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Zeinab KhanlarovaSoviet, Azerbaijani lyric soprano singer, public figure
Date of Birth: 28.12.1936
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Zeynab Khanlarova's Early Life and Education
- Debut and Rise to Prominence
- Artistic Style and Repertoire
- Muğam and Opera Roles
- Public Life and Honors
- Personal Life and Legacy
Zeynab Khanlarova's Early Life and Education
Zeynab Khanlarovawas born on December 28, 1936, in Baku, Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. She was the youngest of five children born to Yahyi Khanlarov, an oil worker, and Perijahan Khanlarova, a housewife. From a young age, Zeynab's father instilled in her a love for Eastern poetry, an integral part of mughām, Azerbaijan's traditional folk music.
Zeynab participated in an artistic self-help group at the local Palace of Pioneers during her free time. She attended Baku School No. 161 and graduated from the Baku Pedagogical School named after M.A. Sabir in 1956.
During her pedagogy studies, Zeynab performed mughām at school events. In 1955, she sang "Azerbaijan Maradi," a traditional Azerbaijani song, with her school ensemble at the Philharmonic Hall. Her performance was praised by esteemed musicians Afrasiyab Badalbeyli, Jangir Jangirov, and Gambar Huseynli.
Debut and Rise to Prominence
Following their recommendations, Zeynab enrolled in the Asaf Zeynally Baku Music School in 1956, where she graduated in 1961. She received mughām training under renowned khanende Seid Shushinsky, who not only taught her music but also stage presence.
In 1960, Zeynab became the first woman to perform "Charyah," a mughām traditionally reserved for male singers. At Shushinsky's suggestion, she recorded the mughām, which remains in the Golden Fund of Azerbaijan Radio.
From 1961, Zeynab was invited to join the M. Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic as a soloist. She also performed at the M.F. Akhundov Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater. In 1975, she became the artistic director of the ensemble of folk instruments, which featured renowned musicians such as Veli Gadimov (clarinet), Avtandil Israfilov (accordion), and Sadikh Zarbaliyov (gosh naghara).
Artistic Style and Repertoire
Zeynab Khanlarova's artistic style was characterized by artistry and temperament. She often incorporated dance elements into her performances and was known for her use of roulades and gaynatma in her vocal renditions.
She excelled in the genre of estrada (pop music), where her repertoire included songs by renowned composers such as Tofik Guliyev, Arif Melikov, and Fikret Amirov. Zeynab also wrote her own songs, such as "Menim Urejim" and "Bes Ne Deyim."
She sang in various languages, including Russian, Armenian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, Georgian, Farsi, Pushtu, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Turkish.
Muğam and Opera Roles
Mughām held a special place in Zeynab Khanlarova's repertoire. She performed muğām such as "Charyah," "Mahur-Hindi," "Gatar," and "Shur" with great skill. On the opera stage of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater, she created memorable roles in U. Gadzhibekov's "Layla and Majnun" and "Asli and Kerem," M. Magomayev's "Shah Ismail," and Sh. Akhundova's "Bride Rock."
Public Life and Honors
Zeynab Khanlarova served as a deputy in the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR from 1985 and in the Milli Majlis (National Parliament) of Azerbaijan from 1995 onwards. She held various positions in the Culture Committee.
She received numerous awards and titles throughout her career, including the Order of Heydar Aliyev, the Order of Independence, the Order of Glory, and the Order of Friendship of Peoples. She was named a People's Artist of the USSR, Azerbaijan SSR, and Armenian SSR.
Personal Life and Legacy
Zeynab Khanlarova was married to Salim Babaev, who held leadership positions in the fishing industry. They had two sons, Ramin and Ramal.
In December 2019, Zeynab Khanlarova relocated to the United States, where she established the Zeynab Khanlarova Foundation to support charitable causes. Her decision to do so sparked controversy in Azerbaijan.
Zeynab Khanlarova remains a beloved and respected figure in Azerbaijan, renowned for her extraordinary musical talent, public service, and dedication to Azerbaijani culture.
