Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Muslim Magomayev's Cultural and Musical Heritage Foundation has recently announced a song contest named after the prominent singer.

Young talents Mahir Tagizadeh and Islama Abdullayeva will represent Azerbaijan at the 6th Muslim Magomaev International Vocalists Contest.

The order of performances in the first round has been determined. Islama Abdullayeva will perform third, while Mahir Tagizadeh is fifth in the line.

Mahir Tagizadeh and Islama Abdullayeva have shared their thoughts about the music contest.

Both contest participants are extremely proud to represent Azerbaijan at such a large-scale project.

For Mahir Tagizadeh, it is a great honor to represent Azerbaijan at an international level.

Islama Abdullayeva believes that the secret of success lies in soulful performance.

The final night of the 6th Muslim Magomaev International Vocalists Contest will take place in the Crocus City Hall on April 24. The audience is invited to enjoy classical works and pop songs once performed by the legendary singer.

The music competition is open for professional singers (20-35 years old), alumni of specialized music education institutions or undergraduates of musical institutes and colleges.

Opera singers, stars of popular music, music theatre conductors and stage directors and representatives of international production companies have been invited to join the jury panel.

Muslim Magomayev made a great contribution to Azerbaijani music. His creative activity occupies a special place in the country’s music history.

The idol of millions became famous around the USSR at the age of 19 after a stellar performance at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. He became known in Europe after a successful performance at the Youth Festival in Helsinki, Finland.

A very important stage in mastering his vocals skills even further was his training in the La Scala Opera Theatre in Milan. Muslim's stay in Italy – a country of innumerable art treasures and the home of bel canto – in the 1960s was not only beneficial for his singing but also affected his inner world.

At the age of 30, Magomayev was one of the youngest recipients of the highest artistic title, People's Artist of the USSR. He also received numerous awards for his contribution to opera and popular music in the Soviet Union.

The legendary singer also wrote songs, film soundtracks and music for theatre performances. In addition, he played in films and acted as a host in television and radio broadcasts. He also loved to paint pictures but called it his hobby.

In his later life, Magomayev struggled with a serious heart condition. In 1998, Magomayev officially ended his musical career and gave only a few performances together with his wife.

One of the greatest singers of the 20th century died of heart failure in Moscow on October 25, 2008, and was laid to rest in Baku.

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