The festival, dedicated to the work of Imadaddin Nasimi (1369-1417), one of the brilliant poets and thinkers of the East, has been organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture. The festival is being held in Azerbaijan for the first time from September 27 till September 30.
The musicians from various countries performed the works "Out of Seven Days" by prominent German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen in the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
The composer, without writing a single note in the works, wrote texts that inspire performers from a spiritual point of view. The musicians, after reading these texts, freely improvise.
In his speech at the event, Coordinator of the Festival, Honored Figure of Art Jahangir Selimkhanov told the guests about this project.
The musicians representing different cultures and styles are taking part in the project, namely, honored artists of Azerbaijan Elchin Shirinov and Shakhriyar Imanov, violinist Osman Eyyublu, as well as Kudsi Erguner (Turkey), Sefudi Kouyate (Guinea), Naomi Sato (Japan), Christina Vantzou (US/Belgium), Elisabeth Harnik (Austria) and Gianluca Iadema (Italy).
Then the works "Out of Seven Days" was performed.
“Such projects are always interesting,” honored artist, famous pianist Elchin Shirinov said. "The project involves musicians from different countries. What we have performed today is improvisation. I think it was very interesting. To perform in the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is incredible. The energy of this historical place is very inspiring.”
"I am very pleased to participate in such an unusual project, where musicians improvise,” honored artist of Azerbaijan, tar performer Shakhriyar Imanov said. “Everything here has a special meaning."
The project aroused great interest among the audience.
The festival is held under the slogans “Beyond the Limited Self”, reflecting the philosophical views of the poet, and “I am a Particle, I am the Sun” which are the poet’s lines. The program of the large-scale event covers various types of art and knowledge fields. During the festival, programs are being organized in various places in Baku, as well as in Shamakhi, the native city of the poet.
More about: Nasimi-Festival
