Azerbaijan's living vocal treasure gives concert in France

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

One of the world’s truly gifted singers, Alim Qasimov and his daughter Farghana Qasimova gave a concert at Philharmonie De Paris in France, Azertac reported.

The French audience has been already familiar with the singer's charming voice for more than twenty years.

Alim and his daughter performed mughams, tasnifs and folk songs that carries the cultural and spiritual values of Azerbaijani people. The live concert showcased the profound beauty of the mugham tradition.

The concert was organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Paris in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and International Mugham Center.

Alim discovered the world of mugham as a child, when he began singing for his own enjoyment. He grew up in the town of Shamakhi, 100 km northwest of Baku. "I had no idea that I would become a singer," he remembers.

His powerful voice represents a move away from the traditional style of mugham. Qasimov recorded about nine albums, three of which are mugham albums with his daughter, Farghana.

The recipient of the international IMC/UNESCO Music Prize in 1999, Qasimov was called "one of the 20th century's greatest singers" by Folk Roots, who praised him for his "pure vocal excitement."

Qasimov has collaborated and performed with some of the world’s leading musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet and Jeff Buckley.

The musician gives concerts in the world’s most prestigious concert halls.  The magical voice won over audiences in Central Asia, the USA, Europe, and Japan.