A remarkable showcase of cultural diplomacy and artistic celebration
Edited by Anna Popper
Presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary, a magnificent concert entitled “Symphonic Gravures” featuring works of the world-famous Azerbaijani composer Eldar Mansurov took place on 17 June 2024 in the Grand Hall of Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, in the presence of the esteemed composer.
The Szolnok Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Azerbaijani conductor Fuad Ibrahimov, performed with Nariz Kerimova, an Azerbaijani soprano with an exceptional voice and repertoire.
The Speaker of the event, after warmly welcoming the audience, presented the greetings and message of H.E. Mr. Tahir Taghizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary:
“It is a profound honour to address you this evening as we gather to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and its vibrant exchange with Hungary. This event highlights the friendship and dynamic partnership between our two nations, extending beyond political and economic collaboration to encompass a deep cultural connection.
Azerbaijan places immense value on culture and arts. This commitment was notably marked in 1995 when our National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, declared 18 September as National Music Day to commemorate the 110th birthday of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayov. This day underscores our dedication to preserving and promoting our musical heritage.
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, this tradition has flourished, fostering the recognition of Azerbaijani culture on the global stage. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva played a crucial role in these efforts. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under her guidance, has made significant strides in cultural promotion. In 2012, the Foundation published the album “Azerbaijani Music” in multiple languages, showcasing our diverse musical heritage – including pieces of mugham, classic, jazz and easy listening genres – to an international audience. Since the liberation of Shusha, the annual Kharibulbul International Music Festival has become a symbol of national unity and pride, celebrating our cultural resilience and artistic excellence.
The strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Hungary is built on mutual respect and shared values. Last year, during the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev in Hungary, a joint declaration on enhanced partnership was signed, elevating our bilateral relations to new heights. Our mutually beneficial cooperation goes beyond political, economic and energy fields, it is comprehensive and dynamic, with culture playing a pivotal role in our relations.
In June 2023, we marked the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s birth with a classical music concert at the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, featuring the prominent Szolnok Symphony Orchestra. In the same year, we further honoured our cultural legacy with the inauguration of a bust of our eminent poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi in the Hungarikum Park, Lakitelek, made possible by the efforts of Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Sándor Lezsák.
Today, we are privileged to enjoy the works of the esteemed Azerbaijani composer Eldar Mansurov, performed by the renowned Szolnok Symphony Orchestra. Mansurov’s compositions are celebrated worldwide, blending traditional Azerbaijani music with contemporary forms, including the rock-opera “Seven Beauties”, the ballets “Cleopatra” and “Olymp”, and the symphonic mugham “Mahur-Hindi”. His recent piece, “Bahramnameh”, dedicated to his father, is a unique fusion of the national musical instrument tar, a rock group, and a symphonic orchestra. Additionally, Mansurov has composed music for numerous movies and plays, and boasting a repertoire of over 3,000 songs and instrumental pieces. This vast body of work has made him popular among all age groups.
Mansurov has been honoured with titles such as “Honoured Art Figure” in 2005, “People’s Artist” in 2012, and received the “Shohrat Order” in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to Azerbaijani music.
We are deeply honoured to host such a great composer here in Budapest today. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Szolnok Symphony Orchestra for their exceptional performance and to all our guests for joining us in this celebration of Azerbaijani music. Let us now immerse ourselves in the beautiful Symphonic Gravures of Eldar Mansurov and celebrate the enduring bond between Azerbaijan and Hungary through the universal language of music. Enjoy the evening!”
The Liszt Music Academy, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau style buildings in Budapest, is recognized as a citadel of Hungarian musical life and education. This internationally renowned institution, known for producing world-class musicians through the guidance of great teachers since its founding in 1875 by the famous Hungarian composer Ferenc (Franz) Liszt (1811-1886), provided a fitting venue for this extraordinary concert.
The concert program showcased a diverse selection from Eldar Mansurov’s repertoire, including “Holiday Overture”, “Sad Theme”, “Tango”, “Taleyim (My Destiny)”, “One More Time”, “Chemin de Retour”, “Overture of Oilers”, “Pilgrim”, “Vocalise”, “Lirik Req (Lyrical Dance)”, and “First Love”. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation, demonstrating the profound impact of Mansurov’s music and the exceptional quality of the performances.
The evening highlighted the enduring power of cultural exchange and the deep appreciation for Azerbaijani artistry. As Mansurov’s compositions resonated through the packed concert hall, it became evident that this event was more than a celebration of individual achievements. It was a vibrant testament to Azerbaijan’s cultural diplomacy and its role in fostering international artistic connections.
Upon the gracious invitation of H.E. Mr. Tahir Taghizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary, we had the pleasure of attending the concert with our VIP guests from Portugal, Malta and Scotland. On behalf of the Diplomatic Press Agency, we extend our heartfelt thanks for this extraordinary musical experience, which was a true cultural delight.
Source: Embassy of Azerbaijan in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Budapest and DPA
