Meet Fuad Ibrahimov: The Maestro Behind the Success of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra

Fuad Ibrahimov, General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, shares his deep connection with Shusha, a city rich in cultural heritage and influential in his musical journey.

Fuad Ibrahimov, General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, shares his deep connection with Shusha, a city steeped in cultural heritage and a turning point in his musical journey. Ibrahimov, who is also the Chief Conductor of the Neue Philharmonie Munich and the Baku Chamber Orchestra, fondly recalls that he will be conducting the 2021 Khari Bulbul Music Festival in Shusha, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Shusha is a historic birthplace of the great Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. The city’s rich musical heritage, as well as Ibrahimov’s childhood experiences there, played a crucial role in his early musical formation. He fondly remembers the violin he received from the famous Azerbaijani composer Suleiman Aleskerov, a gift that marked the beginning of his musical journey.

Despite the challenges of war and displacement, Ibrahimov’s passion for music remained intact thanks to the unwavering support of his mother and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. This support allowed him to study in Germany and secure prestigious positions in major orchestras, realizing dreams he once thought impossible.

Participating in the 2024 edition of the Khari Bulbul Music Festival, Ibrahimov emphasizes the importance of the festival in bringing together musicians from all over the world and enriching the cultural life of Shusha. He expresses his pride in Shusha being chosen as the Youth Capital of 2024 and encourages young people to pursue their passions with love and honesty.