Sara Gadimova

Sara Gadimova (Azerbaijani: Sara Qədimova, 31 May 1922 – 12 May 2005) was an Azerbaijani khananda singer and People's Artist of Azerbaijan. Noted particularly for her dastgah performance, which excelled other female dastgah performances, she also sung Bayaty-Shiraz, Karabakh shikastasi and other mugham varieties.[1] Gadimova toured twenty two foreign countries. She was awarded the Sharaf Order and Shohrat Order.[1]

Life

Gadimova was born in Baku. Her father Babish hailed from the village of Gülablı, but settled in Baku. Having graduated from medical school, Gadimova entered the Baku Music Academy and completed studies there in 1941. Among her music mentors were Huseyngulu Sarabski, Khan Shushinski and Seyid Shushinski.[1] During World War II and Nagorno-Karabakh War, Gadimova performed patriotic songs for soldiers.[2] At the age of 22 Gadimova married Gadir Islamzadeh, who was older by 24 years. They eventually separated after eight years. In the 1950s Gadimova was already a popular singer.[3] In 1954 she was awarded the title of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan.[3]

Gadimova died after prolonged illness at the age of 82, having dreamed of performing Karabakh shikastasi in the Armenian-occupied Agdam District of Azerbaijan.[3]

Commemoration

On 30 May 2007 a commemorative plaque dedicated to Gadimova was unveiled on 27 Uzeyir Hajibayov Street in Baku, where she lived.[2]

References