Afag Abbasova, soprano
Sevda Alakbarzadeh, vocals
Yusif Eyvazov, tenor
Alim Qasimov, mugham master, traditional Azerbaijani singing
Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev, violin
Elmina Hasan, mezzo-soprano
Murad Huseynov, piano
Fuad Ibrahimov, direction
Isfar Sarabski, piano
Jeyla Seyidova, violin
Azer Zade, tenor
Scan the QR code to explore the full concert programme and discover the richness of Azerbaijani music and cultural heritage:
Evening ticket sales and accreditations
1 hour before the start of the concert
Duration of the concert
2-hour gala with a 30-minute intermission, followed by a jazz concert
Price (CHF)
| Cat. A | 129.- |
| Cat. B | 99.- |
| Cat. C | 59.- |
| Cat. D | 39.- |
| Golden Circle | 400.- |
| Young audience/Students/Apprentices | 10.- |
AFAG ABBASOVA (SOPRANO)
Born in Azerbaijan in 1986, Afag Abbasova is a distinguished soprano and a soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater since 2010. A graduate of the Baku Music College and the Baku Music Academy, she has refined her artistry through masterclasses in Italy and Russia. Her repertoire includes leading roles in operas by Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Leoncavallo and Rachmaninoff. Abbasova has appeared at major international venues, including the opera houses of Minsk, Belgrade, Trieste and Lucca, Vienna’s Konzerthaus and London’s Central Hall, and has collaborated with renowned artists including Plácido Domingo. She has toured extensively across Europe, the Americas and Asia and has received numerous national and international awards.
AHAD AGHAYEV (MUGHAM PERFORMER, KHANANDA)
Born in 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ahad Aghayev is a young khananda (traditional mugham singer) who began his professional musical training in 2021. He quickly gained recognition after winning first prize at the “Autumn Legends” competition in 2022 and has since earned numerous first-place awards and Grand Prix distinctions at national competitions. In 2025, he won the Azerbaijan Television Mugham Competition in the 8–16 age category, marking a major milestone in his career. The same year, he performed for the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva at the opening of the Aghdam Mugham Center, as well as at official events attended by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan. He also represented Azerbaijan internationally by performing the Bayati-Shiraz mugham during the Azerbaijan National Days program at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan.
ALIM QASIMOV (MUGHAM SINGER, KHANANDA)
Born in 1957 in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, Alim Qasimov is one of the world’s most celebrated performers of Azerbaijani mugham. After graduating from the Asef Zeynallı Music College and the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, he launched an international career, performing at major festivals and concert halls across Europe and beyond. Since 1991, he has been a member of the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris and has played a pivotal role in introducing Azerbaijani mugham to global audiences. His many honors include the IMC–UNESCO International Music Prize, the title of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, and the Shohrat and Sharaf Orders. He appeared at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku and performed the Azerbaijani National Anthem at the opening of the 2025 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He continues to be recognized worldwide for his exceptional artistry and contribution to Azerbaijan’s musical heritage.
AZERBAIJAN STATE DANCE ENSEMBLE
Founded in 1970, the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble is the country’s leading professional dance company, dedicated to preserving and promoting the richness of Azerbaijani choreographic traditions. Renowned for its expressive style and artistic excellence, the ensemble has toured extensively across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, representing Azerbaijan at major international festivals, cultural events, World Expos, and the Olympic Games. Since 1982, it has been led by People’s Artist Afag Malikova, who has greatly expanded its repertoire, combining traditional Azerbaijani dances with works by national composers and selected international pieces. In recognition of its outstanding contribution to Azerbaijani culture, the ensemble received the Gold Medal at the International Carthage Folklore Festival in 1979 and was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Collective” in 1991. Today, it remains a leading ambassador of Azerbaijan’s dance heritage worldwide
AZERBAIJAN STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NAMED AFTER UZEYİR HAJIBAYLI
Founded in July 1920, the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra is one of Azerbaijan’s leading cultural institutions and has played a central role in promoting the country’s musical heritage. Throughout its history, it has collaborated with distinguished conductors, including Otto Klemperer, René Baton, Fritz Stiedry, Yevgeny Mravinsky, Nikolai Anosov, Niyazi, Rauf Abdullayev, and Yalchin Adigozalov. The orchestra has premiered numerous works by Azerbaijan’s foremost composers, including Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Arif Malikov, and Franghiz Alizadeh. It has toured extensively across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Türkiye, and regularly appears at major international festivals. Highlights include performances at Salle Pleyel in Paris and UNESCO headquarters. Since May 2023, the orchestra has been led by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Fuad Ibrahimov, continuing its century-long tradition of artistic excellence.
