A solo concert by young singer Roya Aliyeva has been held as part of the project "Young Voices Speak to the Future" (Gənc səslər gələcəyə səslənir), organized within the 3rd Fidan Hajiyeva International Opera Festival. The concert took place at the Fidan Hajiyeva Vocal Music School and served as one of the festival's platforms for young performers to showcase their artistic abilities to a wider audience. Opening the evening, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Fidan Hajiyeva said that, for the first time in the country's history, a major classical arts festival would run for three months, from September 7 to December 7.
"For me, this festival is not simply a series of concerts. It is the result of many years of belief in a particular vision of art, my confidence in the future of Azerbaijani opera and my desire to support young talent," Hajiyeva said. She noted that "Young Voices Speak to the Future" is one of the festival's key projects this year, with the programme featuring a number of solo concerts by young singers, joint performances, vocal evenings and masterclasses.
The festival is dedicated to Hajiyeva's 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of her artistic career. Events are being held not only in Baku and different regions of Azerbaijan, but also abroad, including Paris, London, Milan and Minsk. Around 30 musical and cultural events are planned as part of the festival.
Particular attention has been given to the younger generation, with some events scheduled at leading higher education institutions across the country to give young audiences an opportunity to become more familiar with classical music and opera. The festival will conclude with the gala concert "Carmen. Half a Century of an Artist's Life" on December 7 at the Heydar Aliyev Palace.
Alongside music associated with one of the best-known figures in world opera, Carmen, the programme will feature works from Azerbaijani and international classical repertoire. The concert will be accompanied by the Niyazi State Symphony Orchestra conducted by People's Artist Yalchin Adigozalov. The participation of a renowned Spanish flamenco group will add a distinctive rhythm and character to the evening.
"My greatest wish is that we hear new names after this festival - that new soloists come onto the stage, find their audiences and become the artists who will shape the future of Azerbaijani opera," Hajiyeva added. At her solo concert, 21-year-old Roya Aliyeva demonstrated her versatility by performing works by Azerbaijani and international classical composers. In addition to vocal pieces, she also showcased her skills on the piano and violin.
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