Vali Mahammadaliyev has been conducting the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra since 2016.
There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard of Vali Mahammadaliyev, but there’s also a good chance that you’ve heard his music. Mahammadaliyev is the man behind many of the world’s most iconic pieces, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9. But how did Mahammadaliyev get to where he is today? And why do conductors call him madam?
Who is Vali Mahammadaliyev?
Vali Mahammadaliyev was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1967. He began studying piano at the age of seven and continued his studies at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory from 1984 to 1989. He then studied conducting at the Moscow Conservatory from 1992 to 1995 and has been conducting orchestras around the world ever since.
Mahammadaliyev’s Facebook page
How did Vali Mahammadalyiev become a conductor?
Mahammadalyiev has conducted many orchestras across Europe and Asia including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as well as orchestras in India, Japan, South Korea and China.
The composer has also worked with pop artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Cher.
He was appointed Music Director of Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra in 2016 following an open competition.
In 2018 he became an Honorary Citizen of Baku for his contribution to Azerbaijani culture.
