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Culture | Public Affairs Business | Philanthropy
A GREAT LEAP FOR AZERBAIJAN
Also in this issue: European Council President Tusk condemns the Armenian occupation Bryza calls on Obama to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue NATO/EU recognition of Azerbaijani energy role Celebrations in Colmar Pianists Emil Afrasiyab and Nargiz Aliyarova – bringing an Azerbaijani flavour to the jazz club and concert hall
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Please see inside for how to win ÂŁ100 of Amazon vouchers
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Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European foundation dedicated to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links between that country and the nations of Europe. As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions. TEAS has three main facets to its operations: • Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre. • Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions. • Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinionformers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders. In pursuit of its objectives TEAS: • Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers • Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences • Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and produces films • Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.
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TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, trade missions, networking, business sector advice and hotel discounts. TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for its events and conferences. To find out more, e-mail: membership@teas.eu.
Win £100 of Amazon vouchers! Firstly, congratulations to Michael Green, Senior Credit Manager, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), who won the competition in the July issue of the TEAS Magazine. To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following five questions, the answers to which will be found in this issue. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 7 September. 1. Who is the President of the European Council? 2. Which Azerbaijani city – formerly the capital during the period 1918–20 – will be European Youth Capital in 2016? 3. Which Azerbaijani town is twinned with Colmar? 4. Which Puccini opera originated from the work of the poet Nizami Ganjavi? 5. Where is Emil Afrasiyab currently studying music?
Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming events 7 September – Emil Afrasiyab Quartet at the opening concert for the Festival de Jazz de Colmar Salle des Spectacles Europe, 13, rue d’Amsterdam, 68000 Colmar, France. 20hrs. To book tickets, go to http://www.colmar.fr/festivaljazz-colmar. This TEAS-supported concert will showcase sensational Azerbaijani jazz pianist Emil Afrasiyab, performing alongside Alexandre Madeline (saxophone), Antoine Katz (bass) and Raphaël Pannier (drums). 8–12 September – Azerbaijan Through the Lens photographic exhibition (Colmar) Salle d’exposition, Pôle Média Culture Edmond Gerrer, 1, place de la Montagne Verte, 68000, Colmar, France Admission Free. Tuesday: 14–20hrs; Wednesday: 10–18hrs; Thursday/Friday: 13–18hrs; Saturday: 10–17hrs This exhibition brings together 30 stunning photographs of Azerbaijan, submitted for a competition organised by TEAS in 2012, having been selected from around 750 submissions by both amateur and professional photographers located across the world. The jury comprised the world-renowned photographer Henry Dallal – best-known for his photographs of Queen Elizabeth II – and Caroline Metcalfe, Photographic Director for Condé Nast Traveller magazine. 14 October – TEAS Business Forum Brussels Diamant Conference & Business Centre, Auguste Reyerslaan 80, 1030 Brussels, Belgium. RSVP to aygun.ismayilova@teas. eu before 15 September. This business forum will comprise the following sessions: energy, agribusiness, infrastructure and ICT. Companies from Azerbaijan, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain and the UK will be in attendance. Partners: AZPROMO, Belgian Chambers (Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce), DBH Group, Flanders Investment and Trade, CCLA (Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg–Azerbaijan). 21 October – Geostrategic Maritime Review: The Caspian Sea – geopolitical and geostrategic stakes for the wider region (Paris) L’Hôtel de l’Industrie, Société d’Encouragement pour l’Industrie Nationale, 4 Place Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris RSVP by 10 October to paris@teas.eu or communications.assistant@obgms.org. This landmark conference will focus on energy security and supply for the region; its impact on employment, innovation, food and human security, pollution and the environment; and the potential effect on the European/Eurasian region. Organisers: TEAS; International Geostrategic Maritime Observatory (IGMO); Société d’Encouragement pour l’Industrie Nationale (SEIN). 08 / 2015
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Politics and News
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Donald Tusk (left), President of the European Council, acknowledged the future role of Azerbaijan in achieving EU energy supply diversification during his discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
Tusk praises Azerbaijani–EU relations
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
From the TEAS Director
Donald Tusk, the former Polish Prime Minister and current President of the European Council, has visited Baku for discussions with President Ilham Aliyev and other highranking ministers and officials. During the dialogue, he stressed the importance of Azerbaijan’s role in securing and diversifying the future of Europe’s energy supplies. He suggested that Azerbaijan should sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the EU, and consider joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO). During his visit, Mr Tusk reiterated the EU view that the status quo in the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh is “unacceptable”. Meanwhile, Lev Spivak, Director-General, Azerbaijan– Israel International Association (Aziz), has acknowledged that the territories illegally occupied by Armenia exceed the entire landmass of the State of Israel. In the past few weeks, a further flare-up in fighting on the ‘contact line’ has sadly resulted in fatal casualties on both sides. Two good news stories have surfaced since the last issue of the TEAS Magazine. It has been announced that Azerbaijan’s second city of Ganja will be the European Youth Capital in 2016. Meanwhile the government has outlined its ambition to cut the timescale for the issuing of visas to foreign citizens to just five days. The TEAS France office is now looking forward to September, when a jazz concert featuring Azerbaijani pianist Emil Afrasiyab and the TEAS exhibition Azerbaijan Through the Lens will be hosted in Colmar – which is twinned with the northern Azerbaijani city of Sheki. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, held a joint press conference in Baku on 22 July. President Aliyev commented: “This visit is very important for EU–Azerbaijani relations. We see good, positive development in the EU–Azerbaijani partnership. We have close political ties, and will develop them in the future. “We are very glad that Europe is our main trading partner. Almost half of our foreign trade is with EU member states. There is great potential to develop economic cooperation and other forms of economic activity.” President Aliyev indicated that one of the key elements for potential co-operation is in the transportation sector, saying: “We, together with our neighbours, are now entering the completion phase of the road that connects Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, thereby connecting Europe and Asia. This will be the new Silk Road that will serve to increase the volumes of mutual trade between Europe and Asia.” Mr Tusk replied: “Azerbaijan is our reliable and strategic partner in the energy field, and we want to take this partnership further. One aim of the European Energy Union is to
exclude the possibility of gas disconnection being used as a threat. The conflict in Ukraine shows that such threats are still possible. “This is why the EU is dedicated towards diversifying its supplies. Azerbaijan is a main partner in this endeavour. Today, we agree to stand united towards developing the Southern Energy Corridor – a project that is in our common strategic interest – making sure it is completed on time, whatever our competitors do. For Europe, it is a question of diversifying supply. For Azerbaijan, it is a question of diversifying demand. “Azerbaijan has the potential to become one of the EU’s major commercial partners in the region. The EU is already Azerbaijan’s main trade partner, and one of its most important investors. We will expand these commercial relations further in the coming years… I hope very much that Azerbaijan will soon finalise its negotiations to join the WTO. “We have discussed how best to move our relationship forward through an ambitious new bilateral agreement. We agreed to set a brisk pace for our talks towards an Agreement on Strategic Partnership.”
