The Bruno Walter Hall of Lincoln Center in New York hosted a gala concert of the IV International Composers Competition held by the National Music and Global Culture Society. President of the National Music & Global Culture Society – Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, laureate of international competitions, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Nargiz Aliyarova. This is the first and only international composers’ competition in the history of Azerbaijani music, the musician’s press service told Day.Az.
The head of the organizing committee of the competition, Nargiz Aliyarova, opened the concert with a welcoming speech. The pianist thanked the Azerbaijan State Committee for Work with Diaspora for supporting the project.
The chairman of the jury, head of the composition department of the Juilliard School, famous composer Melinda Wagner spoke about her participation in the competition jury. The first prize winner diploma was awarded to American composer Keanu Raevi.
The concert program included works by Azerbaijani composers. In addition, Azerbaijani folk songs such as Sarı gəlin, Ağacda alma, Aman, ovçu and others were also performed.
The famous pianist, President of the National Music & Global Culture Society, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, laureate of an international competition, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Nargiz Aliyarova performed at the evening.
In addition, the young Azerbaijani singer Agil Suleymanov, who lives in the USA, as well as the Chamber Music Ensemble of MSM took part in the program.
The IV International Composers Competition was dedicated to Azerbaijani folk songs. The goal of the competition is to inform the world musical community that a number of plagiarized Azerbaijani folk songs belong to Azerbaijani culture and their widespread propaganda in the world. The winners of the competition were announced on National Music Day, celebrated in Azerbaijan on September 18. The premiere of the winning works took place as part of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Festival on September 28 in the Hall of Chamber and Organ Music of the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic named after Muslim Magomayev in Baku.
How is Azerbaijani music being promoted on the international stage through competitions and collaborations?
Interview: Celebrating Azerbaijani Music on the Global Stage
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Professor Nargiz Aliyarova. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today, especially after the recent success of the IV International Composers Competition at Lincoln Center in New York. Can you tell us what inspired you to establish this unique platform for composers?
Nargiz Aliyarova: Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind this competition came from a deep desire to showcase the rich heritage of Azerbaijani music while providing a space for contemporary composers to express their creativity. This competition is the first of its kind in Azerbaijani history, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and promote our music on a global scale.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic! The concert at the Bruno Walter Hall must have been a remarkable experience. Can you share some highlights from the event?
Nargiz Aliyarova: Absolutely! The concert was a culmination of hard work and passion. We featured compositions from emerging talents across the world, which resonated beautifully with the audience. The energy in the hall was palpable, and we also included traditional Azerbaijani folk elements that left a significant impression on the attendees, making them aware of our rich cultural heritage.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to see Azerbaijani folk songs gaining international recognition. How do you see the role of such competitions in promoting cultural exchange?
Nargiz Aliyarova: Competitions like this are vital for cultural exchange. They create a platform for diverse voices and styles to come together, fostering creativity and collaboration that transcends borders. By sharing our unique musical traditions, we invite others to engage with and appreciate our culture, while also learning from their contributions.
Interviewer: You mentioned that this is the only international composers’ competition in Azerbaijan. What challenges did you face while organizing this event, and how did you overcome them?
Nargiz Aliyarova: One of the primary challenges was raising awareness and attracting participants from various countries. The process involved extensive outreach, digital marketing, and building partnerships with music institutions worldwide. Thankfully, the support from both the Azerbaijan State Committee and our growing network helped us overcome these hurdles and ensure a successful event.
Interviewer: As a laureate of international competitions yourself, how has your personal journey influenced your work with the National Music and Global Culture Society?
Nargiz Aliyarova: My experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of the pressures and aspirations that come with competing. I’ve also witnessed the transformative power of music in building connections and friendships across cultures. This drives my commitment to nurture new talent and create environments where musicians can thrive and feel supported.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what future plans do you have for the competition and Azerbaijani music on the international stage?
Nargiz Aliyarova: We plan to expand this competition in both scope and reach, creating more opportunities for young composers to showcase their work. Additionally, we are exploring collaborations with international festivals and artists to further promote Azerbaijani music. The goal is not just to compete, but to foster a community of artists who support one another in their creative journeys.
Interviewer: That sounds inspiring! Thank you for sharing your insights and for your efforts in promoting Azerbaijani music globally. We look forward to seeing how this competition grows in the years to come!
Nargiz Aliyarova: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to share this journey with everyone, and I hope to see more of our music celebrated around the world.