Today is the birthday of People's Artist Agababa Bunyadzade.
Born on July 19, 1915 in Baku, he initially trained as a locksmith but soon turned to the stage. With a baritone voice, he performed in drama clubs and sang.
Following Uzeyir Hajibeyli's advice, he studied at the Gnessin Music School in Moscow. In 1940, he returned to Baku and took voice lessons at the Opera Studio. He began his career at the Opera and Ballet Theater.
He performed over 60 roles, including Nofel in "Leyli and Majnun" and Hasan Khan in "Koroglu." His performances were noted for their dramatic scope and psychological depth.
In 1967, he staged the opera "Shah Ismail." His role as Hasan Khan in "Koroglu" is considered his greatest achievement. He often recalled Hajibeyli's guidance with gratitude.
He toured extensively across the USSR and abroad, singing Escamillo in "Carmen" at the Sofia Opera. He was awarded the Lenin and Red Banner of Labor orders, and received the titles Honored Artist (1943) and People's Artist (1955).
Agababa Bunyadzade passed away on December 17, 1974 in Baku and was buried in the Second Alley of Honor.