NATO recognises the burgeoning role of Baku in global energy security William Lahue, Head, NATO Liaison Office: Georgia and South Caucasus Region, has recognised the future role of Azerbaijan as an important component in the global energy security marketplace. He continued: “It is important that countries have multiple sources of supply in order to protect themselves from fluctuations amongst the available resources.” Speaking to Trend News in Kvareli, Georgia, he predicted: “In this process Azerbaijan is going to be important, and its importance is growing.”
Mr Lahue commented on Azerbaijan’s potential role as a transit country for gas coming from the western Caspian
Sea region, such as Turkmenistan. He particularly referred to the Trans-Caspian Pipeline (TCP) project that will facilitate the supply of Turkmen gas to Europe through Azerbaijani territory, and continued: “Technically, it is possible to build the TCP, as stated by experts in several countries.” He also added that relations between the countries were conducive to pipeline construction. Although the project is not a NATO responsibility, he reflected: “NATO can pull together partners seeking the protection of critical energy infrastructure. In that way, we can help facilitate training and education for national organisations working in this sphere, aimed at ensuring the security of such infrastructure.” www.teas.eu
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Politics and News
Triple jump Babayev wins European gold
Azerbaijani athlete Nazim Babayev has achieved a gold medal at the European Athletics Junior Championship held in Eskilstuna, Sweden. As reported by Azertac, he gave the performance of the week, with a stunning 17.04m leap in the triple jump on the final day of the championships, smashing a world record that had stood for nearly 30 years, having been set by Volker Mai of the former German Democratic Republic. He also achieved National Junior and Championship records. Italian Tobia Bocchi (16.51m) and Ukrainian Pavlo Beznits (16.10m) took the second and third places.
Ganja – European Youth Capital
The European Youth Capital (EYC) is an initiative of the European Youth Forum, funded by the EU and Council of Europe to the tune of €5.7m (£4m). To date, there have been eight EYCs, the purpose of which is to promote intra-European co-operation between young people and to showcase the youth-based social, cultural, political
AZAL to reduce air ticket prices
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is to establish its own low-budget passenger airline, together with introducing a new low-tariff grade of seat on all current routes. The measures came in the wake of instructions given by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to decrease air ticket prices during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers analysing the results of the country’s socio-economic development in the first half of 2015. The decision followed a joint board meeting between AZAL and the Azerbaijani State Civil Aviation Administration. The low-budget routes will be as follows: • Baku–Antalya–Baku: three times a week (from August 2015) • Baku–Istanbul–Baku: one flight every day (from September 2015) • Baku–Moscow–Baku: two flights every day (from October 2015) • Baku–Dubai–Baku: one flight every day (from October 2015).
Nazim Babayev tests the strength of his newly-acquired gold medal
and economic life of the host city. In 2016, the selected EYC will be Ganja, in north-western Azerbaijan. This is the second-largest city in the country, and it is hoped that tourism will be boosted by one-fifth during its year-long EYC status. Go to www.ganja2016.eu to find out more on Ganja’s plans for its EYC year.
From 1 August, AZAL will reduce the minimum existing economy class tariffs on existing routes – accounting for 30 per cent of all seats – by an additional 20 per cent. The number of such seats will vary from 32 to 61, depending on the aircraft type. Although 32 seats will be sold at the lowest prices on routes from Baku to Tehran, Aktau, Kazan and other destinations, this figure will increase to 48 seats for flights to Beijing, London, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman; to 53 seats on the route to Istanbul; and 61 seats for New York and some other long-haul destinations. An AZAL Airbus A340–542, photographed at Moscow Domodedovo airport (Photo: Alex Beltyukov)
The varying dates for inaugurating the new low-budget flights are due to procedural issues, such as concluding agreements with airports for the service and organising slots (permissions) at foreign airports. Embraer aircrafts will be used on all low-budget routes, and single ticket prices will not exceed €99 (£69.7).
Hotel prices to be slashed
Visas to be issued in less than five days
The Azerbaijani government is currently considering numerous measures aimed at boosting tourism. The main methods under consideration involve reducing flight costs and hotel prices, According to Abulfaz Garayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture together with the optimising the visa procedure and constructing and Tourism, the reduction of time for issuing visas to foreigners budget hotels. travelling to Azerbaijan is on the agenda. Speaking at a press conference, he revealed plans to shorten this period from 10 days The Azerbaijani Ministries of Economic Development and Culture to between three and five working days. and Tourism are planning a joint package, aimed at standardising hotel pricing. Some departments of the Azerbaijani Foreign The Minister said that currently over 60 firms are engaged in Ministry are also focusing on proposals aimed at optimising the issuing visas in Azerbaijan, adding that over 10,000 online tourist efficiency of the visa procedure. Azerbaijan currently has 530 visas have already been issued in 2015, to date. Mr Garayev hotels that can accommodate 35,000 tourists, although the budget commented that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is now working accommodation sector remains under-resourced. on proposals and draft decisions aimed at resolving the issue.
Population on the increase
According to the Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee, the Azerbaijani population increased by about 43,300 people, or about 0.5 per cent, during the first half of 2015, now amounting to 9,636,300 persons. Population density remains at 111 people per km 2, and the ratio of men to women is 1000:1009. Official figures also suggest that 53.1 per cent of the population is urban, and that an average of 440 children were born every day, of which 53.6 per cent were boys.
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Culture
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Azerbaijan in the spotlight in Colmar – twin town of Sheki
On 19 May, a charter of friendship and cooperation was signed between the French town of Colmar and the Azerbaijani town of Sheki. This charter serves to officialise the amicable relationship between the towns that dates back to 2013. Although culture is not the sole element in defining a country, it is a key force in developing understanding and dialogue between nations. Consequently, TEAS France, in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office in Colmar, are organising a series of cultural events in the French town from 7–12 September. On 7 September, the quartet led by Emil Afrasiyab, a major artist and one of the leading exponents of Azerbaijani jazz, will participate in the opening of the 20th edition of the Festival de Jazz de Colmar. In his compositions, this outstanding pianist combines jazz with elements of mugham, a highly complex traditional Azerbaijani musical genre that is predominantly improvised (see pp.6–8 for an interview with Emil Afrasiyab). His reputation was initially established in his homeland, but his career turned international when he won the Public Prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2011. The three remaining members of his quartet are talented US-based French musicians
Pianist Emil Afrasiyab and the other members of his quartet performed an exciting and exhilarating set during the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain des Prés Paris (Photo: Stylin’CO)
– Raphaël Pannier (drums), Antoine Katz (bass) and Alexandre Madeline (tenor saxophone). The concert follows Emil’s acclaimed performance in two French festivals this year – the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain des Prés Paris and Sunnyside at Reims. Go to http://bit.ly/ colmarjazz for further information. In addition, from 8–12 September, TEAS will present the exhibition Azerbaijan Through the Lens at the Pôle Média Culture Edmond Gerrer. The exhibition brings together 30 stunning photographs
of Azerbaijan. It will provide an invaluable opportunity for the population of Colmar to discover the different facets of this country. These photographs were selected from around 750 entries for a TEAS competition submitted by both amateur and professional photographers located across the world. The jury comprised the world-renowned photographer Henry Dallal – best-known for his photographs of Queen Elizabeth II – and Caroline Metcalfe, Photographic Director for Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
Puccini and Nizami – linked through music Few disagree that Puccini’s final opera Turandot ranks amongst his most famous and frequently staged pieces. Even those with little knowledge of opera will recognise the aria Nessun Dorma, sung by Prince Calaf as he promises to win over the Chinese princess Turandot’s heart from its opening chords, not least due to its footballing connotations.
