NEWS

Word-famous cellist Jamal Aliyev has entered Classic FM's lit of brilliant classical musicians under 30.

The list was drawn up by Classic FM and eminent conductor and former cellist Julian Lloyd Webber.

Starting from February 28, the former cellist and conductor shares his favorite recordings from a wide range of young talents who have already made waves in the classical music world.

For a short time, Jamal Aliyev has stunned listeners around the world with his incredible talent and virtuosity.

The musician has successfully performed at music festivals in Turkey, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, China and other countries.

In 2017, he gave solo debut performances at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Keith Lockhart, and at the Royal Festival Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins. He has been a regular performer on BBC Radio 3 since first appearing on “In Tune” and, in 2015, was one of the first BBC Introducing Classical Artists to be selected.

Becoming a musician was genetically pre-ordained for Jamal - both his parents are involved in music. Future cellist began his musical studies with his first teacher and beloved grandfather, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Gara Aliyev, who played a large role in developing Jamal’s musical skills. He trained dozens of supremely gifted musicians, laureates of various international competitions.

Jamal Aliyev displayed musical talent at a young age, already playing concerts at the age of 5. He won the prize at Trakya International competition at the age of 9 as well as Antonio Janigro International Cello Competition when he was only 11 years old.

Young cellist was invited to study at Moscow Conservatory Central Music School and Yehudi Menuhin School in London. When Jamal turned 14, he decided to choose London.

Afterwards Jamal Aliyev and Welsh musician Karl Jenkins began to perform much time together. Jenkins even composed a music piece for him. Jamal presented the work of the famous composer at Royal Albert Hall. It was his second performance at one of the world's most famous stages.

The Bulgarian Embassy in Baku held an awarding ceremony for the winners of art contest  "Bulgaria through the children’s eyes" on March 10.

More than 100 children from Azerbaijan and Bulgaria participated in the competition timed to Liberation Day, officially known as the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria. 

Through their art works, young artists brilliantly reflected Bulgarian culture and traditions as well as its marvelous nature. 

In his speech Ambassador of Bulgaria, Mr. Nikolay Yankov noticed that the main goal of the art contest to bringt the Azerbaijani and Bulgarian peoples together through culture was fully accomplished.

All the winners in the competition were from the Gymnasium of Arts in Baku and Children and Youth Development Center No 3 in Baku.

Over 40 children have been awarded by the jury for their works with special recognitions. The special award of the organizers was presented to Maleyka Cafarova ( Children and Youth Development Center). 

The works of the children were gathered in online exhibition which can be found on the website of the Embassy of Bulgaria.

Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Dr. Salim M. AlMalik emphasized that the Organization’s celebration of culture capitals in the Islamic world countries stems from the awareness of the importance of cultural assets and a desire to change the image of these cities for the better. The goal is to change the cities from a cultural interchange into a cultural destination, in a way that gives each city its cultural appeal and soft power that enables it to score top positions in the international ranking.

According to the Organization, in his televised address at the launch ceremony of the celebration of “Doha, Islamic World Culture Capital for 2021”, ICESCO DG said that “since ICESCO launched the Islamic World Culture Capitals Programme in 2005, 50 culture capitals have been celebrated in the Islamic world. Throughout this period, we have discovered the rich cultures of the Islamic world countries and strongly felt our sense of belongingness to the great Islamic civilization”.

“The selection of a culture capital aims to expand the borders of each of ICESCO Member States to represent us all,” he added.

Dr. AlMalik congratulated H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the Qatari people, and the Government of Qatar that the Ministry of Culture and Sports represented, on choosing Doha as the Arab region’s Islamic world culture capital for 2021, noting that this choice comes in recognition of Doha’s millennia-old tradition and history.

The DG pointed out that cultural heritage and culture in the Islamic world have suffered heavy damage due to looting and vandalism, calling on the Member States and Qatar to support the Organization’s programmes and projects, especially those relevant to digital culture dissemination. The aim, Dr. AlMalik underscored, is to protect, highlight, document, and export the richness and diversity of cultural heritage and cultural creations in the Islamic world to ensure that the Islamic World Culture Capitals Programme achieves its civilizational stature and bold goal.

International Turkish Academy will publish a special edition with Nizami Ganjavi's works "Leyli and Majnun" and "Seven Beauties".

The decision was announced at virtual conference "Nizami Ganjavi 880 - His Contribution to the World Heritage" held in partnership with Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

International Turkic Academy also has declared 2021 the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi" in the entire Turkic and Islamic world. In this regard, the anniversary events are included in the Action Plan of the organization for 2021.

