Buta festival fuses tar with Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra

(PRNewswire) -- The Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts is proud to announce the third concert in its programme "Discovering the Tar with Arslan Novrasli". 

The tar, Azerbaijan's unique national string instrument, will be in the hands of Caspian virtuoso Arslan Novrasli, who will show the instrument's versatility through traditional mugham solos, jazz and flamenco.

In the second half of the concert, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will accompany the tar to perform well known classics such as Vivaldi's Summer and Bach's Toccata und Fuge. Not only will this be a pleasure for the senses, but also a glimpse into the soul of the Land of Fire.

The 2014/15 Buta arts festival runs over five months and includes events across London showcasing everything from the ancient skills of Azerbaijani carpet making, the creativity of the country's contemporary photographers, the unmistakable sounds of our jazz musicians and the excitement of live performances in the medium of modern immersive theatre. 

The festival launched with a sell-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall, where Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli made a surprise appearance singing Time to Say Salam.

The festival also involves cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery and Louise Blouin Foundation, while performances at venues from the Barbican to Guildhall explore the full range of Azerbaijan's music from classical to contemporary. Throughout the festival, seven artists from the Yarat Contemporary Art Space will display their work in public locations across London.

Nasib Piriev, Buta Arts Centre Director, said "I am thrilled to bring the beauty and versatility of the tar to the London audience and combine it with the talents of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The musical fusion of the East and West will be unique and unforgettable."