Despite this, few look at the sources for the plot. It is generally thought that Puccini came across the story when reading Schiller, and asked his librettists to work on it. However, Puccini’s collaborators Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni refer to an earlier source – Carlo Gozzi’s play of Turandot. A lesser-known fact is that Gozzi picked up the plot from either De La Croix’s Thousand and One Days or the later version of Alain-René Lesage’s book. Even in the most learned circles, almost no-one is aware that the origins of the story should be attributed to the
A still from this beautifully animated video, demonstrating the Azerbaijani roots of Turandot – one of the most popular Italian operas
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12th century Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1209) and his Haft-Peykar poem, translated as Seven Beauties. The poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi was born in Ganja and ranked amongst the earliest exponents of multiculturalism and gender equality. As he wrote predominantly in Persian, Nizami became very popular outside his hometown, and his influence is still strong in the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. However, his oeuvre remains almost unknown beyond a narrow academic circle in the western world. The story of Turandot is only one part of a larger work. Nizami’s Seven Beauties is an erotic, mystical, and symbolic piece. The poem is a romanticised biography of the Sasanian Persian Emperor Bahram V (420–439 AD) who successfully marries seven princesses from different parts of the world, from Byzantium to India. Several plots evolve in non-linear form. These are the stories about which colour can be best associated, with the sensation of love evolving from black to white, from the most lustful to the purest form. A short animated video The Story of Continuity: from Nizami to Puccini narrates this complicated story of cross-cultural exchange. This is part of an initiative by Asli Samadova, a Milan-based freelance consultant and project manger, in partnership with the Azerbaijan Student Network, an NGO present in a number of European countries. The film is a pilot for a wider project entitled Milli Irsimiz – the National Heritage of Azerbaijan that aims at increasing both international and local awareness of Azerbaijani culture. The video can be viewed at http://bit.ly/nizamipuccini. E-mail: aslisamadova@gmail.com to contact Ms Samadova.
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Personalities – Emil Afrasiyab Emil Afrasiyab focuses on his innovative improvisations during the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris (Photos: Stylin’CO)
Emil Afrasiyab – bringing the spirit of Azerbaijan to the west Born in Baku in 1982, pianist and composer Emil Afrasiyab is a major artist amongst the new generation of Azerbaijani jazz performers. He specialises in the synthesis of jazz with Azerbaijani mugham, both of which feature a high degree of improvisation and provide great scope for personal expression. His work is notable for its contrasts in intonation, and fluctuating harmonics and rhythms, more commonly found in classical music. Since 2013, Emil has been studying at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. In 2015, TEAS France has been supporting his participation in three major French jazz festivals – the Sunnyside Jazz Festival in Reims, the Festival Jazz à SaintGermain-des-Prés in Paris and the Festival de Jazz de Colmar. Neil Watson interrupted his practice session, just prior to his appearance in Paris, to find out more: How is your career progressing? As you know, I am currently studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, having moved to the US from Azerbaijan in January 2013. It is there that I met with such incredible musicians as Antoine Katz (bass guitar), Raphaël Pannier (drums) and Alexandre Madeline (tenor sax), all of which are now members of my quartet. I am most fortunate to have found such incredible musicians. We really enjoy playing together, and I feel they are exactly what I need, as we speak the same musical language. There is a sense of extra-sensory perception when we play together. All my fellow musicians played incredibly during the concert in Reims, and there was a great connection between them and my music, which included many of my own new compositions. After tonight’s performance in Paris, we will play in Colmar on 7 September. I graduated with a Master’s degree from the Baku Academy of Music, and will be giving two performances at the famous Théâtre des Champs-Élysées – as part of the Silk and Fire Festival, I will
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perform Vagif Mustafazadeh’s Piano Concerto on 13 September, and I will play Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2 in February. This concert comes in the middle of your three-date French festival tour. How was your performance received in Reims? A true musician cannot review their own performance – the opinion of the audience is that which matters. The audience at the Sunnyside Jazz Festival in Reims was very warm, and one gentleman was screaming for an encore, but we did not have time to return and play some more. The reception was quite different to the Baku International Jazz Festival, organised by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which began in 2002. I have performed at every edition of the festival, but in 2013 I took the other members of the quartet to Azerbaijan for the first time, and the response was incredible. Baku audiences really understand the concept of jazz-mugham, and they were very receptive to a performance of their music by an Azerbaijani pianist who is living in the US, together with three French musicians also living in the US. Prior to this, jazz festivals were organised in Baku from 1967–89. Unfortunately, there were political issues during that final year, and the war was raging with Armenia, so we forgot about jazz music for a while. It is normal for a person undergoing pain to forget about smiling and the joys of life. Azerbaijan had to recover from its pain, and that is why the government waited until 2002 to inaugurate the festival. Tonight you are sharing a bill with jazz-rock and free jazz pioneer Aldo Romano. How do you feel about this? In my view, any musician is a messenger of God. I have heard about Aldo Romano, and listened to his recordings with some of the leading exponents of free and avant-garde jazz, such as Don Cherry, Steve Lacy and Dexter Gordon. He is a very famous musician, and it is an extraordinarily great honour to share billing with him. It will be very interesting to hear his live performance – it’s good for me, and maybe good for him to hear me!
