Frangiz Alizade, born in Baku in 1947, was trained as a pianist and composer at the conservatory in Baku by Gara Garayev, becoming her aspirant from 1973 to 1976. After successfully completing her studies, she taught, amongst other things, contemporary music and the history of orchestra styles at the said conservatory. Alizade‘s composing style is a unique synthesis of traditional Azerbaijani and modern western music. It is this contrast of styles that gives her compositions a vibrancy and dynamism. As a pianist, Alizade vigorously advocates the works of contemporary composers of the former Soviet Union and the works of the Second Viennese School.
Frangiz Alizade will be guest at the Basel Music Academy for a 4-day workshop focussing on "chamber music after 1950". She will conclude her visit with a portrait concert with accompaniment by, amongst others, the violoncellist Ivan Monighetti.