Conductor Performs at Family Home in Shusha

Why this is here: Mustafa Mehmandarov’s great-grandfather originated from Shusha, and he first performed in the city at the restored Mehmandarovs’ House Complex in 2023.

Mustafa Mehmandarov, conductor of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, performed at the Kharibulbul International Music Festival in Shusha, Azerbaijan. He first played in the city in 2023, at the restored Mehmandarovs’ House Complex, a site connected to his family history. The festival opened on May 14 with concerts planned across Shusha over two days.

Mehmandarov notes the festival honors fallen soldiers and ancestors while working to preserve Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage. He describes Shusha as sacred land and expressed a feeling of responsibility performing there. The Uzeyir Hajibeyli State Symphony Orchestra participated in a 2023 concert honoring the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev.

The festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, intends to foster intercultural dialogue and creative exchange. The article does not detail how many artists from different countries are participating this year. The festival continues with events planned for the following day.