Azerbaijani classical music (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan klassik musiqisi) includes a range of musical styles rooted in the traditions of Western or European classical music that European settlers brought to the country from the 20th century and onwards.[1]
The professional classical music in Azerbaijan is associated with name of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov.[2]
In 1920, Azerbaijani classical music had undergone a renaissance and Baku Academy of Music was founded to give classical musicians the same support as folk musicians. After World War II, Fikret Amirov introduced a new genre called symphonic mugam. Amirov's symphonic mugams were based on classical folk pieces and were performed by many renowned symphony orchestras throughout the world, such as the Houston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski.[3]
In the present era, classical music in Azerbaijan must contend and co-exist with a dominant culture of popular music. Specialist music education at establishments such as the Asaf Zeynally Music School in Baku and Baku Academy of Music provide music teaching to classical musicians.
Modern day advocates of Western classical music in Azerbaijani include Farhad Badalbeyli, Fidan Gasimova and Franghiz Alizadeh.[4]
Azerbaijan is host to many major orchestras, festivals and venues. The Gabala International Music Festival and Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival have presented annual music programmes of international status since the early 21st century.[5] [6]