“Gems of Art”: Another Lecture-Concert Organized at Khazar University
Another lecture-concert as part of the “Gems of Art” project, carried out by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Scientific-Methodical and Advanced Training Center for Culture (SMATCC) within the framework of the 18th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival, was organized at Khazar University.
The event, held with the support of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy (BMA), the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts (ASUCA), Khazar University, and the International Mugham Center (IMC), was attended by faculty and students of the institution.
Professor Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, spoke and shared his thoughts on the phenomenon of Uzeyir Hajibeyli. He drew attention to interesting aspects of Uzeyir bey’s multifaceted activity as a composer, educator, musicologist, education organizer, and public figure who left an indelible mark on the history of Azerbaijan’s cultural and social thought.
Vugar Humbatov, PhD and Associate Professor of Art Studies and Director of SMATCC, noted that the “Gems of Art” project has been organized within the framework of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival since last year. He emphasized that the project aims to convey the great composer’s invaluable contributions to the development of our musical culture and his rich creative heritage, particularly to the younger generation. Humbatov expressed gratitude to the university’s leadership for the conditions created.
Moderated by Saadat Tahmirazgizi, Honored Culture Worker and SMATCC staff member, the event continued with a lecture by Irada Kocharli, Doctor of Sciences in Art Studies and Professor, titled “Issues of the Use of Folk Music in Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s Works.”
In the artistic part of the event, scenes from the opera “Leyli and Majnun” were presented with the joint participation of IMC’s J. Jahangirov Choir (Artistic Director: Honored Teacher and President’s Laureate Tarana Yusifova) and students of BMA, ASUCA, and Khazar University. Excerpts from the opera were accompanied by Khazar University’s Nailakhanim Isayeva Chamber Orchestra (Artistic Director: Zulfiyya Sadigova, Honored Teacher and Head of the Department of Music and Arts; Conductor: Huseyn Karimov). The same orchestra and choir also performed musical excerpts from the opera “Koroghlu.” People’s Artist Gulyaz Mammadova performed the role of the Khanande girl from the work. A girls’ dance group from Khazar University (Artistic Director: Sabina Ismayilova) also took part in scenes from both operas.
The program featured duets and arias from Uzeyir bey’s operetta “Arshin Mal Alan” and the composer’s song “Ey Veten,” as well as excerpts from the operetta performed by an ensemble of kamancha players led by Honored Artist Farida Malikova.
An aria from renowned composer Muslim Magomayev’s opera “Nargiz” and Emil Afrasiyab’s composition “Paraphrase,” based on the works of U. Hajibeyli, also added color to the event.
The artistic program was received with applause by the event’s participants.
A corner featuring publications reflecting Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s rich creative heritage was also organized at the event venue.