Today marks the 102nd birth anniversary of people's artist Shafiga Akhundova

January 21 marks the 102nd birth anniversary of the outstanding composer, People's Artist, and recipient of the "Shohrat" order, Shafiga Akhundova.

BAKU.WS reminds that Shafiga Akhundova was born on January 21, 1924 in the city of Sheki. She graduated from high school in Baku, studied at the Asaf Zeynalli Baku Music College, and in 1956 graduated from the Azerbaijan State Conservatory named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, receiving higher music education with a specialization in "Music Theory and Composition".

Being a member of the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan since 1943, Sh. Akhundova, along with her professional activities, worked at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater from 1943-1945, and taught at the Azerbaijan Institute of Arts from 1956-1989.

In 1972, she wrote the opera "The Bride's Rock" based on the story of the same name by Suleiman Rahimov. This was the first opera in the East written by a woman. In 1973, Shafiga Akhundova was awarded the title of Honored Art Worker of the Azerbaijan SSR, and in 1998 - People's Artist of Azerbaijan. In 2004, the composer was awarded the "Shohrat" order.

Sh. Akhundova's rich body of work includes the operetta "Our Home, Our Secret," suites for large symphony orchestra, choral works, "Aydin," "Why Do You Live?," "Tiger Tale," "Birthday" and other children's performances, hundreds of songs and romances. She wrote songs to the lyrics of Suleiman Rustam, Nabi Khazri, Bakhtiyar Vahabzade, Ziver Agayeva, Nariman Hasanzade, Mustafa Iskenderzade, Rukhsara Ibadova, Masuma Aliyeva, Pasha Galbinur and others.

Her work, which is an example of true service to art and the people, played an important role in educating young people in the spirit of respect for national and spiritual values and in the formation of their musical taste.

Shafiga Akhundova died on July 26, 2013, and was buried at the Alley of Honor in Baku.