CULTURE
AZERI MUSIC IN THE NETHERLANDS
This coming October 20, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands and the Union of Azeri women will organize “Azerbaijan Day” to celebrate the Day of Rebirth of Azerbaijan. The Azeri diaspora will offer the Dutch people the opportunity to hear a concert featuring musician-composer Elhan Rzayev who will play national Azeri music. Mr. Rzayev, who has resided in the Netherlands since 2000, released his first and successful album “Friendship” in Baku in 1998. Presently, Elhan Rzayev is working on his second album “Hello Baku”, which contains the main song called “The home Land”. In addition to composing and recording, he also writes lyrics to music by famous Azeri composers such as Tofik Kuliyev, Emin Sabitoglu, Polad Bulbul oglu. Elhan Rzayev regulary gives solo concerts in various cities in the Netherlands. He is often joined by Dutch musicians when playing Azeri music interestingly, this includes Dutch female singer Maria Van Velzen who under Elhan’s guidance sings songs in Azeri. “Dutch musicians play Azeri music with pleasure”, says Elhan, “and the Dutch public appreciate Azeri music very much”. Consequently, Elhan Rzayev tries to familiarize the Dutch public with the rich Azeri musical culture.