The President of International Turkic Academy Darkhan Kidirali stressed the importance of promotion of the poet`s literary heritage throught scientific articles, short documentaries and other sourses. 

Moreover, International Turkish Academy will host another international conference in Ganja, the birthplace of Nizami Ganjavi.

The conference is expected to be attended by translators, scholars and literary critics who have translated the works of the poet into world languages.

Kazakh National Academic Theater, which successfully staged "Leyli and Majnun" in Kazakhstan, will also perform in Ganja and Baku.

Notably, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the International Turkish Academy and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center on December 30, 2020.

In 2018, the International Turkic Academy translated some of Nizami's works into Kazakh and included those works of the great poet in the "Anthology of Azerbaijani Literature".

For many years, the poet's legacy has been actively promoted by the center named after him.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center is a cultural, non-profit, non-political organization that includes a number of highly respected and recognized international figures.

The Center was founded in 2012 under the decree of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The main goal of the Center is to provide the reader of Global Policy Analysis with a new, well constructed, informative, and educational magazine.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center share the views and opinions of distinguished world leaders, experts, and thinkers to address a wide range of challenges and will be debating those with internationally renowned experts from all fields of research, including politics, science, sociology, economy, culture, humanities, and ethics.

Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will likely have no live audience amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the song contest, Eurovision executive producer Sietse Bakker said that instead it will be the location of the green room, housing artists and delegations during the show. Live reactions and interviews will take place in the green room.

By the way, eight countries have confirmed that they will release their entries this week.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani representative in Rotterdam, is now working on the show. 

"I'm so excited about my performance at the Eurovision, because we're preparing an incredible show," the singer wrote on Instagram.

Eurovision Song Contest 2021 semi-finals are scheduled for May 18 and 20. The final night will take place on May 22. The contest will be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Last year, the song contest was canceled amid coronavirus pandemic. However, fans of music contest had a great chance to enjoy a spectacular show "Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light", featuring 41 songs of this year's entries.

During the show, Samira Efendi thrilled Eurovision fans with song "Cleopatra".

As the singer says, Cleopatra is a song about trusting your gut instinct, standing up for yourself and being a "Queen" - even when things get tough and especially if someone betrays or hurts you.

"Cleopatra is a song about freedom, a celebration of all cultures and all sexualities. It's a song that is meant to inspire people to be who they truly are and to be proud of themselves just like Cleopatra. She was a queen who went through love, heartbreak, and betrayal, but she stood up for herself and is now remembered as an icon of strength and femininity," she said.

Azerbaijan's Public TV and Radio Broadcasting Company (ITV) has finished songs admission as part of the country's national selection process for Eurovision Song Contest 2021.

Nearly 229 music pieces have been admitted for the national qualifying stage. The selected song will be presented  in March.

Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theater has joined a virtual conference held by the "Opera Europa" organization.

Speaking about the conference, the theater's artistic director, Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev told that "Opera Europa" is one of the most influential organizations in the field of opera music. The organization includes 200 theaters from 43 countries. Its activities cover countries of all continents.

"One of the most leading opera houses like Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and the Bolshoi Theatre  are the members of "Opera Europa" organization. I am very proud that the Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theater has been a member of the organization for five years. For the last two years, we have been actively cooperating and participating in all conferences held by the organization. Each month, the "Opera Europa" holds a series of meetings with the theater's artistic directors to discuss the latest issues in the opera world. During the last meeting, the conference was attended by heads and art directors from 77 countries. The last conference was timed to World Opera Day, celebrated on October 25," said Guliyev.

Speaking at the conference, Ayyub Guliyev provided insight into the history and achievements of the Azerbaijan State Opera Theater. He noted that the first opera on the East was composed in Azerbaijan.

The chief conductor of the State Opera and Ballet Theater stressed that Azerbaijan traditionally celebrates National Music Day in Azerbaijan on September 18.

The tradition of Uzeyir Hajibeyov's birthday as a celebration was founded by composer and conductor Niyazi who commemorated this day very year after Uzeyir Hajibeyov's death.

Every year, Azerbaijan also marks International Music Day on October 1. However, there were no concerts or other events in Azerbaijan dedicated to World Opera Day.

"In 2020, "Opera Europa" marked World Opera Day with large-scale concerts in different parts of the world. I proposed to organize a similar project in our region with the participation of opera houses of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, etc. The project would draw attention to the activities of theaters in our region," said Guliyev

"I also encourage other theaters to join this initiative. My proposal was supported by the President of Opera Europa. I would also like to note the proposal of the artistic director of the German Opera to organize projects aimed at supporting young talents," he added.

