright future.

If you want, to enjoy summertime in all its beauty, hurry up to visit the exhibition "Summer Delight" which lasts until July 5. 

Simurg Kids Music Festival will be held across the country. The festival which stars on June 1 is named after Simurg bird, a fantastic mythological creature.

The image of Simurg has a different interpretation. More often he is perceived as a prophetic bird of justice and happiness, but in some myths Simurg is a watchman sitting on a mountain that separates the other world.

The previous festival was held only among pianists. This year, the festival's program is expected to be more diverse and spectacular. The project organizers set the task of identifying all creative abilities of young people. 

Works of young talents will be exhibited as part of the festival.  The first concert program within the framework of the festival will be held on June 2 in an open area, next to the Art Tower gallery in Icherisheher.

Kids who will perform at the concert attended lectures for schoolchildren on rational water use and the problems of the Kura River.

After the lectures, young listeners were given a speech by their peers - pupils of music schools, which was also part of the educational process. The events were held at the Baku Book Center and YARAT Contemporary Art Space. 

"The main goal of the festival is to make it possible for kids to show their talents. There's no doubt that hat all the kids are talented. Most importantly,  to let  them share their points of view. So then, talent  will manifest itself. We are looking for bright young musicians, teach them to behave correctly and artistically on stage. After all, a true professional must know how to act on the stage and this skill should be learned," said the festival's director, pianist Saida Tagizade.

Moreover, major events will be held in various cities as part of the festival supported by the Culture Ministry, the Ministry of Education, Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve,  Baku Media Center, Arts Council Azerbaijan (NGO), Pasha Holding and Aqua Vita.

Golden Kids Awards winners have taken part in a virtual concert timed to International Children's Day. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not possible to hold an award ceremony. However, the project organizers decided to bring together the award winners of various years and hold an online concert.

Golden Kids Awards is organized by Azerbaijan Volunteers' Public Union to disclose creativity and develop the abilities of the younger generation. 

Since 18, the project provides young people with great opportunities to show their talents. 

The winners are usually determined in various categories, including "Best Vocalist", "Best Performer of Children's Songs", "Best Pop Singer", "Best Violinist", "Best Theater Actor" and many others.

The concert was hosted by  TV presenter Vusala Seid, photographer - Namig Goja, video editor - Ilham Mammadov. Below is a short video overview of the festive program.

The Culture Minister Anar Karimov has met a delegation led by the head of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum  (ICYF) Taha Ayhan.

The delegation also included ICYF Director-General Rasul Omarov, ICYF Eurasian Regional Center Elmaddin Mehdiyev and others.

The parties discussed further cooperation in the framework of the Islamic Cultural Heritage.

In his speech, Anar Karimov emphasized that the close ties had been established between OIC and Azerbaijan, which contributed to the promoting and strengthening of Islamic solidarity.

Speaking about the importance of cultural development for the youth of Muslim countries, the Minister stressed the importance of joint projects.

Anar Karimov stressed the importance of exchange between young people. He also noted that Shusha has been announced Azerbaijanis' cultural capital by the order of President Ilham Aliyev.

The Culture Minister also touched upon the visit of ICESCO delegation to Azerbaijan in January, when the head of the organization proposed to declare Shusha the "Capital of Islamic Culture".

Speaking about TURKSOY's proposal to declare Shusha the "Capital of Culture of the Turkic World" in 2023, Anar Karimov stressed that this decision proves a great attention of the Turkic-Islamic world to the cultural richness of Azerbaijan's ancient city.

Furthermore, Taha Ayhan informed the Culture Minister about ICYF activities and expressed his intention to work closely with the Ministry.

He made proposals on projects dedicated to Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, including art festival, exhibitions and other events to promote the cultural heritage and spiritual values ​​of Karabakh region.

The meeting continued with an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Notably,  Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) is an international, non-commercial, non-partisan organization uniting leading umbrella youth organizations from the Member-States of the Organization of Islamic-Cooperation (OIC) as well as international youth organizations, operating in the OIC region and youth organizations representing significant Muslim minorities worldwide.

The forum was established at its Founding General Assembly held in Baku in 2004. 

Exchange of ideas and experiences and mutual understanding among young people from the OIC countries, resolution of social-economic, moral and cultural problems youth of the OIC region are among the main goals of the forum.

ICYF focuses on holding mutual projects which can meet the principles of solidarity, dialogue and cooperation among youth organizations and finding out of way of solving the problems of youth in these countries.

Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall has marked the the Republic Day, celebrated on May 28, with spectacular concert. 

The gala event was organized within "Genjlere destek" (Youth Support) project and featured patriotic compositions performed by pianists Jamal Aliyev, Ali Veliyev, Sheker Javadzade, Nigar Hasanli, Said Velizade, Inji Velizade, Aynur Abdullayeva, Aytaj Velizade and vocalists Teymur Kazimov, Kamilla Imanova (accompanist - Dilyara Kerimova) as well as the choir of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory. 

The young talents were accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra. They delighted the listeners with music pieces of prominent national composers such as Gara Garayev, Vagif Mustafazade, Tofig Guliyev. The concert also featured work by young talent Y. Abbasov, a student of P. Akhundova.

Initiated by the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, "Genjlere destek" project aims at discovering and supporting young talents in Azerbaijan.

The project is headed by the director of the State Philharmonic Hall, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Murad Adigozalzade, project coordinator is Ayla Karimova-Zekeriyye. 

Throughout the 2016-2017 concert season, various interesting programs were held within its framework to mark the 80th anniversary of the State Philharmonic Hall.

Meanwhile, the State Philharmonic Hall marks the 85th anniversary this year.

The Philharmonic Hall is a unique center of classical music, which perfectly unites seven performing groups, including the State Symphony Orchestra, the State Choir Capella, the State Chamber Orchestra, the State Piano Trio, the State String Quartet, the State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble as well as the State Orchestra of Folk Instruments.

Numerous international projects, music festivals, concerts of local and foreign musicians are regularly organized here.

In March, the State Philharmonic Hall r presented a virtual concert timed to International Women's Day as part of "Genjlere destek" project.

The event brought together talented violinists Shukufa Rasulova, Humay Hajizadeh, Fidan Musayeva, Khadija Hajili, Elizabeth Kizel, pianists Fatima Aliyeva and Zuleikha Abdullayeva, Sham Rahimova and Zakhra Mammadova (viola), Solmaz Rahimova and Zakhra Mammadova (qanun),  Jalala Ismayilova (cello), Asim Rzayev (clarinet), Yusra Murtuzaliyeva (vocal),Ruzgar Ahmadzade (composer) as well as concertmasters Narmin Rzayeva and Svetlana Akhmedova.

The concert also featured works by Azerbaijani and European composers.The musicians were accompanied by the State Chamber Orchestra.