A concert in memory of Ilgam Shakirov “Kitmә, sandugach” took place in Kazan
A concert dedicated to the memory of the great Tatar singer, People's Artist of Russia and Tatarstan Ilgam Shakirov took place at the Tatar State Philharmonic named after Gabdulla Tukay. A series of events organized in honor of a legendary singer, whose songs personify an entire era of Tatar culture, is represented by the Vagapovsky Festival.
An evening of music called “Kitmә, sandugach” began with a video recording of Ilham Shakirov’s performance, which was presented to the audience on a large screen installed on the stage. After that, director of the Tatar Culture Development Fund named after Rashid Vagapov, producer and founder of the Vagapov Festival Rifat Fattakhov made a welcoming speech. He noted that a concert in memory of Ilham Shakirov was made possible thanks to the support of President of Tatarstan and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan.
“There was a period when it was said that the Vagapovsky festival ceased to exist, fortunately, thanks to the support of Ilgam Shakirov, we were able to save it,” R. Fattakhov shared his memories. He recalled that the legendary singer not only pleased the audience with his work, but was also a teacher for young performers of Tatar songs.
“Today’s concert, which is the project of the Vagapov festival, is our desire to say thanks to the great Ilham Shakirov,” R. Fattakhov said. According to him, in the auditorium that evening, among the invited guests were the nearest relatives of the singer - his brother and sister. The director of the Vagapovsky festival also said that concerts dedicated to the memory of Ilgam Shakirov will be held not only in Kazan, but also in other cities of Russia.
The guests of the festive concert were also have been welcomed by Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Akhmetov. He noted that a whole generation of people has grown up on the songs by Ilham Shakirov. The Tatar song performed by the legendary singer has found a new sound. He called to appreciate the performers of such a level who not only delight the audience with their talent, but also do everything possible to preserve and popularize the Tatar culture.
That evening, such hits of the singer were sung as “Kitmә, sandugach”, “Idel bui kaennary”, “Khushlashyrga asykma”, “Haman ista”, “Chulpan”, “Kara Urman”, “Sarman” performed by Idris Gaziev, Zainap Farkhetdinova and Zufar Bilalov, Zuhra Sharifullina, Ilgam Valiev, Rayaz Fasikhov, Rustem Asaev, Azat Vakhitov, Ruslan Sayfutdinov and the Premier group, Guzel Dinikeeva, Sirina Zainutdinova, Gulsiren Abdullina, Azat Abitabulov, Ranisa Gabazzova, Marat Yarullin, Artur Shugaepov and others. Instrumental accompaniment was presented by the Kazan Nury Orchestra.