Notably, the next meeting is scheduled for March 25. The conference will discuss the work process of opera theaters and challenges in time of the coronavirus pandemic," Guliyev added.

Forty Azerbaijani and Czech tourism companies have met in an online meeting in B2B (Business to Business) format to discuss how to develop relations in the tourism industry.

Representatives of Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan, the Trade Office of the Czech Republic in Baku, the Czech Ministry of Regional Development and business and public organizations took part in the online meeting.

They discussed the promotion of tourism and hospitality relations between the two countries, as well as the improvement of international cooperation in this field.

The event also provided an insight into the economic relations between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic, the current situation in the tourism sector.

International Women's Day has been celebrated in Azerbaijan.

Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, it is a global day honoring women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements.

Since 1917, the day has been marked in Azerbaijan with many large-scale events, gala concerts, festivals and much more. 

State Philharmonic Hall 

Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall has presented a virtual concert timed to International Women's Day as part of "Gənclərə dəstək" project (Youth Support). 

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

The gala concert 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 musicians thrilled listeners with the music piece composed by Ruzgar Ahmadzade.

Notably, Ruzgar Ahmadzade has recently stunned listeners with the composition " The Return" timed to Azerbaijan's victory in the Second-Karabakh War. 

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

The photographs and videos were taken by Kamran Baghirov. 

International Mugham Center

On Women's Day, International Mugham Center has delighted music lovers with spectacular concert.

Soloists of the International Mugham Center, Honored artists Teyyar Bayramov, Sabuhi Ibayev, mugham singers Ilkin Akhmedov and Elgiz Aliyev performed at the concert. 

The soloists were accompanied by musicians  Rovshan Gurbanov, Rashad Ibragimov, Jeyhun Muradov, Tabriz Yusubov, Rafael Askarov and Amil Mustafayev.

State Art Gallery 

Azerbaijan State Art Gallery has hosted a virtual exhibition "Seven Beauties" within the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi" announced in Azerbaijan.

The exposition was timed to International Women's Day - March 8. The exhibition aroused great interest among art lovers and drew attention to the role of women in society.

Founded in 1975, Azerbaijan State Art Gallery displays more than 14,000 paintings, graphics, sculptures, decorative and applied arts and contemporary art examples.

The majority of exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad are mainly composed of the works stored in the gallery. 

The State Art Gallery regularly successfully holds various art projects, lectures and other events.

Umid 2021 International Art Contest has come to an end. Nearly 464 participants from 8 countries took part in the contest held by the Azerbaijan Art and Culture Union and the Youth Union.

The competition was held in the nominations "solo" and "duets". Art Directions included music (keyboards, winds and percussion instruments), vocals, visual arts, theater and word of mouth, dance, design and modeling.

"For a whole year we have lived with the hope of defeating the coronavirus pandemic. We also all hope for a lasting peace in our lands. We live with confidence in the further prosperity of our country and the happiness of our children. I think that the participants reflected this in their works, " Aziz Azizov told.

The jury consisted of famous art and cultural figures, including the President of the Azerbaijan Dance Association, board member of the Youth Union Aziz Azizov, director of the National Conservatory's Art Gymnasium Ayten Ahmadova, Head of the Department of Performing Arts  at Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Sabina Mehdiyeva, Chairman of the Arts Council Azerbaijan Dadash Mammadov and representatives of relevant organizations and universities.

Azerbaijani singer Emil Kadirov will give a concert at Vegas City Hall in Moscow on November 19.

The concert program is called "In Memory of the Great Baritones". The evet honors the memory of the legendary Azerbaijani and Russian singers Muslim Magomayev, Joseph Kobzon, Dmitry Hvorostovsky and Sergey Zakharov.

Special guests of the program will be People's Artist of Russia, Renat Ibragimov, Honored Artist of Russia Diana Gurtskaya and others. 

Emil Kadirov is currently living in Russia. Kadirov is a graduate of the Rashid Behbudov Baku Music School in classical guitar and Belgorod College of Music. 

He is also a participant in master classes by Elena Obraztsova and Tamara Sinyavskaya, and a laureate of international competitions.

In 2012, Emil was invited to perform at Romansiada Contest of Young Vocalists, where he became a finalist and afterwards was nominated as one of award holders.

The singer successfully represented Azerbaijan at the New Wave 2018 International Competition for Young Pop Singers in Sochi.

Emil’s concert repertoire includes numerous opera arias, Russian romances as well as popular Russian and foreign songs.

Emil Kadirov recently founded a music school in Moscow.

MUSIC WAY is a music school for talented kids and adults. The music school gathers music experts who are passionate about their work.