Moscow: An international conference entitled “The Voice of the People’s Spirit” dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of the Azerbaijani composer and educator Uzeyir Hajibeyli was held at the Scientific Library of the Russian Institute of Theatrical Art (GITIS). The event was attended by Russian and Azerbaijani scientists, cultural figures, GITIS faculty and students, Azerbaijani Embassy employees, and media representatives.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Rahman Mustafayev highlighted the composer’s significant impact on the professional Azerbaijani music school and his role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijani and Russian cultural figures. Mustafayev noted that Hajibeyli was instrumental in integrating Eastern musical traditions with the Western classical school, a legacy continued by his students and the current generation of Azerbaijani musicians.
The ambassador also mentioned the restoration of Hajibeyli’s house-museum in Shusha, which was destroyed during the occupation. The museum was reopened last year with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in attendance.
GITIS Rector Grigory Zaslavsky emphasized the conference’s importance for Russian culture, noting that GITIS values its scientific work and that Hajibeyli’s contributions provide a platform for meaningful discussions. He remarked on the mutual enrichment of Russian and Azerbaijani musical cultures.
Tamara Sinyavskaya, People’s Artist of the USSR and Head of the Department of Vocal Art at GITIS, expressed gratitude to the organizers, underscoring the cultural ties strengthened through such events. She highlighted the significance of involving students and young performers in studying Azerbaijani music traditions.
Professor Tariyel Mammadov, Editor-in-Chief of “Musical World” magazine, discussed Hajibeyli’s life and creative legacy and presented a video on his work. Farhad Badalbeyli, Rector of the Baku Academy of Music, addressed participants via video link, emphasizing Hajibeyli’s impact on modern music education in Azerbaijan.
The conference featured presentations from various academics and artists, including Angelina Alpatova, Yevgeny Volkov, Flora Rahimova, Alexander Barmak, and Tamila Janizadeh, who highlighted Hajibeyli’s contributions to Azerbaijani musical theater and national composition.
An engaging discussion on Hajibeyli’s creativity included participation from musicologists, teachers, and students. Additionally, a concert program commemorating Hajibeyli’s 140th anniversary was held at the Student Theater of the Russian Institute of Theater Arts, showcasing his operatic works performed by students in Azerbaijani and Russian.