“Let Us Speak of You, Humay”: A Life Revived Through Music and Memories

A memorial evening titled “Let Us Speak of You, Humay” was held, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan National Conservatory and the Huma Quşu Educational Support Fund.

The event aimed to present the life and personality of Humay Quliyeva to a young audience as fully as possible. She was remembered as a global citizen with a rich spirit, sharp intellect, and a rare gift for connection. This was conveyed through a thoughtfully curated program that wove together personal memories, excerpts from Humay’s writings, songs dedicated to her, and both Azerbaijani and international music she loved to perform.

The program was attended by the leadership and faculty of the Conservatory, students, members of the Fund, Humay’s close relatives, friends, colleagues, and media representatives.

Speeches were delivered by the Rector of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Professor Kamilə Dadaşzadə, and the President of the Huma Quşu Educational Support Fund, Şəhla Vəzirova. The evening also featured performances titled “Singing with Humay” and “Remembering Humay,” along with a musical piece composed based on Humay’s writing and a video presentation prepared by the Conservatory.

The Huma Quşu Educational Support Fund expressed its sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory for their support, as well as to all contributors. These included People’s Artists of Azerbaijan Mənsum İbrahimov and Elçin Həşimov; Honored Artists of Azerbaijan Elnur Əhmədov and Emil Əfrasiyab; musicologist Şəfaqət Məmmədova; conservatory student vocalists Azər Çələbiani, Sevil Əsədullayeva, Araz İmanov, Aydan Salahova, and Ülkər Abdullayev; kamancha performer Reza Mohammadi; pianists Cəlal Səmədov and Honored Teacher Naibə Şahməmmədova; nagara performers Siyavuş Kərimov and Səyyar Teymurova; bass guitarist Kənan Sadıqov; composer Pikə Axundova and performers Nuray Hacızadə, Leyla Abdulrəhimova, and Fatimə Əlizadə; as well as all attendees who helped make the evening truly memorable.

Humay’s friends, Xumar Hüseynova and Leyla Cahangirova, along with representatives from BP and ICRC offices in various countries, including Kler Bebbington, Samir Hacımustaviç, Katerin Po, Silvia İzzo, Katia Gia Katerina, and Tanya Braun, also shared personal memories of Humay during the event.