June 10, 2011

Mugham Contest 2011 ends

The finale of the four-month long Mugham Contest 2011 organized by the Azerbaijan TV due to the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Culture and Tourism Ministry upon the project by Azerbaijan Culture Foundation was held at the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre, 10 June.

The huge merits of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP, in preserving, popularizing and developing the Azerbaijani art of mugham were emphasized at this solemn music festival. The great role of Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the discovery of new talents in the art of mugham was mentioned. Participants of the previous TV mugham contests perform in Azerbaijan and on the prestigious stages of the world.

 

Mugham Contest 2011 started at the International Mugham Center on February 14. The same day, the new TV channel ‘Medeniyyet’ (Culture) was launched on the basis of ‘Azerbaijan TV and Radio Broadcasts’ JSC.

 

The jury of the Contest comprised of people’s artists Alibaba Mammadov, Arif Babayev, Aghakhan Abdullayev, Sakina Ismayılova, Mansum Ibrahimov, Doctor of the Study of Art, Professor Ramiz Zohrabov and Honor Figure of Art Nadir Akhundov.

 

6 young singers – Miralam Miralamov, Sabina Arabli, Mammad Najafov, Kamila Nabiyeva, Ariz Huseynov and Nigar Shabanova performed in the finale.

 

Then, the winners were announced and the awarding ceremony took place. 14 participants received diplomas. Participant Mustafa Mustafayev was presented the Viewer Sympathy Award and a tambourine reflecting the logo of the Contest organizers. 

 

By the unanimous decision of the jury, Miralam Miralamov and Sabina Arabli took the first place, Mammad Najafov and Kamila Nabiyeva the second place, and Ariz Huseynov and Nigar Shabanova the third place.

 

The winners were presented diplomas and precious keepsakes symbolizing the musical instruments of Azerbaijan.

 

Talking on behalf of the jury, People’s Artist Alibaba Mammadov said the Contest brought new voices to the Azerbaijani mugham and emphasized the contributions of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to the development of the art of mugham. 

 

Winners and awardees sang ‘Garabagh Shikastasi’.

 

The ceremony ended with the national anthem of Azerbaijan performed by all the participants.