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Personalities – Emil Afrasiyab What led you to study at the Berklee College of Music? Three scholarships have made it possible for me to study at the Berklee College of Music, and I live in the city with my family. My attendance at the college has served to benefit the Azerbaijani government and myself, because the government has sponsored me and helped me remain in the US, and I am propagating knowledge and understanding of Azerbaijan across the world with my performances. What are you studying at Berklee? I have taken two majors – one is in jazz performance and the other is in jazz composition. It’s really very demanding, and I cannot seem to set aside time for composing. I have learned a great deal of new theory, despite having previously obtained a master’s degree from the Baku Academy of Music, focusing on classical music. My studies at Berklee have enabled me to focus on analysis. I also study orchestration, and am currently playing with big bands, which is also a great experience. I now realise that I need a lot of additional knowledge to compose successfully for larger ensembles. Was Vagif Mustafazadeh a particular influence on you? The jazz pianist and composer Vagif Mustafazadeh positively impacted the development of all new music in Azerbaijan. He was an incredible person, who synthesised elements of Azerbaijani mugham with jazz. This resulted in the development of a unique form of Azerbaijani jazz music. Due to him and other incredible musicians, a new musical language was developed. One of the other great musicians of this period was Rafig Babayev, who was a polyphonic arranger, mixing jazz with mugham to develop a form of orchestral music using standard western symphonic instrumentation. Vagif was the first person in the world to successfully export the Azerbaijani ‘voice’ in music, and it is possible that audiences did not fully understand his music in his lifetime. He is now regarded as a genius in Azerbaijan. His daughter Aziza is an incredible musician, and Lala, her sister, is a remarkable classical pianist, although she has also played jazz. In addition to composing and playing piano, Aziza also sings and has a vocal range of three or four octaves. I am proud of her because she performs all of Vagif’s compositions, yet develops new improvisations with different colours – it’s in her blood. She takes a great deal from Vagif, but her approach is uniquely different. I also respect her as a woman who plays jazz with the
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07
Emil performing alongside the other members of his quartet – Antoine Katz (bass guitar), Raphaël Pannier (drums) and Alexandre Madeline (tenor sax)
same virtuosity as a man. I composed an eponymously named piece, dedicated to her, which has been acclaimed by the lady herself. I also respect pianist Amina Figarova and Bart Platteau, her flautist husband. I like her unique approach to music, because it is really different. She is a very cultured person and extremely talented woman. I particularly like the variations on a theme by Uzeyir Hajibeyli from the operetta Arshin mal alan (The Cloth Peddler). She arranged this for both big band and for trio configurations, and it is really incredible. I looked at this arrangement during some of my final classes at Berklee. Do you enjoy the music of such western pianists as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett? It is my dream to take maybe one per cent of their talent, as they are simply legends from our world of music. It is known that Vagif Mustafazadeh only liked the music of Bill Evans. Nowadays, I can extend an appreciation to such incredible musicians as Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau and Herbie Hancock. These are my absolutely favourite musicians. Such performers are from another world, and their work is of the highest level. One day, I hope to meet and discuss music with these legends. At Berklee we have some amazing teachers, such as Hal Crook, a renowned jazz trombonist. When I entered his class, it was something new. I realised I need to stay and gain more experience, as this would help me in the future. Have you performed much in the US, to date? We have played in the US for the Azerbaijani Cultural Days, and I have given solo concerts at the behest of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani
Republic (SOCAR). We have performed in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C. and the UN. Before moving to the US, I performed extensively in Europe in such locations as UNESCO in Paris and across Switzerland, Germany and other countries. We also played in Carnegie Hall in New York, which was incredible for us. I also participated in the masterclass of the legendary Abdullah Ibrahim. Why is the synthesis of mugham with jazz so effective? Mugham is national Azerbaijani music and, really, it is inaccurate to refer to my music as jazz-mugham. It is impossible to effectively combine mugham and jazz. It is only possible to combine elements of mugham with jazz, as it takes an entire lifetime of dedicated study to really know mugham. The modal musical system used in mugham is very complex. Western music uses such modes as Ionian, Dorian and Lydian, but Azerbaijani modes are very different. There are microtones in Azerbaijani music that do not exist in western music. These are not found on the piano keyboard, but they can be played on stringed instruments. Similar music can be found across the Islamic world. I am still learning about mugham, which is an incredible genre. I know a couple of scales from mugham, and integrate these with my music. In my view, it is dangerous to actually mix mugham with jazz, as the melody can be broken and ineffective in the jazz style. Jazz does not work with all mugham modes. Jazz represents freedom, but there are rules and ensemble passages that must be observed. It is important to develop a music where there are no conflicts – we do not want to break jazz or mugham.
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Personalities – Emil Afrasiyab
The audience at Emil’s performance during the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés included bass guitarist (and son of Clint) Kyle Eastwood, seen here with Ulkar Muller, TEAS France
Do the modes and microtones of mugham present a challenge for the western musicians in your quartet? Raphaël Pannier (drums): The ‘feeling’ of Azerbaijani music greatly differs to that in western music. When we played in Berne, Switzerland, we had to play with a traditional percussionist. For me, it was difficult to follow their interpretation of syncopation and rhythms because these are based around unique cultural influences, rather than musical notation. This was the first time I had to perform in conjunction with another percussion instrument, and it was very challenging for me. Antoine Katz (bass guitar): The scales in Azerbaijani music are completely different. I know that it was very difficult for tenor saxophonist Alexandre Madeline to play the traditional melodies, and the structure was a particular challenge. There were not so many issues for a bass player, such as myself, as the structures remain rooted in jazz. However, the saxophone has to play these crazy melodies that were not written for this instrument, and the fingering can be very challenging. Emil Afrasiyab: During the Baku International Jazz Festival, the members of my quartet were incredible, and the audience was crazy for them. These musicians showed the Azerbaijani audience that they could play some elements of Azerbaijani national mugham. In Aziza, my composition, Antoine’s improvisations were incredible. He started to play his bass using a traditional technique normally used on the Azerbaijani kamancha. It was really outstanding, and people were fascinated by it. Also, Raphaël found a way of playing the 6/8 national rhythm of Azerbaijan.
Emil and his fellow musicians dare each other into more complex and tangential improvisations
Many people are interested in exploring different styles of music and instruments that are non-standard. The combination of mugham elements with jazz is an incredible sound. It is my mission to spread the word about Azerbaijani music, but still many people do not know about my country. For me, the most important thing is God, as everything comes from Him. If my music pleases the listeners, then I have achieved my objective, and they will smile when they hear about Azerbaijan again. To achieve this, it is important for musicians to emit a positive aura, even before they play a note of music. Is there a spiritual dimension to your music? I am writing ‘new age’ music, intended to help sick people recuperate. Life is hard and busy, and some of my music is specifically composed to help people, even those suffering with psychological issues. I would like to create love for life in these people so they can see a bright new tomorrow. How do you see your music developing? I would also like to work on film scores and symphonic music. A couple of years ago, I worked on a documentary film project relating to Alexandre Dumas’ trip to Azerbaijan, featuring Gerard Dépardieu. Maybe when I am older, and lose some of the dexterity in my hands, I will focus on film scoring and orchestration. The legendary Ennio Morricone remains one of my favourite composers. It is important for musicians to know when the time is right to leave the stage and readjust their focus towards composing.
