BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. A presentation of an amazing project entitled "Opera and Fashion. 7 Beauties" has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, TurkicWorld reports.
During the event, the SULTAN COUTURE&Co brand harmoniously conveyed the idea of the unity of two leading art directions - music and fashion.
Opera and fashion have always danced hand in hand. Opera costumes often find their way into the fashion scene, while fashion trends waltz onto the opera stage. The event was a melting pot of Azerbaijani kelaghayi ornaments and national costume elements, beautifully woven into modern evening gowns by designer Orkhan Sultan. During the concert program, opera divas, pulling out all the stops with works by Azerbaijani and international classics, donned unique and original evening dresses that turned heads and stole the show. These dresses, crafted by Orkhan Sultan and drawing from the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani national attire, were decked out with jewels from the illustrious LEO PIZZO brand. In the foyer of the Heydar Aliyev Center, spectators were in for a real treat with an exhibition showcasing a cornucopia of outfits from SULTAN COUTURE.
The concert's repertoire was a melting pot of arias from operas, operettas, romances, and duets by Azerbaijani composers, mixed in with a dash of global masterpieces. On this day, the spotlight shone on the Heydar Aliyev Center, where vocalists, who have graced the world's premier opera stages, took center stage, performing their hearts out at renowned music venues: the soloists of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko. The Moscow Academic Musical Theater is a gem in the crown of the performing arts, where the stage comes alive with a symphony of talent and creativity. It's a place where dreams take flight and the magic of music dances in the air, captivating audiences from all walks of life. Anastasia Chernovolos, a shining star in the Azerbaijani arts scene, has rolled out the red carpet for Elnara Mammadova, a soloist from the Moscow Musical Theater "Helikon-Opera," who’s no stranger to the limelight.
Joining the ranks is Afag Abbasova, a true gem who has made waves on the Italian stage, along with the illustrious soloist from the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. This gathering is sure to be a match made in heaven! Zhalla Ismayilova, a shining star in the establishment of Uzbekistan's arts, has rolled out the red carpet for the soloist of the illustrious State Academic Mariinsky Theater of St. Petersburg and the famed Italian opera house "La Scala," Shirin Mamatova. Joining this talented ensemble are the international competition laureate Yana Melikayeva, along with the soloists of the Mariinsky Theater, Ekaterina Sannikova and Yulia Suleymanova. Not to be left out of the mix, the honored artist of Azerbaijan, Ramil Gasimov, will also grace the occasion as a special guest.
The artists hit the ground running with a performance that was backed by the Karabakh Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of the internationally recognized competition winner, Orkhan Hashimov.
The concert program wrapped up with the artists hitting all the right notes in a joint performance of the timeless tune "Azerbaijan" by Muslim Magomayev and the legendary "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi. The evening wrapped up with the audience's thunderous applause, leaving no stone unturned in their appreciation. The artists spilled the beans on their impressions.
"I am over the moon to have taken part in this enchanting concert, what a rollercoaster of emotions! For the first time, I took the plunge and performed the Azerbaijani aria 'Dilbar'. The music is a feast for the ears, and the language dances like a songbird on the breeze.
Taking the stage at the Heydar Aliyev Center was a real feather in my cap, and I’d jump at the chance to perform here time and again. I trust the audience had a whale of a time soaking up those vibrant emotions as well," Melikaeva said.
"One of my favorite places, Baku, is welcoming me back with open arms so that I can play on the magnificent stage of the Heydar Aliyev Center. A spectacular party for opera and fashionistas was born today, and it will be remembered for years to come," Chernovolos noted.
"Joining other famous singers on stage was an incredible honor. That it was my first performance back home, and that I loved it so much, makes me even happier. That would be great if I could receive another invitation," Ismayilova emphasized.
"The evening at the Heydar Aliyev Center was a real feather in the cap. The marriage of opera and fashion is the bread and butter for the promotion and growth of classical art and stage beauty. From my time treading the boards in Italy, I've learned that when it comes to stage costumes, brand involvement is the name of the game, and it really hits home with the audience.
The singing hits all the right notes, the storylines keep you on the edge of your seat, and the outfits are the icing on the cake, creating a truly delightful atmosphere! I trust this experience will find its way to our opera stage, bringing the house down in the process," Abbasova pointed out.
"I was thrilled to return home and attend such a great occasion. It's fun to combine opera and fashion to show your inventiveness and perform in lavish outfits. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible," Mammadova added.
