On September 11, 2022, the Jacobs School of Music hosted its one hundred-twelfth program of the 2022-23 season, a concert in honor of the late Dr. Aida Huseynova. Student performers collaborated with professors and faculty from the Jacobs School and the Department of Central Eurasian Studies to organize this heartfelt tribute. A dear friend and colleague of the IAUNRC, the Jacobs School, CEUS, and the IU community at large, Aida passed away in June 2022 following a long illness.
During the concert, Huseynova’s family, friends, students, and colleagues came together to share their memories and express their appreciation for her through words and music. The recital opened with selections from famous Azerbaijani composers, Vagif Sadikhov and Soltan Hacibeyov. Huseynova’s work with many different musical traditions across the world was expressed in the wide breadth of musical genres in the memorial concert. From traditional Chinese and Vietnamese music to improvisational performances using Eurasian overtone vocal techniques and selections from Uzeyir Hacibeyli’s famous opera, Layla and Majnun, the tribute reflected the musical and cultural communities which Huseynova worked with throughout her life.
Shahyar Daneshgar, a doctor of Central Eurasian Studies with extensive professional experience in promoting the languages and cultures of the Central Eurasian region, gave musical performances alongside former students of Huseynova. The recital honored Dr. Huseynova’s highest accomplishments as a scholar of music and culture as she helped to bring groups and musical traditions together in meaningful ways.
A recording of the full performance is available to view on YouTube.
An obituary for Dr. Huseynova can be found on the IAUNRC website.
Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies