Azerbaijani Jazz Mesmerizes Berlin
On November 27, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany hosted a special cultural highlight: the concert program “Caspian Breeze in the North: Azerbaijani Jazz in Berlin” took place at the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Berlin. The evening was led by the world-renowned jazz musician Isfar Sarabski and his outstanding quartet.
The event attracted around 400 guests, including high-ranking representatives of German authorities, members of the Bundestag, ambassadors, scholars, cultural figures, and prominent media representatives. Members of the Azerbaijani, Turkish, and other communities living in Germany were also in attendance.
In his opening speech, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany, Nasimi Aghayev, provided an engaging insight into the origins and development of Azerbaijani jazz. He emphasized that the so-called "Jazz-Mugham" emerged in the 1950s in Baku—a city long known as a cultural crossroads and meeting point for diverse traditions. Jazz-Mugham combines the improvisational freedom of jazz with the deep, emotional tones of Mugham, creating a unique musical synthesis that masterfully blends tradition and innovation.
The ambassador particularly praised Isfar Sarabski, who not only continues this musical tradition but elevates it to new heights with his creative vision and distinctive style. His compositions are not merely a tribute to the past but also open up new horizons for the future. Sarabski skillfully merges the intricate nuances of Mugham with the boundless creativity of jazz, crafting a mesmerizing soundscape.
The subsequent concert program by the Isfar Sarabski Quartet showcased an impressive variety and truly captivated the audience. The musicians' virtuoso performances were met with prolonged applause and standing ovations—an unforgettable evening that highlighted the cultural brilliance of Azerbaijan in a remarkable way.
