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Fidan Hajiyeva, a soloist at the Azerbaijan Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, best known on the country`s stage as an outstanding artist portraying the image of Carmen and winner of international contests, has made an invaluable contribution to the history of Azerbaijani culture. The artist, who has recently delivered a smashing solo concert in Ukraine, represents Azerbaijan in a multitude of countries around the world, including Britain, Germany, Spain, and Turkey. Along with the classical opera genre, she is a skilful performer of popular national music. Hajiyeva, who has created great songs representing a combination of jazz and classical music in collaboration with well-known jazzman Javan Zeynally, has recently performed a major concert at the Opera and Ballet Theater. AzerNEWS contributor Vafa Babayeva recently spoke to Fidan to learn more about her creative work and plans for the future.
Q. How do you see yourself on stage - more as a soloist of the Azerbaijan Academic Opera and Ballet Theater or as a performer of classical and national songs?
A. I see myself more as a soloist because I came to the stage when I was 19 and have been on the theater stage for 12 years now. I try to renew my images every time and work on new roles. And these roles bring me tremendous success. Besides the foreign classical music genre, I sing national songs, including Mughams (Azerbaijani folk music). Overall, my repertoire is very broad - I sing in Italian, French, English, Japanese, Spanish, Russian and Turkish. At the same time, promoting national music among our youth and increasing their interest in such songs is extremely important for me.
Q. As far as we know, rehearsals are currently underway to stage a performance based on the "Barber of Seville" work by Giocamo Rossini, and you will play the role of Rosina in it. Out of all the images you have portrayed on stage so far, what`s your favorite one? In general, have you ever performed a character that could relate to your identity in real life?
A. Yes, indeed. I played the role of Rosina several years ago and have now been invited to play it again. This is a very challenging performance and it requires immense sound equipment. But, the play is absolutely fascinating.
So far, I have played a variety of characters. The first one I played in Azerbaijani opera was that of the Hanende Gyz (Singing Girl) in the Koroglu opera. In addition to that, I have portrayed Gulush (Smile) in the "Sevil" play and played a minor character in Gyz Galasi (Maiden`s Tower). The character of Asiya in the "Arshin mal alan" play was one of my favorite images, and it relates very much to who I am. Playwright Hafiz Guliyev always says that "when you play that character, it looks as though you are living it." Asiya is a very interesting character that has brought me wide acclaim. Viewers are fond of this image and this play always brings crowds of spectators.
Among foreign operas, the image of Carmen has brought me enormous success, along with experience. I was the one who created the image of the world`s youngest Carmen at the age of 19. However, in addition to George Bizet`s "Carmen" play, I played the lead characters of Amneris in Giuseppe Verdi`s "Aida", that of Azucena in the "Troubadour" opera and the lead character in the "Barber of Seville." In a nutshell, the image of Asiya in the Azerbaijani opera and that of Carmen in foreign opera are very close to what I stand for.
Q. Mrs. Hajiyeva, it is common knowledge that it is extremely difficult to sing in the classical opera genre. Do you encounter any challenges while performing abroad?
A. I don`t face such challenges. Classical opera is world music. It is a genre that is listened to and appreciated around the world. Therefore, I don`t face problems anywhere, on the contrary, I am very proud to represent Azerbaijan in other countries. I`ve had solo concerts and performances in a number of countries this year. Lately, I performed a grand concert at the Philharmonic in Kiev, Ukraine with the support of the Azerbaijani ambassador in this country.
Q. Overall, do you get tired of your family chores, taking care of two kids and such a tight schedule? As far as we know, your husband is fond of what you do and does everything he can for you to successfully continue your artistic career.
A. Indeed, my husband loves what I do. He actually saw me on stage and was attracted to me. I have been married for five years now and have not had any major difficulty with my family life. Mutual respect and understanding are the core values in our family. And, although he is an Englishman, he loves Azerbaijani music, and Mugham in particular. He is also fond of the music performed by our legendary singers and provides great support for me in all programs I am involved in. As for my children and art work, I have grown accustomed to such a tight schedule and always try to plan everything ahead of time. I also appreciate my caring mother and sister who help me with everything I do.
Q. Which of the Azerbaijani opera singers played a role in shaping Fidan Hajiyeva? What experience have you been through to make your accomplishments happen?
A. I am delighted that Huseyn Aliyev, a Conservatory professor with a great voice, was my mentor. He has worked at the Opera and Ballet Theater for over 40 years and has created all of my characters on stage. He always points to Fatma Mukhtarova, Azerbaijan`s first Carmen, as a role model for me. They say Mukhtarova performed that role so well that she has been named "the world`s most wonderful Carmen." Overall, Aliyev has played a tremendous role in my emergence as an actress.
Q. Mrs. Hajiyeva, we have learned that you intend to take on hosting. Can you tell us more about this and other plans?
A. True, I plan on doing that, God willing. I would very much like to realize that project. We have a lot of programs in local show business, but there are no shows promoting classical music. This program, which is still being planned, will feature popular opera plays, classical music, live music accompanied by the piano, well-known arias and symphonic orchestra pieces. Besides, I am getting ready to produce a disk jointly with jazzman Javan Zeynally and shoot a clip for the "Apart" song. We also plan to perform more concerts abroad.
The Azerbaijani classical music has always been strong. In 2008 Baku hosted the Rostropovich festival. Famous soloists of the Great Italian Choir, which is considered the best in the world, performed in the city this year as well. I believe all of these are major cultural events, and people should appreciate this. I am looking forward to furthering these traditions in Azerbaijan.
AzerNEWS: Thank you very much for the interview.