Icebreaker III: The Caucasus international festival and symposium dedicated to the modern music of the Caucasian region countries, was held in Seattle (USA). Major aim of the festival is to perform music that is barely known in the West, Trend reports.
First Icebreaker (2002) was dedicated to the Russian music, second (2004) to Baltic music and the third one to Caucasian.
Traditional music concerts from Iran and Turkey were included into the festival together with the modern works. Benaroyal Hall foyer, where the festival took place, also hosted works by the Georgian artist Vano Musheli.
With the organizers invitation Azerbaijan was represented at the conference by the composer, national artist of Azerbaijan, professor of the Baku Musical Academy, Firangiz Ali-zade and the famous musical expert, professor of the Baku Musical Academy, Aida Huseynova. Ali-zade ` s play Atesh (Flame) written with the intonation of Segyax and Chargyax mugams became one of the most vivid and memorable performances at the festival.
Works of several other Azerbaijani composers were also included into the festival- Three bagateli by Faradj Karaev, Seven plays in mugam tones by Javanshir Guliyev, Sonata for the solo violin by Jalal Abbasov, Fayum portraits by Elmira Mirzoyeva and Stranger by Zaur Farkhadov.
Iranian section of the festival has performed Uncontrollable stress by the disciple of the Baku Musical Academy, Mokhammed Ansari
Aida Huseynova lecture with audio and video materials on the subject Modern music of Azerbaijan: crossing the Rubicon, dedicated to the modern Azerbaijani music and its major representatives was also included into the festival. Another lecture was held by Ali-zade, who has informed the audience on modern Azerbaijani music and latest releases. She has also performed Music for the Fortepiano during the concert.