FROM STAGE TO EPAULETTES

The honoured artist of Azerbaijan, Cahangir Qurbanov, is not only the leading soloist of the Opera and Ballet Theatre, but also head of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Interior Ministry, where he works as a soloist and conductor. In the four years of work at the theatre, he learnt almost the entire repertoire of Azerbaijani and foreign classics. Despite his busy schedule, he found time to tell R+ about himself, his work and family.

- When did you feel that your vocation was opera?

- I was born the eighth, youngest child in the family. I grew up in a non-musical family. My father was a military man and mother - a chemist. Although our ancestors are from Naxcivan, my family lived in Sumqayit, where I was born. Only one brother Yasar became a musician. He, like me, is a baritone, an honoured artist of the Naxcivan Autonomous Republic, and now works at the philharmonic of the city of Naxcivan. He graduated from the Faculty of Military Physical Education of Naxcivan State University. As a student, together with someone I've been friends with since three years, I decided to escape from the classes. And we got a golden opportunity - the teacher from the music department, Tahira xanim, looking for male voices for the choir, offered to listen to us. Many gladly agreed, including me and my friend. As a result, they kept only me with the words - you'll definitely be a soloist. This phrase became not only prophetic, but changed all my life. Tahira xanim worked with me for three years.

- Why did you decide to enter the conservatory?

- Later on the TV pop contest Yeni Ulduz, jury member Ruhangiz Qasimova liked me and introduced me to the composer and poet Eldar Hasanov. He played an important role in my career. I recorded four chanson albums with him. It was he who advised me to study at the conservatory.

- You started as a pop singer. Did you do it to quickly promote yourself and become popular?

- I've never even thought of it. Becoming a star isn't an end in itself for me, because stars light up quickly and go out just as quickly. To become a high-class artist - that's my objective. And that's what I'm working on. At the conservatory I was very lucky with the teacher. I was taught by the honoured artist of the republic, Professor Huseyn Aliyev. He's a teacher of all time. He has trained several generations of famous singers. I still visit him for practicing every second day. And at 83, he continues to work at the conservatory. It's my favourite teacher, and he brought me to the theatre.

- So, even such artists as you must practice every day?

- There are no specific recipes. I, for example, spend 20 minutes on practicing and two hours on singing with an accompanist.

- I wonder who you think is your idol.

- Among our countrymen, it's certainly the great Muslim Maqomayev, and among Europeans - it's Leo Nucci. It's a famous Italian opera singer (baritone).

- What's important to convey to the listener?

- The meaning of what you're singing about. To this end, I delve into the text and study the translation from a foreign language. And only then do I feel free on stage. And, of course, it's important to breathe correctly, work on diction and sing bel canto.

- What are your memorable days on stage?

- At the Ipek Yolu international festival in 2002, I won the Grand Prix. I also remembered my participation in the Yeni Ulduz televised pop contest in 2009, where I won first place. There was also a big concert in Berlin, where the fifth anniversary of the opening of the House of Azerbaijan was marked, as well as an evening in Almaty in memory of Muslim Maqomayev held in the beautiful Abay theatre.

- Does pop music get in the way of classics? They say that some teachers even ban their students from this kind of transformation.

- My teacher had a favourable attitude to my pop music and it doesn't get in the way. I just change my manner of performance.

- What opera shows are you busy with?

- "Koroglu", "Layla and Majnun", "Shah Ismayil", "Sevil" and "Anguish", "Elixir of Love", "Raincoat" and others, almost all the ones staged in our theatre. My latest role is the part of Hasan Xan in Uzeyir Hacibayov's opera "Koroglu". If you have noticed, in operas the protagonist is usually performed by the tenor, who is definitely followed by a baritone, a lower male voice. As a rule, it's the role of a father, boss or husband. I'm one of those creative people who are never satisfied with the work done and constantly strive for excellence, so I decided to continue my education in magistracy.

- Do you have a big family?

- I've got a daughter. She's 12 years old. She also sings, but dreams of becoming a doctor. I'd like to give her a good education.

- Would you be able to leave Azerbaijan, if there was a tempting offer to sing in any prestigious theatre?

- Never, I'm a patriot. I was born, studied and reached some heights here. I'd greatly miss my land. Our people need bright talented artists, and fortunately, we do have them. Take, for example, our Opera and Ballet Theatre.

- How often do you work in the Song and Dance Ensemble?

- Every day we have rehearsals, and twice a month we give concerts in different military units.

- How do you like to relax and what's your hobby?

- My holidays usually take place in the dark and quiet when I enjoy musical or dramatic performances at home. My hobby - I like to fish or hunt with friends.

- Your dream?

- Dreams don't come to an end, but change and continue over time. If before I dreamed of performing at the Opera and Ballet Theatre in Baku, now I'd like to try my hand on the famous stages of Europe.