Concert dedicated to the 140th Anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli held in Rome
The concert was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, jointly by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Italy, the Azerbaijan Cultural Center operating under the Embassy, and the Santa Cecilia State Conservatory. Representatives of Italy’s cultural and academic circles, ambassadors, diplomats, as well as members of the Azerbaijani community living in Italy attended the event.
Opening the event, Deputy Director of the Cultural Center Gulnar Taghizada noted that the concert was held within the framework of the 17th International Music Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s birthday, and provided an introduction to the works performed.
In his speech, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Italy Rashad Aslanov recalled that since 2009, by Presidential Decree, 18 September has been celebrated as National Music Day in Azerbaijan. He emphasized Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s pivotal role in Azerbaijan’s cultural history as the founder of national music and the composer of the first opera in the East. The Ambassador also highlighted the composer’s outstanding contributions to the creation of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, the establishment of the national conservatory, and the development of music education in the country.
As part of the concert program, Azerbaijani compatriot residing in Milan, opera singer Chinara Shirinova, performed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli accompanied by piano, while the “Rhythm” dance group presented national Azerbaijani dances.
In addition, on 18 September, at the initiative of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, musical compositions by Uzeyir Hajibeyli were broadcast on Italy’s Radio Classica during the program “Punto di Radio Classica” hosted by Luca ZaraMella, airing at 11:00 and 21:00 local time.
