Imamyar With His Music Takes the Message of Peace and Love to College Campuses In the USA
Attending Imamyar’s Azerbaijani lecture concert was a memorable experience that excelled in musical entertainment. It was a journey into the heart of Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage, where the harmonious blend of traditional instruments and soul-stirring melodies created an atmosphere of delight. The concert not only showcased the remarkable talent of the musician but also served as a gateway to the profound cultural depth and historical resonance surrounded in Azerbaijani music. Leaving the concert, I couldn't help but carry with me a deep appreciation for the artistry, traditions, and vibrant spirit of Azerbaijan, making this musical experience not just a performance but a cultural immersion that will stay in my memories for years to come.
~ Regina
What I liked most about the concert was the guest, Mr. Imamyar Hasanov. The way he played the
Kamancha was amazing. I love the way he got lost in the music and he seemed to be in another world as he wowed us with the beautiful sounds that came from the instrument. I also enjoyed the pieces that Mr. Hasanov played as Mr. K. recited the poetry and played the drum. It was interesting to learn about the way the Kamancha was made, how long it has been around and the different changes that have been made to it. I found it fascinating how horsehair and steel, along with the other parts of the instrument, could make such lovely music.
~ Candece
Imamyar played the Kamancha with everything in him, as he played, he was elevated and meditating deeply. If you look at his face, just as he encouraged us to feelings emanating from the sounds will completely overwhelm you. He played a piece demonstrating the current war situation between Israel and Hamas. One could feel the pain and agony of the war through the music and his facial expressions.
Dr. Khosrowshahi and Immamyar did two or three recitals together which
represented their culture especially that of the Kurdish, Persian, and Turkish. We were
made to understand that they share a similar culture. It is important, as noted by Dr.
Khosrowshshi that when reciting one has to keep the originality of the language
because language is important. I learned that most artists use their music and poetry as
a means of protest, instead of going out on the streets to protest.
What I liked most about the concert was the artist and the art of playing the
instrument. He is so skillful and plays every note perfectly. When he started to play theKamancha he played it meditatively, and we learned that everything he played was his
improvisation. I got to learn about the country and some cultures of Azerbaijani. This is
the first time I have heard of it. I liked the last entertainment song the artist and Dr.
Khosrowshahi played together. The concert was indeed educational, I gained
information about two musical instruments, the handheld drum, and the Kamancha. I
also got to see a master artist play live. I also learned the importance of music in
everyday life, especially as a political tool for protests, freedom, inequality, and
oppression.
~ Thomas
Imamyar was incredibly talented. He took you on an emotional journey with deep solemn notes and rising crescendo at rapid speed to call you to action. It was incredible to find out he was improvising. My Professor speaks several languages and his words were fluid, as a song. He did later sing for us, explaining how the poems were often experienced in the Middle East. I rarely get to experience diversity in my daily life so this experience felt expansive, the Azerbaijan Lecture and Concert was a wonderful experience I am thankful to have attended. With beautiful music and passionate spoken word, the evening was one to remember. I was fortunate enough to be able to bring my 9-week-old daughter. She loves music and she listened wide-eyed for the closing portion of the performance. I often play her relaxing music to go to sleep, yet during this concert, she was engaged and appeared curious about what she was hearing. I feel this experience was wonderful for her and will inspire rapid neuron development. Unfortunately, when I tried to tuck her back into her wrap, she got angry with me and started to cry. I laugh now looking back, knowing she was having a great time listening to the music. We had a beautiful bonding experience. Ilook forward to telling her about it when she gets older.
~ Emily
The first song titled "Girdim Yarin Baghchsina". This presentation was incredible; as I listened to the artist, I could sense the serenity the musician's instrument produced. Imamyar's presentation on "Gara Qashin Vasmasi" was the second. After starting out quietly, the music progressively picked in speed until it ended peacefully again. As I listened to the song, I could feel every note's beat. The Kamancha instrument demonstrates the depth and impact of music. One could still feel the richness of the instrumentation even without a vocalist to enhance the song's depth. The subject of the third presentation, "Crossroad of Cultures" was a man telling a female he loves her which was a poetry duet with Imamyar and Dr. K.
The presentation that got my interest most was the fourth presentation, "Effects of War". The performer gently introduced the music, illustrating how a location or nation may be without chaos. The tune then gradually shifts to one of tension, confusion, and terror. At the time, I could only fathom the mayhem and terror that war causes in a country. At the end of the song, the performer went back to the first gentle note.
~ Daniel