Shusha- the cradle of Azerbaijani culture, the pearl of Karabakh, has given a birth to a host of worthy sons and daughters of Azerbaijan.

The prominent Azerbaijani personalities, art and public figures, including poetess Khurshud banu Natavan, singers Kharrat Gulu, Hajı Husnu, Seyid Shushinski, Bulbul, Khan Shushinski, Rashid Behbudov, composers Uzeyir Hajıbayov, Fikrat Amirov, and Niyazi have all lived and plied their trade in Shusha.

However, Azerbaijani nation can proudly highlight another outstanding name to add to the list of renowned residents of Shusha- an outstanding Azerbaijani composer, conductor, professor, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan SSR (1974), ‘Shohrat’ (Glory) Order holder (1999) Suleyman Alasgarov.

Suleyman Alasgarov was born on February 22, 1924 in the capital of Karabakh. Drawing inspiration from his beloved Shusha, the future author of two operas, twelve operettas, numerous symphonic works, cantatas, pieces and romances, graduated with honors from Azerbaijan National Conservatory in 1948. Alasgarov then held a post of the Artistic Director of the Committee for Cinematography of the Azerbaijan SSR from 1949-1951. He also managed Azerbaijan’s Song and Dance Ensemble from 1951 to 1952. From 1954 to 1956 he waas the Director of the Dance and Song Ensemble of Azerbaijan State Philharmonic named after Muslum Magomayev.

Suleyman Alasgarov then had a longer spell as a Director and conductor of the Azerbaijan State Theater of Musical Comedy.

His notable works include operas “Bahadur and Sona”, “Fading Flowers”, operettas “Ulduz”, “Flower of Love” “Millionaire’s beggar son”, as well as symphony “Motherland” and symphonic mugham “Bayati Shiraz”.

The renowned figure of Azerbaijani culture, Suleyman Alasgarov has passed away at the age of 75, on January 21, 2000 in Baku.