May 28th, 2023 – “The symphony orchestral performance featuring the conductor Farkhad Khudyev and his extraordinary guest Mugham singer Alim Qasimov (Gasimov), a national living treasure of Azerbaijan, was sold out on March 25. Imamyar Hasanov on kamancha, Natig Shirinov on naghara, with Laman Hendricks, dancer, and the incredible University of Texas Symphony Orchestra at Austin. People from around the world flew in for this once-in-a-lifetime performance.” (Sun News Austin, 2023)

“The use of the “mugham recitativo” was a completely new and unique idea, never used in symphonic literature before. The work included various interludes allowing the soloists to insert their magnificent performance. The audience was fascinated by the bewitching sounds and lyricism of the Kamancha (ancient/traditional string instrument), the virtuosic technique and dynamic range of the Naghara (ancient/traditional percussion instrument), the lively nuances of the Khanende’s (mugham singer) singing, and the graceful dance movements of the dancer. Ultimately, with the help of harp, celeste and strings, the composer immersed the listeners in the atmospheric “sounds of eternity.” (AAMF, 2023)

Watch the astounding World Premiere performance here: