Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's State Philharmonic Society has hosted a concert of Gulnaz Ismayilova dedicated to the outstanding conductor and composer, maestro Niyazi.

Rector of the Baku Musical Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, People's Artist of the USSR and Azerbaijan Farhad Badalbeyli, the chairman of the Azerbaijan Composers Union Firangiz Alizade, the rector of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory Siyavush Kerimi as well as honored artist Telman Hajiyev, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Yusif Akhundzadeh and others attended the event.

The concert was accompanied by the Niyazi Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan Television and Radio under patronage of the artistic director and chief conductor, Nazim Hajialibekov.

Classical works by Azerbaijani and foreign authors sounded at the evening, Trend Life reported.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

Niyazi, a descendant of the famous musical dynasty, has become Azerbaijan's first professional conductor, who received worldwide recognition. The formation and development of the Azerbaijani school of conducting is connected with his name. His orchestra accompanied such legendary singers as Bulbul, Rashid Behbudov, Muslim Magomayev, Lutfiyar Imanov and other outstanding performers.

His most significant works include the opera "Khosrow and Shirin" (1942), and the ballet "Chitra" (1960). His symphonic mugam "Rast" achieved worldwide popularity and was included to the repertoire of many symphony orchestras around the world.

The maestro was honored as the People's Artist of the USSR (1959) and received the USSR State Prize (1951, 1952) and highest title of the USSR, the Hero of Labor (1982).

He was also the conductor and music director of the Azerbaijan State Symphony orchestra for 46 years, from 1938 to his death. The maestro died on August 2, 1984.

The Home-Museum of the great conductor and composer was founded in 1994 by the Decree and personal involvement of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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