Have you recorded any albums, to date? I have issued two albums, but neither are professional – they are live concert recordings. I know that we should work on properly recorded albums, but financial backing and distribution are major problems. I am focusing on preparing a serious, professionallyrecorded album with the other members of my quartet. This may be recorded in New York, as I believe this album must be of the very highest quality.
I want people to be kinder in life and appreciate every second, and to appreciate their families, particularly their parents. I would like wars and political problems to come to an end. If people have a greater understanding of each other, then they will have the time and inclination to become immersed in classical and jazz music. Nowadays, pop music is omnipresent in Azerbaijan because it is superficial and does not require listeners to think. I would like to see jazz and classical music becoming more popular on a wider scale, changing minds and enabling people to become more tolerant and embracing of each other’s humanity.
What can be done to raise the profile of Azerbaijani jazz on an international level?
To see and hear Emil performing Aziza at the 2013 Baku International Jazz Festival, go to http://bit.ly/emilaziza.
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Personalities – AleksandrasConflict Brokas Nagorno-Karabakh
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Controversial Sahakyan visit to be discussed in UK Parliament
The UK Parliament may discuss the controversial visit of Bako Sahakyan – head of the illegal Armenian occupying regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. The move comes in the wake of Sahakyan’s visit to London, when he visited the think-tank Chatham House, headquarters of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and went on for a private dinner in the UK Parliament.
The Early Day Motion (EDM) was proposed by Bob Blackman MP, Chair, Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and supported by Labour MPs Roger Godsiff and Alan Mill. The EDM (www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/328) reads: “That the House of Commons is concerned by the decision of the Royal Institute of International Affairs to invite the self-proclaimed President of the unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to address a meeting at Chatham House; and calls on the Royal Institute of International Affairs to consider making a formal apology.” Addressing his fellow MPs, Blackman mentioned that Armenian aggression had resulted in the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven adjacent districts, and highlighted the fact that around 875,000 Azerbaijanis remain as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). He continued: “I believe that the decision by any organisation to invite this person, who committed
Tusk – status quo is unacceptable
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, has condemned the ongoing Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories in the strongest possible terms, stating: “The status quo in the NagornoKarabakh conflict is unacceptable for me and the EU.” The statement was made during a press conference in Baku alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, during which he recalled having expressed similar sentiments in Armenia two days previously. He commented: “We need a peaceful settlement – there is no alternative to peaceful settlement of the conflict. I think we should refrain both from military operations and from radical tone, hostility and statements inciting hatred. These points don’t serve to achieve resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We should avoid this
There was a vituperative response to the Chatham House visit by Bako Sahakyan (Photo: Andrew Wiard)
such injustices, to the country, and giving him opportunity to speak, is extremely wrong. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh, but they remain unimplemented.” Speaking to journalists for the 1news.az site, he expanded: “This illegitimate person represents an unrecognised regime. We should not give such persons a platform. I note that even Armenia itself does not recognise this regime.”
rhetoric, because we don’t need conflicts. The events in Ukraine are the most evident example of this type of policy, ideology and attitudes. “The EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group and the OSCE efforts that are serving to develop an international format aimed at resolving the conflict. We hope the restoration of peace will be based on the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. The Presidents have discussed this, but it is possible to be disappointed with the current situation. However, I think that we need to be more patient. We should be sure that we are doing our best to solve the problem. We support further dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including that at the highest level.”
Yerevan: Warlick calls for the return of Azerbaijani territory Speaking in Yerevan, James Warlick, US OSCE Minsk Group CoChair, has explained that the deployment of peacekeeping forces would play a major role in achieving a comprehensive settlement in the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
He stressed that the parties need to agree on the issues as part of a negotiated settlement, including the return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, and that refugees and IDPs should be returned to their homes. Mr Warlick continued: “There must also be true, sound security guarantees as part of any settlement. That will mean an international peacekeeping force.” Speaking to the Vedomosti newspaper, Mr Warlick commented: “It is important not to focus on one element or one principle of the settlement – the territories must be returned, but there are also other factors. The OSCE Minsk Group always talks about a comprehensive settlement – it is impossible to take just one aspect and claim this is the basis for resolution. When or if the districts adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh are returned, international peacekeeping forces should be deployed.”
Warlick replied that each conflict should be studied separately. He stressed that the US and Russia should collaborate to prevent escalation. Mr Warlick also reflected that 2014 was a very dangerous year, claiming both military and civilian lives on both sides, whilst January 2015 proved to be one of the most dangerous months in the last 20 years, with a large number of casualties. He stressed: “There is every reason to fear that the conflict could expand. This can occur as a result of miscalculation, and also due to an armed clash. Therefore, it is important to work together to find a negotiated solution to the conflict and ensure compliance with the ceasefire.” James Warlick, US OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, reflected on the violence of 2014 and the need for peacekeeping forces following the return of Azerbaijani territory
When quizzed as to the steps to be implemented by Washington D.C. if Nagorno-Karabakh experiences the Georgian scenario, Mr
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Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Tensions flare in Nagorno-Karabakh
According to AFP, tensions flared on the ‘contact line’ between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops on 24 July. The violence came one day after the OSCE Minsk Group revealed that a Presidential Summit would take place before the end of the year. The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry stated: “On 24 July, Armenian army units shelled Azerbaijani positions on the ‘contact line’ and the Azerbaijani–Armenian state border.” The bombardment of positions in the Goranboy, Terter, Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Gadabay regions resulted in the death of one Azerbaijani serviceman – named as Eldar Sakhavet Feteliyev – and at least five Armenian troops. Following the onslaught, ColonelGeneral Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijani Defence Minister, awarded the dead soldier with a third degree medal ‘for distinguished military service’.
Azerbaijani soldiers on the ‘contact line’
Presidential Summit scheduled this year The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – tasked with establishing a negotiated peace in the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – have revealed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan are ready to meet again later this year.
The statement was released after the Co-Chairs travelled to Yerevan and Baku for separate meetings with the Presidents. According to the OSCE Minsk Group: “They instructed their Foreign Ministers to continue work with the Co-Chairs towards formulating an agenda for the Presidential Summit.” The statement continued: “We welcome the period of relative stability along the ‘contact line’ and Armenian–Azerbaijani border that coincided with major international events in both countries over the last few months. However, we are concerned about the recent rise in tensions, and urge the Presidents to avoid a deadly escalation of violence and take all measures to
adhere strictly to the ceasefire.” The Presidents repeated their commitment towards exchanging data on missing persons under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Co-Chairs also travelled to Vienna to brief the members of the OSCE Minsk Group. During a press conference in Baku, James Warlick, US OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, voiced concern over the Azerbaijani hostages currently incarcerated in Armenia, adding that the position of the US government remains unchanged. In July 2014, whilst visiting the graves of their relatives in the Shaplar village of the occupied Kalbajar region, Armenian special forces killed Azerbaijani citizen Hasan Hasanov (aged 36) and took Shahbaz Guliyev (aged 46) and Dilham Asgarov (aged 54) hostage. Following an expedited ‘judicial process’, the two surviving men were sentenced to 22 years and life, respectively.
