Azerbaijani classic music thrills up Londoners

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The Barbican Center in London hosted a concert titled “Niyazi” on December 9 as part of the grandiose Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts.

The gifted composer and charismatic conductor, Niyazi was one of the biggest names in Azerbaijan’s musical life in the 20^th century. He shot to fame as a 26-year-old man stepping up at the last moment to conduct a prestigious operatic premiere at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. He then became an overnight sensation throughout the USSR. As a conductor, he was a renowned interpreter of his compatriots’ music. He developed a powerful blend of western classical styles and the traditions of his native land.

The concert, under the baton of leading Azerbaijani conductor Yalchin Adigezalov, explored both facets of Niyazi’s legacy.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra played his unique blend of Western classical music and the traditional sounds of Azerbaijan. The concert included Gulchohra’s aria from Arshin Mal Alan, and famous soloists Nazrin Rashidova (violin) and Seljan Nasiblii (soprano). The popular symphonic Mugam "Rast" intended to inspire courage and good cheer in listeners.

The 2014/15 Buta Arts Festival runs over five months and includes events across London showcasing everything from the ancient skills of Azerbaijani carpet making, contemporary photography, unmistakable sounds of our jazz musicians and the excitement of live performances in the medium of modern immersive theatre. The festival was launched with a sell-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall, where Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli made a surprise appearance singing Time to Say Salam.

The festival also involves cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery and Louise Blouin Foundation, while performances at venues from the Barbican to Guildhall explore the full range of Azerbaijan’s music from classical to contemporary. Throughout the festival, seven artists from the Yarat Contemporary Art Space will display their work in public locations across London.

Nasib Piriev, Buta Arts Centre Director, said “As a fan of Maestro Niyazi’s music, I am especially proud of bringing his music to the ears of London audience. The unique blend of classical Western influences with our native Mugham personifies Azerbaijan today – a country true to its tradition, but open to the world.”

The first Buta Festival of Azerbaijan Arts was held in London from November 2009 to March 2010. During the festival, Londoners got acquainted with Azerbaijan's most celebrated musicians, artists, poets and filmmakers.