Alim Gasimov captivates American audience

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's living vocal treasure Alim Gasimov has once again performed in the United States. About 11 concerts and workshops have been already held as part of the singer’s tour.

Sticking to his mastery of improvisation, Gasimov along with his daughter Farghana performs some parts from Leyli and Majnun opera, Azertac reported.

The concerts also feature several tasnifs and songs by various composers.

Alim discovered the world of mugham as a child, when he began singing for his own enjoyment. He grew up in the town of Shamakhi, 100 km northwest of Baku. "I had no idea that I would become a singer," he remembers.

He studied at Baku's Asaf Zeynalli Music College from 1978 to 1982. His teachers included Seyid and Khan Shushinski, Zulfu Adigozalov, Hajibaba Huseynov and Agha Khan Abdullayev. In 1999, Alim won the prestigious UNESCO Music Prize, one of the highest international accolades that a musician can hope for.

His powerful voice represents a move away from the traditional style of mugham. Gasimov recorded about nine albums, three of which are mugham albums with his daughter, Farghana.

"Mugham is the meaning of my life. It's what I live and breathe. Through performance, I intend to convey the originality of this genre. When I have concerts abroad, an audience is giving a standing ovation not to me, but mugham", he usually says.

The musician gives concerts in the world’s most prestigious concert halls.  The magical voice won over audiences in Central Asia, the USA, Europe, and Japan.