Bryza – Obama should help strengthen trust between Aliyev and Sargsyan
Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan and former US Assistant Secretary for the South Caucasus, has indicated that the Madrid Principles remain the best option for resolving the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Speaking in an interview with the Bulletin of the Caucasus, he said: “I believe that the best option for a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was presented by the OSCE Minsk Group in the so-called Madrid Principles of November 2007.” Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, called on President Obama to intervene and play a role in healing the conflict
He continued: “The Madrid Principles concern the balance between the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act regarding the territorial integrity of states, self-determination and non-use of force.”
Mr Bryza called for a return of the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, establishment of an interim status for Nagorno-Karabakh, a referendum by residents on the final status of the region, the creation of a corridor linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, and for a peacekeeping mission. He also stressed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan should resolve their remaining differences, having restored mutual trust and faith in the fact that they are willing and able to agree on these important basic principles. Mr Bryza reflected: “The US President can and should play a role in this exercise towards strengthening the trust between his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts.”
US aid to Azerbaijan reaches $115m
Speaking to reporters in Baku, H.E. Robert Cekuta, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has revealed that the financial aid allocated by the US Senate Committee on Appropriations to assist the 875,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – the ongoing victims of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over
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Nagorno-Karabakh – has now reached the level of $115m (£73.7m). He continued: “I would like to say that the existence of this conflict is indeed a deplorable fact. The aid is an allowance merely aimed at people suffering from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Another
aspect is the direction in which James Warlick, US Co-Chair, OSCE Minsk Group, is working. He is very active in trying to bring together the two governments under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group in a bid to organise negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict.”
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Perspectives on the Mosaic Leadership Programme Personalities – AleksandrasConflict Brokas Nagorno-Karabakh
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France dismisses any recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh independence Official Paris has dismissed any possibility of recognising the illegal Armenian regime in the occupied Azerbaijani region of NagornoKarabakh. Thierry Mandon, Secretary of State under the French Minister for Higher Education and Research, representing the French government, categorically stated that France has not and will never recognise Nagorno-Karabakh, neither as an independent authority, nor as part of Armenia.
According to Azertac, the comments were made in response to a question from Senator Nathalie Goulet, Deputy Chair of the France–Caucasus Friendship Group and France–Azerbaijan Working Group in the French Senate in the wake of the visit to France by Bako Sahakyan, the so-called ‘President’ of the illegal occupying regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. Mr Mandon said: “France is an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair and plays the role of a mediator in resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We
do not recognise the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, and have no bilateral relations with this regime.”
In May, several French local communities signed so-called ‘charters of friendship’ with the occupying forces in the territories. Mr Mandon outlined the implications of this: “The signing of the ‘charters’ of friendship is illegal, according to Article L. 1115 in the Code of Local Communities. It is obvious that this step is contrary to the international obligations of France, which does not recognise the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.” He went on to assure Mrs Goulet that France remains fully committed towards the peaceful resolution of the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh. Mr Mandon concluded: “I would like to express my confidence that our relations with Armenia do not, and will never, affect the traditionally neutral position of France within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.”
Rubin rules out military solution
Speaking at the Brookings Institution think-tank in Washington D.C., Eric Rubin, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, commented that there never has, or can be, a military solution to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the Voice of America, he said the attention of the US is focused on achieving a fair, peaceful, lasting solution to the conflict. Mr Rubin continued: “There is no better solution – all the others are so terrible that they are not even worth considering. It’s time
Thierry Mandon, Secretary of State under the French minister for Higher Education and Research reiterated the French stance on the conflict
for the parties to reiterate their willingness and commitment towards achieving progress. This is not easy, and the parties have to make a certain choice to reach a solution. It’s hard for both parties, and that’s why we’ve not reached a settlement by now. “The US, along with the other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, is ready to do its utmost to establish lasting peace.” He went on to stress that the parties should refrain from violence, and continued: “We think it’s extremely important for the parties to refrain from aggravating the situation – avoiding incidents is a key issue.”
Occupied lands exceed Israeli landmass Lev Spivak, Director-General, Azerbaijan–Israel International Association (Aziz), has calculated that the Azerbaijani territory occupied by Armenia exceeds the landmass of Israel. The comments were made during a meeting in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) between the Israel–Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group and the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Diaspora. Avigdor Lieberman, former Israeli Foreign Minister; Chairman, Our Home: Israel Party; and Head, Aziz, chaired the meeting. It
Armenian drone destroyed On 29 July, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry revealed it had destroyed an unmanned Armenian drone near the occupied regions. The Ministry revealed that the DJI Inspire 1 drone, a commercial vehicle designed for aerial photography, had been destroyed whilst flying low over Azerbaijani positions and infiltrating Azerbaijani airspace.
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was attended by members of various parties, including Oded Ben Hur, Political Advisor to Knesset and H.E. Daniel Steve, newlyappointed Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Lieberman gave a comprehensive overview of Israeli–Azerbaijani relations, together with information about the geographical location and economic potential of Azerbaijan, and noted that Israel obtains 65 per cent of its oil from Azerbaijan. He also explained that Azerbaijani Jews have lived in an atmosphere of peace and tolerance for at least 1500 years.
Leading Italian newspaper writes on Karabakh The Italian newspaper Il Giornale has published an article about Azerbaijan, covering a variety of issues, including the development of the country, the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh and Italian–Azerbaijani bilateral relations. The article hails Azerbaijani military capabilities and describes the conflict as
‘the most painful wound’ in Azerbaijan, stating that the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The newspaper also dubs Baku as the ‘Dubai of the South Caucasus’, commenting that the city combines tradition with modernity, and features comments by Giampaolo Cutillo, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, who describes relations between the two countries as ‘strategic’.
