Tofiq Bakıxanov, prominent Azerbaijani composer, passes away

The Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan has released an obituary following the death of People's Artist, prominent composer, pedagogue, and professor Tofiq Bakıxanov. He passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Bakıxanov was a highly influential figure in Azerbaijani music. His extensive body of work includes three ballets (“Khazar Ballad”, “Oriental Poem”, and “Good and Evil”), five symphonic mughams, eight symphonies, and approximately 100 songs and romances. He also co-composed music for three comedies and authored over 20 sonatas and various chamber works.

A dedicated educator, he served as a professor at the Baku Music Academy for over half a century, contributing significantly to the training of new generations of musicians. His career also included performing as a soloist with the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra and the Azerbaijan Radio Symphony Orchestra.