Text of 1969:
The Baku Vocal Quartet "Gaya" was organized a few years ago. Its members were professional musicians: Teimur Mirzoyev and Arif Gadhziev studied at the choral and conductors' fakulty of Baku Musical School, Leo Yelisovetsky was a trumpet-player and Rauf Babayev graduated from the percussion instruments group of the Baku Conservatory.
The Quartet performance at the All-Union Soviet Song Competition (1966) was a great success, and it was awarded first prize. "Gaya" is a masterly ensemble indeed", wrote one of the judges, composer Yu. Milyutin, "the artistic and vocal skill of its members suit the most exacting tastes."
The Quartet's brilliant execution was awarded the gold medal at the International Variety and Jazz Music Competition (1968) which took place during the IX World Youth Festival in Sofia. "Gaya" concertizes in many cities and towns of the Soviet Union and abroad. Its repertory includes Azerbaijan, Soviet and foreign folk songs arranged by the Quartet members.