ELMINA HASAN (MEZZO-SOPRANO)
Born in Russia in 2000 and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan, Elmina Hasan is one of the most promising mezzo-sopranos of her generation. She studied at the Baku Music Academy before continuing her training at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire. Winner of the Grand Prix at the Bulbul International Vocal Competition, she gained international recognition after receiving Second Prize at Operalia 2024, where she also won the Pepita Embil Zarzuela Prize and the Rolex Audience Prize. She has appeared at leading opera houses including Teatro alla Scala, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin and the Bayerische Staatsoper. Since 2023, she has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera’s prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, further establishing her international career.
ELVIN HOXHA GANIYEV (VİOLİN)
Born in 1997 in Ankara, Türkiye, Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev is an internationally acclaimed violinist recognized for his virtuosity, artistic maturity, and versatility. Coming from a distinguished musical family, he began studying violin with his grandfather, the renowned pedagogue Server Ganiyev. He continued his education at leading European institutions, including the Zurich University of the Arts, the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid, the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, and the Hanover University of Music, where he completed the prestigious Artist Diploma under Zakhar Bron. A prizewinner at major international competitions, he has performed in celebrated venues such as the Berliner Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall, collaborating with conductors including Zubin Mehta and Howard Griffiths. Honored Artist of Azerbaijan since 2018, he performs on a rare 1715 Giuseppe Guarneri violin provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
FAGAN ALASGAROV (BALABAN PLAYER)
Born in 1996 in the Shamakhi district of Azerbaijan into a family of renowned musicians, Fagan Alasgarov received his first musical training from his grandfather Rasim Alasgarov and his father Rahman Alasgarov, both distinguished performers and Honored Cultural Workers of Azerbaijan. He made his stage debut at the age of eight with the Shirvan Folk Ensemble and later graduated in balaban performance from the Bulbul Secondary Specialized Music School, Baku Humanitarian College, and the Azerbaijan National Conservatory. A regular participant in official cultural events, he has represented Azerbaijan at international festivals and cultural programs across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Since 2018, he has been a soloist with the Muslim Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall and the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, performing on traditional Azerbaijani wind instruments. He continues to promote Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage both nationally and internationally.
Azerbaijan Culture
FUAD IBRAHIMOV (CONDUCTOR)
Born in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on September 2, 1982, Fuad Ibrahimov studied at the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy before continuing his education at the Cologne University of Music, where he graduated with distinction in orchestral conducting. Appointed conductor of the New Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2008, he soon gained international recognition, receiving the DAAD Award and collaborating with leading German orchestras. Invited by Fabio Luisi to the Pacific Music Festival in Japan in 2011, he has since built an international career, appearing with renowned ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia Varsovia, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse. Winner of the Yevgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition in 2018, he has received numerous national honors. Since 2025, he has served as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Baku Chamber Orchestra.
ILKIN DOVLATOV
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 16, 1990, İlkin Dovlatov is an accomplished vocalist celebrated for his distinctive voice, which blends the rich traditions of Azerbaijani mugham with contemporary pop music. He rose to national prominence after reaching the final of the 2023 Voice of Azerbaijan (“Doğma Nəğmələr” – Native Songs), where he was awarded second place. In 2024, he represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Fahree, performing the song Özünlə Apar (“Take It With You”), further raising his international profile. In 2026, he appeared on the television program Maska broadcast by İctimai TV. Known for his artistic versatility and high-profile collaborations, Dovlatov continues to play an active role in Azerbaijan’s contemporary music scene while promoting the country’s musical heritage to wider international audiences.
