Says Italian violinist Francesca Dego
This year, on March 20-21, in Italy, The Verdi Trieste theater orchestra was conducted by Karen Durgaryan, the musical director and chief conductor of the National Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre after Al. Spendiaryan. The Italian press wrote was delighted lines about the Armenian conductor’s interpretation of Rachmaninov’s second symphony and Wolf-Ferrari’s Violin Concerto. Italian young violinist Francesca Dego performed as a soloist.
On returning to Armenia, Karen Durgaryan just told “Aravot” that he was fascinated by the artistry of the Italian violinist, especially noting that the 26-year-old musician began playing the violin at the age of 4, and started the career since he was 15 by Brahms concerto, and now he is already a welcomed guest to recognized orchestras and conductors. He also said that Francesca has been the youngest participant (16 years old) in the history of the prestigious contest named after Paganini in Italy who has won the admiration of the Jury. The conductor had promised that the Armenian audience can enjoy the play of the musician in April. And now, Francesca Dego is in Armenia. Together with the National Opera Orchestra under the conductor Karen Durgaryan, on April 11, he will perform the same concerto that was performed in March with Verdi Trieste theater orchestra and the Armenian conductor.
In the conversation with us, the violinist first mentioned that he is honored to be in Armenia in these days. “The Italian school curriculum long ago included the tragedy occurred to Armenians at the beginning of the last century, the genocide. I know that more than 20 states have admitted this fact. I wonder what are the others thinking…? By admitting and condemning the occurrence, it is possible to prevent the new ones, not to speak about the Genocide of Greeks and Assyrians. Of course, I understand that the countries that have not yet admitted have interests with Turkey … While, one should think globally … Recently, His Holiness Pope Francis will deliver a Mass at the St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Centennial,” informed the artist. He also added that he is by and large not familiar with the ancient Armenian culture, but studying in the Italian Conservatory, then taking lessons in the London “Royal College” from the renowned violinist and teacher Salvatore Accardo, he is familiar with Aram Khachaturian’s works and assured that in the future he will definitely perform the Armenian composer’s Violin Concerto. The violinist beginning his career at the age of 15, preventing the question of why he has not played Khachatryan until now, he said that the multi-busy schedule is “to be blame”.
During the conversation, there was a reference to the violin concerto conducted by Karen Durgaryan in Italy. The artist assured that the Verdi Trieste theater musicians spoke with delight about Durgaryan, by characterizing him as an extremely sensitive artist. “I was first introduced to the Armenian conductor’s art, years ago being present at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, where he was conducting Aram Khachaturian’s “Spartacus.” I have no words to say, it was just wonderful … To the point, I have not managed to tell Durgaryan that the Verdi Trieste theater orchestra is looking forward to his next visit,” said our interlocutor. To the inquiry about how the Government of Italy supports the young artists, the violinist answered with a smile, “Prior to making a career abroad and having managers in all the continents, I have not felt a particular attitude, now, the picture is different.”
Samvel DANIELYAN
In the Photo: Francesca Dego and Karen Durgaryan
