The Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts is proud to announce the fourth concert in its programme - "Niyazi". A gifted composer and charismatic conductor, Niyazi was one of the biggest names in Azerbaijan's musical life in the 20th century.
He shot to fame as a 26-year-old, stepping up at the last moment to conduct a prestigious operatic premiere at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre and becoming an overnight sensation throughout the USSR. As a conductor he was a renowned interpreter of his compatriots' music; as a composer he developed a powerful blend of western classical styles and the traditions of his native land. This concert, under the baton of leading Azerbaijani conductor Yalchin Adigezalov, explores both facets of Niyazi's legacy.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will play his unique blend of Western classical music and the traditional sounds of Azerbaijan. The concert will include Gulchohra's aria from Arshin Mal Alan, and feature soloists Nazrin Rashidova (violin) and Seljan Nasiblii (soprano). The popular symphonic mugam "Rast", which intends to inspire courage and good cheer in listeners, will conclude the concert.
The 2014/15 Buta arts festival runs over five months and includes events across London showcasing everything from the ancient skills of Azerbaijani carpet making, the creativity of the country's contemporary photographers, the unmistakable sounds of our jazz musicians and the excitement of live performances in the medium of modern immersive theatre. The festival launched with a sell-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall, where Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli made a surprise appearance singing Time to Say Salam.
The festival also involves cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery and Louise Blouin Foundation, while performances at venues from the Barbican to Guildhall explore the full range of Azerbaijan's music from classical to contemporary. Throughout the festival, seven artists from the Yarat Contemporary Art Space will display their work in public locations across London.
Nasib Piriev, Buta Arts Centre Director, said "As a fan of maestro Niyazi's music, I am especially proud to bring his music to the London audience. The unique blend of classical Western influences with our native mugham personifies Azerbaijan today - a country true to its tradition, but open to the world."
Buta Festival Programme
2014
9 December Niyazi A concert celebrating the musician and conductor Niyazi at the Barbican
10 December Zones of Silence Work from photographer Rena Effendi shown at the Mosaic Rooms
11 December Films Delicatessen A screening of the 9 shortlisted films for the Short Film Palme d'Or at Cannes 2014, including Buta Films's Sonuncu at Curzon Mayfair
16 December Vagif On the anniversary of his death, we celebrate music of jazz pianist and composer Vagif at Central Hall Westminster
December Buta Kitchen Azeri chefs from Buta Kitchen will be cooking at markets across London in the run up to Christmas
2015
20 January Black January Political discussion at the Frontline Club
27 Jan - 6 Feb Faig Ahmed & Aida Mahmudova Exhibition of the two bright artists at Louise Blouin Foundation
3 Feb - 15 Feb Alexandra Kremer Photography exhibition at Asia House
February An evening of jazz at Ronnie Scott's
16 - 19 February An exhibition from contemporary artist Mir Javad next to traditional carpets from Azerbaijan at Sotheby's
March A tour of Melikmemmed around London Schools
26 Feb - 22 March Waiting Room Evocative photography displayed within Paddington Station
11 - 23 March Exhibition of work by Farkhad Khalilov displayed at Saatchi Gallery, curated by Paolo Colombo
12 March Caspian Lights Concert of Azerbaijan music at Guildhall
17-18 March 1001 Nights Ballet performance at Sadler's Wells
March Novruz Carnival The first public Novruz celebration of this size will take place in central London
Plus other exciting events including an immersive theatre performance of The Telescope and a performance by Shahin Novrasli.
For more information visit: www.butafestival.com
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