The greatest celebration of Azerbaijani culture ever held in London

An Azerbaijani Cultural Weekend was organised by The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) in London on 21–22 November.

The main aim of the event was to promote the rich culture and tourism potential of Azerbaijan.

Attracting a capacity crowd of nearly 900 people, the Gala Concert on Saturday was held in Cadogan Hall. It featured the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, Bakustic Jazz group, together with the mugham singers Mensum Ibrahimov, Aygun Bayramova and Elmeddin Ibrahimov, winner of the first mugham television competition. The Dance Ensemble, directed by Afag Melikova, performed the traditional Azerbaijani dances Jengi, Injelik, Nalbaki, Igidler and Mezeli. Bakustic Jazz, led by pianist and composer Salman Gambarov, played a synthesis of mugham and jazz, featuring a guest appearance by saxophonist Rain Sultanov.

On Sunday, London’s music aficionados experienced the first ever performance of Azerbaijani classical music by a British orchestra. The Orion Symphony Orchestra were under the baton of Azerbaijani conductor Yalchin Adigezalov, performing both Azerbaijani and British music, including Azerbaijan Capriccio by Fikret Amirov, suites from the ballets Seven Beauties and Path of Thunder by Kara Karayev, the Caravan tone poem by Soltan Hajibeyov, A Queen’s Fanfare and Crown Imperial by Walton and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves.

The Cultural Weekend also incorporated an exhibition of works by Kabira Alieva, a young Azerbaijani artist.

A photographic exhibition showcasing Azerbaijan was held in the Cadogan Hall foyer. This featured around 60 photos depicting the landscape, history, culture and traditions of Azerbaijan. Examples of photojournalism regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh were also on display, concentrating on the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.

Azerbaijani cuisine was available and traditional carpets were on display.

A book of photojournalism entitled The People the World Forgot: Visions of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, compiled by The European Azerbaijan Society, was launched during the Cultural Weekend. Describing the book, Tale Heydarov, Chairman, The European Azerbaijan Society, explained that this included comprehensive information on the history and causes of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

The European Azerbaijan Society was delighted with the response from the audience on both days. Here is a small selection of comments that have been received:

“There are no words to describe our feelings. The nights in London were just amazing and unbelievable. Thank you for your invitation; the events reminded us of our culture, traditions, the beauty of music, particularly mugham and its synthesis with classical music, together with our dance group. All of them performed incredibly. There are no words to describe this.”
Ramin Hakimov, Student

“We very much enjoyed the evening, particularly Bakustic Jazz, who were brilliant!!”
Ann Harper, The Duke of York's Office

“We thoroughly enjoyed both concerts and met many Azerbaijani people.I sat next to two students who had come all the way from York University and they told me the traditional meanings of the songs and dances, which was great.There was a wonderful atmosphere.”
Rosemary Mead, Clerks Department, UK Parliament

“The weekend was extraordinary. A combination of colours, music, art and culture. People from all over the world were in attendance, learning about this country (Azerbaijan)... at least for two days.

“I am grateful to those people that organised this event because they gave me and my friends a great opportunity.”
Francesca Rubulotta, MD

“Thank you for a stunning Sunday! Went with a theatre producer and classical music critic and we were dazzled by the lyrical beauty of Amirov and Adigezalov!!! You must feel very proud.”
Elizabeth Jones

“What a great weekend celebration of Azerbaijani culture!… it was absolutely wonderful, you did a fantastic job. It was the best Azerbaijani cultural event that the UK has ever seen.”
Kabira Alieva, London-based Azerbaijani artist

“A refreshing exposure to eclectic Azerbaijani culture!! The mesmerising performances by a traditional Mugham trio, combined withwestern classicalmusic from the Orion Symphony Orchestra, captured the audience for the evening!

“This was an altogether stirring experience, supported by displays of Azerbaijani art and photography in an event masterfully organised for its diverse British audience! Bravo!”
Neel Bakshi, Technology and Communications Consultant