The Azerbaijan National Conservatory (ANC), in conjunction with the “Voice Research” scientific laboratory of ANC and Azerbaijan Voice Organization LLC, is delighted to announce the forthcoming Round Table and Scientific-Practical Conference, titled “The Voice of Shusha – The Voice of Azerbaijan II, The Voice of Vocal-Instrumental Mugham Music”. This event, dedicated to Voice Day and celebrating Shusha’s designation as the “Youth Capital” in 2024, will convene on April 6-7, 2024. The Round Table will take place on April 6, at the “Garabagh” hotel in Shusha, Azerbaijan, commencing at 16:00 and concluding at 18:00. Following this, the scientific-practical conference is scheduled for April 7, also to be held at the conference hall of the “Garabagh” hotel, starting at 09:00 and concluding at 13:00. The Round Table and the Scientific-Practical Conference feature three main panels focusing on “Exploring the artistry of mugham singers (khanende) and their vocal craft: historical insights and modern interpretations”, “Young khanendes as successors of ancient mugham traditions”, “Vocal health and well-being of Azerbaijani mugham singers”. Within these panels, a diverse range of presentations and speakers offer insights into various aspects of these crucial themes, enriching the discourse and fostering a deeper understanding of vocal-instrumental mugham music’s cultural significance and contemporary relevance.

During the conference, attendees will be honored to receive a heartfelt video greeting from the esteemed world-renowned scientist Johan Sundberg, adding a prestigious dimension to the event. Esteemed scholars, practitioners, and artists affiliated with the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, along with prominent figures from the realm of academia and the performing arts of mugham, including renowned names such as Lala Huseynova, Alexandria Sultan von Bruseldorff, Mansum Ibrahimov, Fattah Khaliqzade, Sanubar Bagirova, Ramil Hashimli, Nazaket Teymurova, Gazanfar Abbasov, Fakhraddin Bakhshaliyev, Tayyar Bayramov, Fardin Mahammadzade, Sadaf Budagova, Gulzar Farajova, Ilhamiz Ismayilov, Ogtay Sharifov, and Aysel Fikret, will offer diverse perspectives and enriching discussions on the multifaceted themes explored. This occasion promises to be an enriching platform for engaging in insightful discussions and sharing valuable insights on the enduring significance of Shusha’s vocal heritage within the broader cultural and performing arts landscape of Azerbaijan.
Transitioning to the individual who conceived and organized this event, we turn our attention to Alexandria Sultan von Bruseldorff. Azerbaijani-American soprano, vocal pedagogue, and dedicated voice researcher, Alexandria serves as the driving force behind this endeavor. Her vision and leadership have brought together scholars, practitioners, and artists to explore the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani vocal traditions.
She is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the Azerbaijani National Conservatory (ANC). Since 2022, she has diligently served as the Head of the “Voice Research” scientific laboratory at the ANC, bringing a wealth of expertise and passion to her role. Additionally, she holds prestigious memberships with UNESCO’s International Council for Traditional Music and Dance (ICTMD), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), and The Voice Foundation. Demonstrating her commitment to fostering appreciation for Azerbaijani vocal traditions, she has curated a diverse array of workshops, seminars, concerts, conferences, and public speeches since 2016, which have been broadcast on national television and radio platforms in celebration of World Voice Day. Her tireless dedication to promoting voice research, vocal excellence, health and well-being, and cultural heritage embodies a true testament to her remarkable contributions to the field of vocal arts and beyond.