Workshop and Concert at SOAS, 18 March, 2024

This was a stunning concert, with master musicians from Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Juraev on dotar, tanbur and sato, and Khurshed Ibrohimzoda on vocals and tanbur, performing excerpts from the Shashmaqom repertoire, plus a selection of instrumental pieces and new compositions. They were joined by dancer Madina Sabirova from the Tajik State Ensemble Zebo. 

Sirojiddin and Khurshed were both part of the Academy of Maqom based in Dushanbe, which was founded by the leading musician and researcher, Abduwali Abdurashidov in 2003, and was supported by the Aga Khan Music Initiative. The Academy introduced a systematic approach to Shashmaqom performance, research and creativity, and it nurtured a new generation of outstanding musicians, deeply versed in the tradition, among them Sirojiddin and Khurshed. Khurshed teaches in Tajikstan’s prestigious national conservatory, while Sirojiddin has enjoyed an international performing and recording career.

Photo credit to Aziz Isa Elkun.

Before the concert, both musicians joined a class in the SOAS Music Department to talk to the students about their music and demonstrate aspects of technique and style.

The artists were brought to London courtesy of the Tajikistan embassy in the UK.

Concert programme:
1. Bebokcha from Maqom Navo.
2. Cho’li Iroq, classical melody.
3. Nasrulloi from Maqom Buzurg.
4. Shahnozi Isfara, composer M. Soliev.
5. Tanovor, classical song with dance.
6. Ufar for tanbur, composer S. Juraev.
7. Furo’g’i Muhayyar from Maqom Iroq.
8. Qushtor and Zulf, folk tune and M. Soliev.
9. Furo’g’i savti ushshoq from Maqom Rost.
10. Chorzarb and folk songs.



 

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