ISFAR SARABSKI TRIO
Few artists embody the dialogue between tradition and innovation as naturally as Isfar Sarabski. Since becoming the first Azerbaijani musician to win the Solo Piano Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2009, the pianist and composer has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. His acclaimed debut album Planet, released by Warner Music Germany, was the first major-label jazz release by an Azerbaijani artist. He has collaborated with internationally renowned musicians including Herbie Hancock, Dhafer Youssef and Mark Guiliana. Rooted in Azerbaijan’s musical heritage while embracing a global perspective, his work continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
JEYLA SEYİDOVA (Violin)
Born in 1995 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Jeyla Seyidova is an acclaimed violinist with more than 20 years of stage experience. She graduated with distinction from the Bulbul Secondary Special Music School, the Baku Music Academy, and the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory. A prominent ambassador of Azerbaijani musical culture, she performs internationally as a soloist on prestigious stages around the world. Seyidova has won numerous international competitions, including the Prokofiev International Competition Grand Prix (2016), Golden Time Talent in London (2022), and the Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Contest in Paris (2022). Her artistic achievements have earned her a place in Azerbaijan’s “Golden Book” of young talents, the Presidential Scholarship, the Presidential Award for Culture (2015), and the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2021.
MADINA SHAHGELDIYEVA (KAMANCHEH PLAYER)
Born in Baku in 1995, Madina Shahgeldiyeva is a distinguished kamancha player and educator. A graduate of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, she has won numerous national and international competitions and has performed at leading festivals in Azerbaijan and abroad. She currently teaches at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory while pursuing an active international performing career. Among her recent projects is the first concert bringing together organ and kamancha, presented in Basel, Switzerland, highlighting both the versatility of her instrument and her commitment to musical innovation.
MURAD HUSEYNOV (PIANO PLAYER)
Murad Huseynov is one of Azerbaijan’s leading pianists, celebrated for his refined artistry and commitment to promoting Azerbaijani classical music. A graduate of the Baku Academy of Music, he continued his studies in Paris and at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. He has built an international career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing with renowned orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and appearing at prestigious venues such as Salle Pleyel and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Awarded the title of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, he has also received France’s Order of Arts and Letters. Alongside his performing career, he is a professor at the Baku Academy of Music and currently serves as Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
SAMIR JAFAROV (TENOR)
Samir Jafarov is one of Azerbaijan’s leading tenors, acclaimed for his performances in both Azerbaijani and international opera repertoire. After studying at the Baku Music Academy, he continued his professional development at the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Centre in Moscow before refining his artistry under the guidance of the legendary soprano Montserrat Caballé in Barcelona. He has performed leading roles in operas by Verdi, Puccini, Leoncavallo and Hajibeyli, touring extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Awarded the titles of Honored Artist and later People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, he has been a soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater since 2007.
SEVDA ALAKBARZADEH (SINGER)
Born in 1977 in Azerbaijan, Sevda Alakbarzadeh is one of the country’s leading contemporary vocalists, renowned for blending world music, jazz, pop, and ethnic influences. After beginning her career with the bands Aypara and Rast, she gained international recognition when Rast became a finalist in the Radio France Internationale competition and received several national music awards. Since launching her solo career in 2002, she has released acclaimed albums including Shabi Hijran, Gül Açdı, Sevdalı Dünyam, and Intro. She represented Azerbaijan at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2013 and has performed across Europe and the Middle East. Named Honored Artist of Azerbaijan in 2007, she continues to promote Azerbaijani music internationally. In 2025, she celebrated a major milestone with a landmark solo concert at the Baku Convention Center, reaffirming her place among Azerbaijan’s foremost artists.
SHAHRIYAR IMANOV
Born in Baku in 1989, Shahriyar Imanov is one of Azerbaijan’s leading tar virtuosos. After studying at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, he gained international recognition by winning first prize at the Third International Mugham Festival in 2013. He has since appeared at prestigious international festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and SXSW, while collaborating with renowned musicians such as jazz pianist Isfar Sarabski. Alongside his performing career, he teaches at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, contributing to the preservation and development of Azerbaijan’s rich musical traditions.
YUSİF EYVAZOV (TENOR)
Yusif Eyvazov is an Azerbaijani dramatic tenor acclaimed as one of the leading voices of his generation. A regular guest at the world’s foremost opera houses—including La Scala, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the Opéra national de Paris, the Salzburg Festival and Teatro Real Madrid—he is celebrated for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. His repertoire includes major roles by Verdi, Puccini and Tchaikovsky. His discography includes acclaimed recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, notably Manon Lescaut and the album Romanza. Born in Algeria and raised in Baku, he studied at the Baku Academy of Music before completing his training in Italy. He is Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and holds the title of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan.
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