Tokyo: This summer, Tokyo hosted a grand concert program titled 'Classical Music Beyond Time and Space: From Azerbaijan to the World,' featuring works by Azerbaijani, Japanese, and European composers. Azerbaijani pianist Gulnara Safarova organized the event, curated the program, and performed as a soloist. The musician shared her impressions of the event in an interview with Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the concert attracted more than 600 people, mostly Japanese nationals, as well as foreign residents living in Japan and members of the diplomatic corps. The concert was supported primarily by Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Japan, the Zama International Association, Zen-ON Music, as well as Kawai, one of Japan's largest music companies, provided advertising support for the concert. Support was also received from classical music enthusiasts who attend the concerts annually.
The concert featured a chamber ensemble conducted by Kenta Minowa, as well as a young award-winning pianist who became the first performer of Azerbaijani piano music for children in Japan. Alongside Gulnara Safarova, the concert's soloists included Japanese pianist Kosuke Nara, a graduate of the Brussels Conservatory, and vocalist Taisho Kato, a trainee at the Milan Conservatory.
According to Safarova, the concert program consisted of three parts. The first part featured music from her first Asian album with works by Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev. The CD was released with the support of Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The second part of the concert explored Western and Eastern European classical music, featuring works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Fran§aix, and Tosti. The third part brought the audience back to Azerbaijani music, combining it with works by Japanese composers Rentaro Taki, Kozaburo Hirai, Yasuhiro Kasamatsu, and others. This section primarily featured vocal music, including Farhad Badalbeyli's 'Ave Maria,' as well as the premiere performance of Fikret Amirov's song 'My Flower' ('Glm'). A choir also delivered a remarkable performance during the concert.
The Azerbaijani musician said that the audience greatly appreciated the concert. The questionnaires completed by the audience contained numerous congratulations and warm regards. All the participants, including the performers, the host, and the support team, worked hard to create a grand and wonderful celebration of music. Additionally, a small photo exhibition was organized in the foyer of the concert hall, displaying photographs from past and present musical activities in Japan, including concerts, charitable work, and other initiatives.
Safarova emphasized that Azerbaijanis living abroad view the promotion of Azerbaijani music, an important pillar of their centuries-old national culture, as a crucial mission. She noted the challenges of starting new endeavors in a country like Japan, where little was known about Azerbaijan and its culture. However, she expressed gratitude for the support of Japanese musicians, leading Japanese music and book publishers, and classical music enthusiasts.
In January 2025, Gulnara Safarova was awarded a medal by Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora for her contribution to promoting Azerbaijani music in Japan.