MUSIC DIPLOMACY

Alexandria Sultanzade is an American of Azerbaijani descent who has been living in the US for the last 25 years. The opera singer says: "My scientific work is devoted to the study of the voices of Azerbaijani khanandeh". Alexandria-Sevinj is not only an opera singer and researcher but also a representative of musical-cultural diplomacy. Sevinj came to her homeland, Baku, to continue her work. In her interview with R+, she explained why she had two names and how she moved to the US.

My birth name is Sevinj. My grandfather Hasan was very interested in ancient history and used to kindly call me Alexandria in the family circle. After his death, I decided to use this name in memory of my grandpa in my professional career. Since my school years, I have wished to devote myself to music. Thus, after graduating from the secondary school No. 23, I entered the preparatory courses on classical vocal under Khuraman Gasimova of the Azerbaijan Conservatory. After studying for a while in her studio, I received an invitation to study at the University of the Commonwealth of Virginia, where I obtained my bachelor degree. During my studies, I took part at the international opera competition in Rome, where I was awarded a cash prize, which allowed me to continue my studies in the United States. I also studied opera vocals at the Juilliard School, NY and Westminster Choir College of Raider University in Princeton. In 2013, I became a Master of Arts. And in 2014, at the international conference of musicology in London, UK I was recommended to defend my doctoral thesis on the topic of Azerbaijani khanandehs, since a similar research has never been done before.

Can you tell us about your famous great-grandfather "Kor Ahad", Ahad Farzali oglu Aliyev?

He was a renowned virtuoso of mugham, one of the developers of the Azerbaijani accordion. He was often invited to perform for the state radio with Muslim Magomaev, Sr., as well as Jabbar Garyagdy-oglu, Gurban Pirimov, Ahmed Bakikhanov, Zulfi Adigozalov. He was one of the founders of the ensemble of girls playing saz under the Philharmonic. He could play on saz and tar. Although he was blind, he has invented additional keys for the classical accordion to reproduce the mugham microtones.

Once I performed the Aria of Gulchohra from the operetta "Arshin mal alan" in the Uz. Hajibayov House Museum in Baku. My grandma told me that Uz. Hajibayov himself had invited her and his father, "Kor Ahad", to a tea party in this house. And it is deeply symbolic that I am performing this aria because Uz. Hajibayov had kindly invited Ahad to perform the famous terekeme at the end of the wedding party in the same operetta. During the decade in Moscow, Uzeyir Hajibeyov asked him to perform on his accordion in the operetta. Over the years, the grave of my great-grandfather was lost. I would very much like (it was also my grandmother's cherished dream) that a bust of Ahad was installed in his memory and his name was immortalized.

What memorable events have you had in the USA?

On October 18, 2012, during the ceremony dedicated to the Independence Day of Azerbaijan, I performed the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the USA in the center of New York, and after the official part, I sang Sari Gelin to the accompaniment of Jeffrey Wurbock (tar). Many high-ranking officials of Azerbaijan and the US attended the ceremony. And there were many other similar ceremonies when raising the Azerbaijani flag, in which I participated. I acted as a soloist with orchestras in the prestigious halls of Azerbaijan, Europe, Canada, USA, including the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington.

What is your goal in your scientific work?

To preserve the art of mugham, develop and improve the voice capabilities of all vocalists. And most importantly, such broad communication in art is necessary for the expansion of the bridge of musical and cultural diplomacy of Azerbaijan and the United States. Thanks to the rector of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Siyavush Kerimi, I got acquainted with some classes, as well as the famous khanandeh Aygun Bayramova.

What concerts do you remember?

Of course, the concerts and anniversaries of the world-famous composer, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Tofig Bakikhanov. We have been communicating for many years, our families have also been friends. I try to attend his concerts when I am in Baku. I also remember the concerts with the legendary Azerbaijani pianist Chingiz Sadikhov in the US and Canada, and many more.

We wish you success and good luck because you are doing a great job for your historical homeland.

I draw inspiration from large-scale works of the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, who is doing a lot to preserve our culture and mugham. I hope that my thesis will become a part of what every citizen of our country should do for the prosperity of our country. Thank her so much for this!