The 2013 Azerbaijani representative was in Greece last week where he got the chance to meet up with Fokas Evangelinos. Fokas Evangelinos will be directing the staging of the 2013 Azerbaijani Eurovision entry Hold Me in Malmo.

Farid Mammadov’s quest for Eurovision glory started in earnest last week when the Azerbaijani singer got to work with famous Greek stage director Fokas Evangelinos. During the last few days, the combination of Farid’s hard work ethic and musical talent combined with Fokas’ creative genius, is expected to produce a very special presentation of the song Hold Me for the Eurovision stage in Malmo.

Farid’s determination to produce his best performance at the contest has been very much in evidence last week. Despite grueling daily sessions involving vocal and dance classes as well as gym workouts, Farid has continued to show a high level of professionalism and drive that has led to session’s continuing till late in the night.

Farid prepares his staging for Eurovision with Fokas Evangelinos

This dedication has impressed Fokas Evangelinos during their time together. Speaking of this Fokas said: “He is definitely a hard worker and talented singer. Farid listens to and takes note of all the comments he is given and really wants to show his best on the Eurovision stage. He is a very disciplined perfectionist. It’s a real pleasure to work with him.”

The way in which Hold Me will be presented at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo is being kept under tight wraps for the moment. Alluding to this Fokas said, There are a lot of things I can say about Farid’s performance on Eurovision stage but it’s not the right time to reveal any details. It will be very emotional and powerful.

Fokas has enjoyed considerable success as stage director at Eurovision. His credits include Greece’s only winning entry by Helena Paparizou in 2005, as well as unforgettable presentations by Ani Lorak  Ukraine(2008), Dima Bilan (Russia 2006, 2008) and Sakis Rouvas (Greece 2009) on the Eurovision stage. Turning his attention to the 2013 Azerbaijan song, this will present him with an opportunity to once again reacquaint his creative relationship with Hold Me composer Dimitrios Kontopoulos.

This is my first Eurovision in 4 years. When I heard the Hold Me demo version made by Dimitris, I felt something! Later when I saw Farid performing the song on stage everything clicked and I immediately got an idea for the staging. It’s a truly unique and very organic combination of the artist and the song, said Fokas

Farid Mammadov will represent Azerbaijan at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest with Hold me.  He will compete in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2.

Azerbaijan debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 and has won the event once,  in 2011 with Ell and Nikki’s Running scared.

Stay tuned to esctoday.com for the latest information on Azerbaijan and the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.