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Alim Gasimov: I do not have concert in Baku because of my respect for Azerbaijani people

19 February 2007 13:08 (UTC +04:00)

Peopleâ€™s Artist Alim Gasimov interviewed by the APA in the eve of his 50th anniversary

-Why doesnâ€™t Alim Gasimov who had concerts in foreign countries for several times have concerts in Baku?
-We want to have concert in Azerbaijan, but not yet. If we prepare normal program, we will be able to gladden our mugham loving people in Azerbaijani. Generally I respect Azerbaijani people, that is why I do not have concert in Baku. Because I can sing without any preparations in foreign countries, no-one knows songs and the words of our mughams there, but in Azerbaijan we should renew our repertoire. I do not want to lose my audience here.
-Are satisfied with present situation of Azerbaijani culture?
-Our culture is on alarm today. The ones, who manage with this situation, will be remembered always.
-Some say that your style of singing differs from others. Do you deliberately do it?
-The person who is acquainted with this situation knows that to close eyes or to use gestures does not depend on us. Those gestures will not be natural, if I pretended.
-Why are you sitting on the ground?
-I have been asked this question in foreign countries too. Generally, I like to sit on the ground. I did it first time in my concert in Belgium. No seats were put there; they only prepared places for us to sit on the ground. And from that time we perform sit.
-Some people say that in your concerts abroad you said that you are not Azeriâ€¦
- Never.
-Why havenâ€™t you hanged our national flag in your concert hall?
-I have not thought about it. But the advertisements and placards write that I have come from Azerbaijan. No artist sang holding flag in his hand. This is a political issue.
-Are you satisfied with the grants that youâ€™re paid in foreign countries?
-I just thank God.
-Do you plan to establish Mugham School?
-As soon as we reconstruct the building, we will begin to work. I can not say anything about exact time. But I intend to continue working in music school named after Asef -Zeynalli.
-What about international mugham festival?
- I would like to hold this festival in Azerbaijan where the singers from various countries will take part. We need great amount of capital for it.
-What can you say about honorary titles?
-I am against of it. Real artist should not think about title.
-Are planning to go to foreign countries soon?
-We will go to US under leadership of Yo-Yo-Mann from March 4 to 18. /APA/