Mugam concert was held on the 120th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyov

Mugam concert was held on June 13 at Heydar Aliyev Palace on the 120th anniversary of genius Uzeyir Hajibeyov, founder of professional music of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were warmly welcomed in the hall.

In the concert organized due to initiative and support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azeri Culture Friends Foundation the mugam performed by people`s artists Arif Babayev, Agakhan Abdullayev, Sekina Ismailova, Aygun Bayramova and Mensum Ibrahimov that were accompanied by people`s artists Mohlat Muslumov in thar and Fakhraddin Dadashov in kaman showed once again the beauty of unique pearls of our music.

Performances by Babek Niftaliyev, Vefa Orujova, Ilkin Ahmadov, Teyyar Bayramov, Gochag Asgerov, Elnur Zeynalov, Elshad Aydinoglu, Pervaz Ibrahimli, Zulfiyya Mammadova, Aytan Maharramova, Beyimkhanim Mirzayeva and Gulnar Isayeva - finalists of `TV mugam contest - 2005` held by Space TV on the 120th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyov were appreciated much. The young singers were accompanied by talented musicians - Humay Award laureates Elchin Hashimov in thar and Elnur Ahmadov in kaman.

Performance of people`s artist Alim Gasimov with his daughter Fergane was loudly applauded.

After the successful concert ended, President Ilham Aliyev, coming to the backstage, congratulated the mugam performers:

It was very nice concert. We all watched the contest on TV during 2 months. It is big event. Mugam that is our national wealth lives and it will live as long as Azerbaijani people lives. New era of mugam starts today. I express my deep gratitude to all you - both masters and contest participants. Two generations - our masters and youth, our children are present in this concert. It was very nice concert. Indeed, the spirit in the hall was high. That is why I express my deep gratitude and wish you success.

People`s artists Arif Babayev, Mensum Ibrahimov thanked the President and said: Mr President, all this were possible due to You, and our mugam reached this level. We are people of art. The elderly and youth - we all say God bless You. May all Your dreams come true.

They highly valued the works done by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azeri Culture Friends Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP, in field of protection of mugam, delivery of art of performance, possessing rich history, to future generations, development of mugam and education of new generation of singers and expressed deep gratitude to her.

President Ilham Aliyev noted the contest was organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azeri Culture Friends Foundation led by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva. Mugam Center will be built as well. We laid its foundation together. Construction will soon start and it will live forever as Mugam Center.

Thanks. I once again thank you.