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Personalities – Nargiz Aliyarova Nargiz Aliyarova interprets Chopin in a sensitive manner on her debut commercial album on the Belgian Etcetera label
Nargiz Aliyarova – Chopin: reset The Bakuvian pianist Nargiz Aliyarova graduated from the Bul-Bul Music School with a gold medal in 1986 and entered the Azerbaijan State Conservatoire named after Uzeyir Hajibeyov (now Baku Music Academy). As a result of her success as a student, she was awarded a Lenin Scholarship. In 1991, she graduated with Distinction, and studied for her Doctorate from 1991–93, having also begun teaching at the Academy in 1991. She has been a member of the Azerbaijan State Piano Trio since 2002. Nargiz has performed numerous concerts in Azerbaijan and across Europe, as a soloist, as a member of various chamber ensembles, and with chamber and symphonic orchestras. In order to develop her talent, she has attended many courses and masterclasses in Europe. In 2008, Nargiz attained second place in the Pietro Argento 11th International Competition in Italy, where she was declared as a laureate of the competition. The same year, she was acknowledged as an Honoured Artist of the Azerbaijani Republic. In 2012, the Azerbaijan Commission of High Attestation awarded Nargiz the rank of Professor. Nargiz has just issued her first commerciallyreleased album, entitled Nargiz Aliyarova plays Frédéric Chopin, on the Belgian label Etcetera. Neil Watson interrupted rehearsals for her latest concert to find out more: You studied at the Bul-Bul Music School and Baku Music Academy during the Soviet period. Was there a particular emphasis on Soviet music at this time? During my initial studies, this was known as Azerbaijan State Conservatoire, but it was changed to Baku Music Academy after I came to study for my doctorate. At this time, the tuition was very much of the Soviet/Russian model. In the early 20 th century, Uzeyir Hajibeyov synthesised Azerbaijani national music with the western classical tradition, and is generally recognised as the
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father of Azerbaijani classical music. He brought concepts from the conservatoires in Moscow and St Petersburg to Baku, and attracted some excellent teachers and professors from those cities. Azerbaijani musical education therefore started from a very high level. Throughout my musical education, the Soviet system was applied. Teachers and professors were relatively strict, and praise was hard to attract. I noticed the difference when I visited Germany for a summer course, and discovered that my teacher was consistently enthusiastic about my ability. I soon realised that she just had a different approach and knew how to encourage people. In fact, this is the main divergence between western and Soviet schools – the difference is not only musical. I now undertake teaching at The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA), where the teachers are mostly European, and constantly notice this alternative approach. Did you study all composers, or solely Russian and Azerbaijani music? We passed through a very academic programme, where we had to perform Bach for every academic examination, and our education was certainly not limited to Russian composers. We studied such composers as Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn, and learned the entire classical repertoire, including works from the schools of romanticism and impressionism, but we had a particularly good sense of Russian and Azerbaijani composers. There were no teachers from France or England – our teachers were the former students of Russian professors, our approach was purely Russian, and the standard was fortunately very high. Where have your performed during your career? I would be very happy to perform more frequently in Europe, but the issue has been that we do not really have musical managers
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Personalities – Nargiz Aliyarova in Azerbaijan. My European performances are normally because the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism has organised an event and I am invited to play. I have very rarely performed in Europe under any other circumstances. However, this is set to change – I have now signed a contract with a German manager, who will start working with me in August. I have previously given concerts in France, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, UK, Austria, Croatia, Russia, and many former Soviet republics. In Azerbaijan, there is no sense that we need musical managers. Azerbaijan is a comparatively small country, and there are few opportunities within the country in the classical field. Overseas concerts are currently rare occasions, but I hope that my decision to work with a European manager will change this. What was the focus of your two previous albums in 2009–10? My first album, produced in 2009, was a ‘live’ album from a concert. It was recorded in Azerbaijan, and the programme comprised Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 15, accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Teymur Geokchayev, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, together with the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fahraddin Kerimov. This was my first album, which was reproduced in Turkey, and had a very high-quality booklet and cover. My second album was also recorded in Azerbaijan, but the repertoire was entirely of pieces by Azerbaijani composers. I performed works by Qara Qarayev, Jovdat Hajiyev, Akshin Alizadeh, Franghiz Alizadeh, Vagif Mustafazadeh and Adelya Yusifova, which was also reproduced in Turkey. These albums were recorded at my suggestion, and were not marketed commercially. They are like a visiting card for those who attend my concerts and wish to hear more. However, I wanted to record a very high-quality album and self-
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financed a recording in Amsterdam at the best studio in the Netherlands. I soon made a connection with the Belgian label Etcetera, and offered them the album. They were very happy with the quality of the musicianship and the recording itself and said they would release the album. Etcetera distribute albums across the world, undertake promotion in an effective and professional manner, and have already sent copies to all the leading musical magazines, newspapers and radio stations. Etcetera will organise promotional concerts in Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, where I will perform some music from that album, alongside some Azerbaijani music to introduce Azerbaijani composers to western classical listeners. I am from a small country, and it is challenging to distribute Azerbaijani albums produced independently. My involvement with the Etcetera label makes this possible. I also sent my self-produced album of Azerbaijani music to Dirk De Greef, one of the A&R Managers at Etcetera. He indicated his appreciation of the repertoire, and asked if I would like to record an album of such music for his label. Many pianists record Chopin, but not so many perform Azerbaijani music, and this would be quite new in the western classical music market. The album will be recorded in September this year. I wish to include music from some young Azerbaijani composers, and am working on this at the present time. I am delighted that Etcetera will record the album, as it means it will be properly distributed and marketed. Your new album and award from the Polish government reflects your passion for the work of Chopin. What it is about Chopin’s melodic invention that led you to focus on his work? Chopin remains immensely popular amongst musicians and listeners alike, and I performed his work extensively during my
Nargiz reflects on the Azerbaijani repertoire that will form the basis of her second album on Etcetera
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Personalities – Nargiz Aliyarova
studies at Baku Music Academy. However, I really discovered Chopin for myself in 2010, when I was involved with commemoration concerts in Baku to celebrate the bicentenary of his birth. Chopin’s works previously seemed rather like salon music to me. However, I was very fortunate to perform in conjunction with the Janusz Prusinowski Trio, which specialises in Polish folk music. They wanted me to play some particular Mazurkas, Waltzes and Nocturnes, although they also permitted me to select from a list of possible programme items. It was very interesting – I would play one piece by Chopin, and the Trio would continue playing the same tune in the folk idiom. I was not previously aware that Chopin’s music was so indelibly rooted in folk music, and I gained a deep understanding of Chopin’s work. Previously, I thought his music was too sweet, but now I have such a clear sense that his music comes from deep within his soul and am absolutely confident about my own interpretation, as I feel his music very deeply. To me, it is no longer salon music, but is more like a variation on Polish folk music, which I now like very much. I feel I have discovered Chopin for the second time, and can see how his work related to the concept of Polish nationalism. During the same celebrations, I played alongside the Polish pianist Stanislav Deya, with whom I performed Chopin’s Rondo for Two Pianos, amongst many other pieces. How did you decide on the works by Chopin to include on the album? I have performed many pieces by Chopin, and know which come across best. All Chopin pieces are quite difficult and complicated, although the technical demands are not as challenging as some other composers. It can be difficult to make your own mark on Chopin. However, his works are not like those of Liszt or Rachmaninoff, which can be technically very complex. Sometimes listeners say I have brought something new or different to the music. I am absolutely confident about what I feel, and am absolutely free to give my own interpretation. Over the years, I have listened to many different pianists. I heard Vladimir Ashkenazy, Maurizio Pollini, and Evgeny Kissin, amongst others, and could admire their approach. However, I cannot say that any pianists really inspired me. Which musical institutions do you work at? I work at the Baku Music Academy, which is the only academy of
