دوستان.. امروز, 26 جولای ,

او در سال ۱۹۵۶ میلادی از کنسرواتوار دولتی حاجی بیگوف به عنوان آهنگساز فارغ التحصیل شد و در سال ۱۹۹۸ به اخذ لقب هنرمند خلق جمهوری آذربایجان نائل آمد.
Shafiga Akhundova, the first professional female author of an opera in the East and a legend of the Azerbaijani music history, passed away on July 26 at the age of 89.

Akhundova, who succeeded in opening a magnificent page in the Azerbaijani music art, creating a myriad of beautiful and valuable works, was buried in the second Alley of Honor after a three-hour farewell ceremony on July 27.

She was a composer with a broad range of creativity and her works have played an important role in the education and upbringing of the new generation in Azerbaijan.

Akhundova, who was born on January 21, 1924 in Sheki, a magnificent and historical town of Azerbaijan, devoted almost 70 years of her life to the culture and art of her home country.

It is interesting that the date of birth of this prominent composer coincided with the date of death of the USSR leader Vladimir Lenin. Therefore, her mother was a bit disappointed that her daughter was born just on the same day. Because on that day everyone went to a rally and left the newborn baby and her mother alone.

But how could her mother know that her little girl would become an outstanding composer and people's favorite artist in the future?

Shafiga was a lucky person, because her mother Zuleykha and elder sister Zumrud always supported her in her choice. Her mother loved to play the accordion and the family enjoyed listening to her. Shafiga's sister also played an important role on her way to composing.

At an early age her musical talent was obvious to the family, and especially when little Shafiga played the piano she made miracles happen. Music became an integral part of her life.

However, during those times, it was unusual for a woman to be engaged in music and to be a singer or a composer. Most of the people didn't accept this due to the stereotypes that were widespread at the time.

Therefore, her father didn't want his daughter to be a musician and was very dissatisfied with her choice. According to Shafiga Akhundova, he wanted to see her as a doctor. Her father was a very serious man and was not so addicted to music. Although they had a piano at home, he always kept it locked to prevent little Shafiga from playing it. He even had hidden his wife's accordion in order to make Shafiga forget music. Listening to music and even saying the word "music" was forbidden in their family.

But despite her father's dissatisfaction and all the troubles she was determined in her choice and after finishing school she submitted documents to the Conservatory and was admitted. Her composing skills rose to a professional level.
ادامه..................