Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

A concert dedicated to the 200th anniversary of world-famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi will be arranged at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall named after Muslim Magomayev in Baku on May 24.

According to the Philharmonic Hall, compositions by Verdi will be performed by the Uzeyir Hajibayli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rauf Abdullayev and the Azerbaijan State Choir Capella conducted by Gulbaji Imanova.

Soloists include Azerbaijani People's Artist Ali Asgarov (bass), Honorary Artists Zemfira Ismayilova (soprano), Sabina Asadova (mezzo-soprano), Farida Mammadova (soprano), Nigar Jabiyeva (soprano), and Adil Akhundov (tenor).

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was an Italian Romantic composer primarily known for his operas.

Verdi is considered the most influential composer of operas of the 19th century, and he dominated the Italian scene after Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.

His works are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world and, transcending the boundaries of the genre, some of his themes have taken root in popular culture; the works include "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto, "Libiamo ne` lieti calici" (The Drinking Song) from La Traviata, "Va, pensiero" (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Nabucco, the "Coro di zingari" from Il trovatore and the "Grand March" from Aida.

The Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society was founded on May 25, 1936, aimed at promoting Azerbaijani classical and folk music. Seven collectives, including the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, State Choir, Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev, Azerbaijan State Piano Trio, Azerbaijan State String Quartet, the collective named after Fikret Amirov, and the State Song and Dance Ensemble are functioning there.

The State Philharmonic Hall was constructed in 1910-1912 with exterior in the Italian Renaissance and interior in German Rococo styles.