President Aliyev: Bulbuloglu songs deeply rooted in Azerbaijani folk
By Nigar Orujova
Baku celebrated the 70th birthday anniversary of Polad Bulbuloglu, People's Artist, and Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia on February 4.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with a group of prominent cultural figures who arrived in Baku to attend the ceremony.
The head of state said he conferred “Istiglal” order upon the prominent artist 10 years ago. He then awarded the artist with “Sharaf” order, one of the highest awards in Azerbaijan.
“Creativity of Polad Bulbuloglu draws its inspiration from folk art, which has very ancient roots,” he said.
Polad Bulbuloglu was born into the family of Bulbul, famous Azerbaijani opera tenor, who remains in the public memory as an outstanding performer, the president said, adding that Bulbul’s songs are loved by all.
President Aliyev stressed that special attention was paid to tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan, noting the role of these factors in the successful development of the country.
President Aliyev said that art and artists are always respected in Azerbaijan. He also expressed confidence that such meetings will be continued in the future and will contribute to the further intercultural relations.
Other speakers of the event included: People's Artist of the USSR Joseph Kobzon, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, Honored Artist of Russia Bari Alibasov, President of the Russian Academy of Arts Zurab Tsereteli, composer, People's Artist of the USSR Eugen Doga, People's Artist of the USSR Lyudmila Ryumina, Secretary General of TURKSOY Dusen Kaseinov, People's Artist of Tajikistan Jurabek Murodov and laureate of the State prize of the USSR Andrey Dementyev.
Addressing the event, Kobzon said: “Azerbaijan is the source of inspiration of Polad. To him, Azerbaijan is his origins, mother, and the people whom he always honors. And he appropriately represents it in Russia. Indeed, he is a multi-talented man.”
In his speech Shvydkoy noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an order to award Bulbuloglu with the Order of Honour, a state order to recognize high achievements in government, economic, scientific, sociocultural, public, sport and charitable events.
With his well distinguished sonority and light voice, Polad Bulbuloglu was lucky to gain love of millions in his very young age. He became famous in the whole Soviet Union by composing jazz-influenced pop songs with deep folk feelings in Azerbaijani and Russian.
Methods and motives of the Azerbaijan national music Mugham have always been heard in Polad’s songs. He spared no effort to promote the national music both in the country and abroad.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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