its level in Azerbaijan. I really love teaching – it has also served to develop my own performing skills, because it is necessary to repeat ideas and explain them very clearly to students. This also enables me to teach myself. My performing career has helped me, as I am able to provide instruction on aspects of stage presence and how to create atmosphere, when energy is reflected into the hall. In every concert, particularly in Baku, some audience members are being exposed to classical music for the first time. If you play to the hall, and connect with the audience, you can lead the people. You can create a wonderful atmosphere emanating from oneness with the audience. Live music is something very special – when I play on the stage, I want to feel that I have engaged the attention of every row in the auditorium. The stage can be a very interesting place, although it can sometimes become quite scary. It is particularly challenging to play with symphony orchestras – if something goes wrong for the soloist, the orchestra cannot wait. However, if you play alone, and something happens, you can find a way out. I sometimes feel very apprehensive before playing with symphony orchestras, but I would have to die before I stop playing. It is the fault of the performer if they are unable to attract and maintain the attention of the audience. I find that European audiences are more polite and attentive than in Baku, as I am performing European repertoire and they are more predisposed to appreciating such music. In Baku, there is a comparatively small audience for European classical music. Audiences mostly comprise colleagues and students, all of which have a high degree of musical expertise. However, it is difficult to play for them, as they know every note. On the other hand, the purpose of western audiences is to have an enjoyable evening of good music, although they do not necessarily have a developed understanding of musical theory and related topics. For me, it is more difficult to play in Baku, as the audience is more demanding – I consider that if the Baku audience greets me, I have achieved a high degree of musicianship. However, in Europe the people are ready to engage and be appreciative, and I never feel particularly nervous about performing there. I look forward to performing in concert halls around Europe in promotion of the Chopin album and, in due course, in support of my Azerbaijani music album.
Nargiz is about to embark on her album launch tour
To order a copy of the album Nargiz Aliyarova plays Frédéric Chopin, go to http://bit.ly/nargizchopincd.
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Business News
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Business Forum France–Azerbaijan–Turkey: Three Countries, One Partnership Around 100 business leaders, diplomats and professionals met in Baku on 6 July during the Business Forum France–Azerbaijan– Turkey: Three Countries, One Partnership. This provided them with the opportunity to share their knowledge on sustainable city development and agriculture and to learn about the prospects for co-operation in the Azerbaijani market. Hosted in the brand-new Boulevard Autograph Hotel facing the Caspian Sea, the Forum was organised by the Embassy of France in Azerbaijan, and sponsored by ENGIE and Thalès, in partnership with Business France, the Azerbaijani–Turkish Business Group, Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and TEAS. Teyba Guliyeva, Member of the Board of Directors, Azerbaijan– France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAF) and Regional Director, Société Générale bank, opened the Forum by informing the audience about the successful registration of the Chamber. She stated that its main goal was to contribute towards the development of Franco-Azerbaijani business relations, identifying the opportunities in both countries and assisting companies in finding the right partners. All Forum participants were invited to join the CCIAF as members from September 2015. Cengiz Gul, Chairman, Turkish–Azerbaijan Business Council, welcomed the audience by outlining a brief history of Turkish business development in Azerbaijan. He revealed that Azerbaijani– Turkish trade turnover in 2014 amounted to $4bn (£2.6bn), and this is expected to reach $10bn (£6.4bn) during the next few years. Turkey is currently the biggest external investor in the Azerbaijani non-oil sector. As the Forum focused on the concept of the ‘Sustainable City’, presentations by French, Azerbaijani and Turkish professionals were dedicated to Smart Cities, infrastructure and environment. Existing case studies and success stories, where French and Turkish companies co-operated with Azerbaijani partners, were outlined. French businesses at the forum included ENGIE (formerly GDF Suez), Thalès, Alstom, Bouygues Construction, Total, Schneider Electric, SUEZ-Environment, Systra, Areva, CNIM, Iveco Bus, and
The buzz of excitement in the forum hall was palpable
Smoove. Representatives from the Azerbaijani companies AzerSu, Akkord Construction, Baku Bus and Azersun gave presentations. The other Azerbaijani companies participating in the Forum were Azenco, Milla, Aztexnika, Aztikintiyol, AzTransportA Ltd., Pasha Construction, Shamkir Agropark, Synergy Group and Temiz Sheher. The forum included a roundtable focusing on agribusiness and the food industry, which included discussions between various French and Azerbaijani companies, including Azersun, Lactalis, BCDE, Gilan and the Synergy Group. Representatives from TEAS Turkey and TEAS France also participated in the Forum. Rena Rzaeva, Head of TEAS in Istanbul, gave a brief presentation on TEAS’ activities during the roundtable. A highlight was the presentation by H.E. Matthias Fekl, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Tourism Development and for France Overseas. Mr Fekl, who attended the closing ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the Forum and the participants. Stressing the importance of the private sector and its role in the country’s economy, he commented that the French Government would give full support towards the further development of projects and would be ready to adapt to the specific needs of the Azerbaijani marketplace. Rufat Mammedov, President, AZPROMO, closed the Forum by urging Azerbaijani companies to seek closer engagement with their French counterparts.
Baku International Sea Port seeks Belgian expertise The Baku International Sea Port has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two subsidiaries of the Belgian Port of Antwerp to provide consultancy and training to assist with expansion of the largest port in Azerbaijan. Agreements were signed with the Port of Antwerp International (PAI) and Antwerp Port Training Centre (APEC). Jan Blomme, CEO, PAI, commented: “This agreement is the direct result of a visit to Antwerp in May this year by Taleh Ziyadov, Director-General, Baku International Sea Port.” The two Belgian subsidiaries will supply training and provide assistance towards planning the new port and the associated logistics zone.
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Construction began in November 2010 and is being undertaken in three phases. The first phase will see the transhipment volume of the port expand to accommodate 10m tonnes, equating to 50,000 containers per year. During the second phase, this volume will be further increased to 17m tonnes, which equals 150,000 containers. Following completion of the third phase, annual volume should stand at 25m tonnes or 1m containers. The Baku International Sea Port is due to constitute an important step in the development of the New Silk Road – an overland trade route between China and Europe.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev opened the first phase of the ferry terminal at Baku International Sea Port in September 2014
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08 / 2015
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