The second Tchaikovsky International Music Festival ended today in Klin. It was held from June 13 to 23 with the support of Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky memorial estate became the main platform of this unique festival, which has no analogues in Russia.
The Day of Azerbaijan was held in the framework of the festival on June 21. Honored artist of Azerbaijan, soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, baritone Elchin Azizov, and people's artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Murad Huseynov participated in this event.
In an interview to Vestnik Kavkaza, Murad Huseynov expressed special gratitude to Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which helped musicians to get the opportunity to participate in this festival: "Our arrival and participation in this festival happened with the support of Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. We are very grateful for this opportunity, to perform in such amazing hall, at this tremendous festival, in a place where everything reminds us about the great composer's life. To perform on this stage, in this wonderful, beautiful corner of the musical nature, is a very big responsibility and honor for every musician. I am very grateful to Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for this opportunity."
Speaking about the importance of the Tchaikovsky International Music Festival, Huseynov stressed that the festival that bears the name of such outstanding composer is a celebration of music not only for Moscow and Russia, but for the entire world: "The name of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is known not only for professionals or music fans, it is known worldwide. It is one of the most famous, outstanding composers of the world. The first chords of Tchaikovsky First Concert cause extraordinary excitement and wonderful feelings, and I'm not even mentioning the entire concert and huge amount of other, absolutely brilliant works."
Soloist of the Bolshoi theater Elchin Azizov agreed with him. "It is the lowest level of illiteracy to underestimate the Tchaikovsky Festival. It is wonderful, fantastic. The fact that it happens year after year is unique. And it makes me incredibly happy that this festival acquires more fans, admirers," he stated. According to him, among other things, the festival has special educational function: "Of course it's a big holiday for those who always loved Tchaikovsky, who always loved his music. For those who are new to it, in other words for young people, who don't hear such music often, as they are today in this beautiful concert hall, it is also a big celebration and fun for them."
Advisor to the governor of Moscow region on Culture, Nara Shiraliyeva, particularly highlighted the Day of Azerbaijan, which was held during the festival. "I am extremely pleased by the fact that the international program of the second Tchaikovsky International Music Festival includes the Day of Azerbaijan. Chamber music program is presented by great performers - soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, guest soloist of the Metropolitan Opera House, Elchin Azizov, who is very well known for Moscow and Russian audience, he has a unique voice and artistic gift. And I'm glad that today we also held a meeting with pianist, artistic director of the Baku International Mugham Center, Murad Huseynov, because he represents a new school of piano playing of Azerbaijan, which has always been very strong. He frequently tours around the world, he is in demand. And today's program of the festival shows full range, the entire amplitude of modern artists, the new face of Azerbaijani classical music. I am sure that this is the beginning of new cooperation, and this festival will continue to grow, and there will always be a place for artists from Azerbaijan in the program of the festival."
During the Day of Azerbaijan, Elchin Azizov performed Tchaikovsky's works, in particular Tomsky ballad from "Queen of Spades," Don Juan serenade, as well as works of Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Giuseppe Verdi, Georges Bizet. Pianist Murad Huseynov performed the works of Western European, Russian and Azerbaijani composers - Tchaikovsky, Schumann, Tofig Guliyev and many others.
At the end of the evening, two Azerbaijani soloists prepared a real surprise for the audience - a joint performance of Mardan aria from 'Vatan' opera of Gara Garayev and Jovdat Hajiyev.
