Centenary of Jevdet Hajiyev celebrated in New York

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

Representatives of the world music societies came together in New York to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jevdet Hajiyev, a prominent Azerbaijani composer on April 5.

The event took place at the famous Carnegie Hall as part of the “Express Yourself in Music” Gala Benefit concert for children with autism, Azertac reported.

This international concert brought together musicians, fans of the composer and young talents from all over the world.

Among them were composer Alexander Peskanov, conductor Miriam Burns, singers Bogdan Petrenko of Russia and Sabrina Ozden of Vancouver, virtuoso violinist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev of Azerbaijan, performer on Azerbaijani folk instruments Jeffrey Werbock of the USA, pianist Jelena Makarova of UK and many others.

Young pianists Ashley Ondoua Konga, Roopa Ranganath, Julia Meyerding, Kenny Ji, Ksenija Yanchuk, Makalaya Duyen Vu demonstrated brilliant performances. 

The notable guests of the event included Yashar Aliyev, the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, permanent observer for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations, members of the Azerbaijani communities of Florida, Ohio, Texas and many others.

The world premiere of A. Peskanov’s “Azeri Rhapsody” composed in memory of Jevdet Hajiyev and his beloved wife Amina Dilbazi prompted standing ovations.

The Carnegie premier of “Lay-Lay” lullaby of J. Hajiyev was performed by soprano Sabrina Ozden, Jeffrey Werbock (kamancha) and Pervin Muradov (piano) who provided a vivid example of a piece where Eastern intonations blend harmoniously with Western concepts and where organic fusion between classical forms and folk music led to an exceptional flavor.

Sabrina Ozden is also an Ambassador of cultural exchange and cooperation program among the Silk Road cities.

Extraordinary rendition of J. Hajiyev’s Scherzo by violinist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev left no one indifferent.

English pianist Elena Makarova played a sonata for piano and also accompanied during the performance of "Scherzo" for violin. "Musical pictures" and “Ballad” were performed by young talents from four continents.

The conductors, orchestra and musicians managed to convey the full flavor, depth, and emotional experiences of the author.

The performers fully immersed in the images created by the composer, and thrilled the audience.

Jevdet Hajiyev left behind a legacy of masterpieces. Among them are eight symphonies, three tone poems, opera “Veten” (Motherland) written in collaboration with G. Garayev, string quartets, ballade and sonata for piano, solo and choral works and many others. These works are among the jewels of classical music that continue to delight listeners and glorify music of Azerbaijan all over the world.