Opening concert of the Space of Mugam 6th İnternational Music Festival takes place
On June 18, the Space of Mugam 6th International Music Festival was launched. The Festival is being realized with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Culture Ministry, enjoying the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the National Conservatoire of Azerbaijan.
The Festival was launched by a concert called “Alim Gasymov and his guests” at the Heydar Aliyev Palace. State and government officials, renowned persons of science and culture, as well as mugham lovers attended the concert.
Giving an interview before the concert, People’s Artist Alim Gasymov talked about the significance of the festival and the care and attention shown in the country towards the art of mugham. The eminent khanendeh noted that recently, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has implemented significant projects aiming at protecting the Azerbaijani mugham and its promotion: “Much interest is being shown towards mugham in a number of countries of the world today. In particular, mugham festivals held in our country, as well as TV mugham contests have been playing a big part in both eternalizing this unique kind of art, as well as conveying it to future generations. The Space of Mugam Festival has its special place here. This festival has been held since 2009 in Baku. The Space of Mugam International Music Festival is a very estimable event in terms of performance of musicians from around the world on the same scene, and sharing common musical values. I want to thank all who have made their contribution to this work”.
People’s Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan Alim Gasymov, an eminent khanendeh, who synthesized mugham with modern music trends, Honoured Artist Fargana Gasymova, world-renowned performer of the Afghan rubab and Indian sarod Daud Khan Sadozai, choreographer Sashar Zarif - a researcher, who systemizes mugham with dance moves, and was conferred on the medal “Diamond” by Queen Elizabeth in 2004, and Turkish artist of popular music Senem Akdemir performed at the concert.
From the very first day, the Space of Mugam International Music Festival has been held with the support and under the auspices of First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva. This Festival, having brought together a number of eminent representatives of regions’ traditional music cultures, at the same time, young musicians, composers, researchers, propogandists and amateurs, has become an international scene where the existing condition in regions and traditions formed there are demonstrated. The festival is comprised of series of concerts with various works of traditional and new music genres and styles, international scientific symposiums, and a contest of traditional music performers.
At previous contests, musicians with special talent were revealed from among those coming from a number of countries and regions, and some of the laureates and participants have already become bright performers of world music on an international scene.
On the first day of the festival were also held concerts by People’s Artist Anvar Sadygov and Honoured Artist Emil Afrasiab at the National Conservatoire.
On June 19, the International Music Festival will continue with concerts of Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan Elchin Shirinov and a number of mugham performers, Daud Khan Sadozai from Afghanistan and Mahan Mirarab from Iran at the International Mugham Centre, the National Conservatoire, and the Stone Annals Museum. The International Mugham Contest is also launched today within the festival.
