Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble named after Fikrat Amirov

Honored collective named after Fikrat Amirov Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble

In 1931, Uzeyir Hajibeyli created the first orchestra of folk musical instruments played with notes in Azerbaijan. The members of that orchestra were Said Rustamov, Aliovsat Sadigov, Bahram Mansurov, Khosrov Malikov, Gilman Salahov and others. The orchestra consisted of 2 balaban, 2 tar, 2 kamanchas, 1 tambourine, 1 drum. In 1936, under the leadership of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the "Song and Dance Ensemble" was created at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic. Uzeyir Hajibeyli appointed his assistant conductor, choirmaster, and kamancha player Gilman Salahov as the artistic director of that ensemble. In 1938, the "Song and Dance Ensemble" led by Gilman Salahov also performed at the 10-day Culture and Art Festival of the Republic of Azerbaijan held in Moscow. After these successful performances, the ensemble was given State Status and named the "Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble".
At various times, the collective was led by composers Said Rustamov, Jahangir Jahangirov, Vasif Adigozalov, Haji Khanmammadov, Telman Hajiyev and Ramiz Mirishli, in addition to Uzeyir Hajibeyov.
The choreographic group of the ensemble included Amina Dilbazi, Tutu Hamidova, Boyukaga Mammadov, Roza Jalilova, Aliya Ramazanova, Afag Malikova, Kamil Dadashov, Alikram Aslanov, Nadir Mammadov and other dance masters.
The repertoire of the ensemble consists of songs and dances of the peoples of Azerbaijan and the world, as well as choral works.
Since January 2000, the Azerbaijan State Folk Musical Instruments have been operating under the ensemble.
The artistic director and conductor of the song and dance ensemble is Agaverdi Pashayev.
In 1958, it was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Collective".