A memorial concert in honor of one of the best jazz pianists and composers in the world Vagif Mustafa was held in London's Westminster Central Hall on December 16th.
It is timed to the 40th anniversary of the death of the maestro and held during the festival of Azerbaijani art "Buta".
Vagif Mustafazadeh successfully fused the traditional song of Azerbaijan – mugham – with contemporary jazz, and this memorial concert, part of the Buta Festival of Azebaijani arts traces the story of his life and work. It fell on the 40th anniversary of his untimely death and pays tribute to his work both as composer and pianist.
Nasib Piriev, Buta Arts Centre Director, said “It is a privilege to be able to pay tribute the life and music of Vagif by hosting this concert as part of our celebration of the artists of Azerbaijan. It is a particular honour to have Vagif’s daughter Aziza performing at this memorial concert as we celebrate his music and the impact he has had on a generation of musicians.”
The evening included performances from Georgian jazz singer and composer, Nino Katamadze, bassist Tamaz Kurashvili who performed with Vagif in the 60s and 70s, renowned Russian saxophonist and bandleader Igor Butman and Vagif’s daughter, Aziza, who has followed in her father’s footsteps proving herself as a world class pianist. They were accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Over the next 5 months the2014/15 Buta Arts Festival in London will be showcasing everything from the ancient skills of Azerbaijani carpet making to the creativity of the country’s contemporary photographers, the unmistakable sounds of its jazz musicians and the excitement of live performances in the medium of modern immersive theatre.
In addition to the exciting musical schedule, the festival also involves cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery and Louise Blouin Foundation and artists from the Yarat Contemporary Art Space will display their work in public locations across London.
Culture
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