Guivami Rahimli, bp’s Senior Government Affairs Adviser and project manager of AIOC-supported events, shared with AZERTAC his heartfelt memories of one of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated voices, the People’s Artist Lutfiyar Imanov.

Legendary tenor Lutfiyar Imanov with Guivami Rahimli after his triumphant 1998 concert organized by AIOC

On December 12, 1994, the Azerbaijan Parliament - Milli Majlis - ratified an historical agreement that Azerbaijan signed with 11 major foreign oil companies from 7 countries after gaining its independence. It was Azerbaijan’s first major oil contract, known as “the Contract of the Century” - for joint development of the Chirag, Azeri and deep-water Gunashli oil fields in Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. That historic event led to the founding of the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC).

In December 1998, the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC), in partnership with SOCAR, marked its fourth anniversary with a very special gift to the community - a concert, featuring the legendary tenor Lutfiyar Imanov, People’s Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It was more than an anniversary celebration. It was a cultural statement.

Lutfiyar Imanov is best known for his most distinguished role - Koroghlu in Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s opera - a part that became one of the greatest accomplishments of Azerbaijan’s operatic stage. Following in the footsteps of the legendary opera singer Bulbul, and known for his warmth and wit, Imanov once recounted how critics questioned his readiness for such an iconic role. At one of the meetings with officials, he joked: “If a young artist dares to sing Koroghlu after Bulbul, doesn’t that make him crazy? Well, Koroghlu had 7,777 crazy followers - and yes, I am one of them!” His humour and passion for the role won the day, and he went on to perform it with unmatched emotional depth.

At the time, for reasons that puzzled and disappointed many official cultural institutions had not arranged concerts for Imanov - a voice that defined Azerbaijan’s operatic heritage.

Yet here he was, his powerful voice once again soaring above an audience, bringing to life the same passion and artistry that had earned him the title of People’s Artist of the USSR and international acclaim, reaffirming his status as one of the nation’s greatest performers.

From his unforgettable portrayal of Koroghlu to his interpretations of Verdi and Puccini, Imanov had long been a national treasure.

The concert, part of the AIOC/SOCAR Community Concert series, was more than an anniversary celebration - it was the revival of a cultural icon, a reminder that true artistry never fades, and a testament to the power of giving legendary voices the stage they deserve. It was a chance to witness a voice that had carried Azerbaijan’s musical heritage across continents, now performing on home soil in a setting that felt both intimate and historic.

In bringing Lutfiyar Imanov back to the stage, AIOC helped ensure that the legacy of one of Azerbaijan’s greatest artists continued to inspire, reminding everyone that culture flourishes when it is shared, supported, and celebrated.

The artist, long absent from official stages, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, warmly thanked the project manager Guivami Rahimli for bringing him back to his audience, calling it “one of the most special evenings” of his life.

Now looking back, I realize how truly fortunate I’ve been in life to cross paths with - and stand beside - legendary figures like Lutfiyar Imanov, whose greatness has left an indelible mark on Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.