Tenor and composer Masis Arakelian, who resides in Berlin, will give a solo concert in Komitas Museum-Institute on June 10. The musician dedicates the concert to the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan’s establishment. During the interview with “Aravot”, the tenor informed that he will perform the works of Komitas, Schumann, and also some personal works. He referred to “Krunk” (crane) CD, which includes mainly Komitas’s works, tenor’s covers and personal works. The tenor said that he will try to deliver the program of the concert in Yerevan so as each work is perceived as the beautiful continuation of the former one. “By that I also want to show that each nation, people can perceive and deliver everything uniquely, and the music is universal, perceivable to all,” noted the interviewee, whose work and activities are aimed at raising the awareness of Armenian music and making it recognized throughout the world. He said that one of his favorite pieces of music is Aznavour’s “La Mama”, which he performs in Armenian.
Masis Arakelian speaks 4 languages, sings in 7 languages – Armenian, Persian, German, Italian and French encompassed. The musician, who was born in Iran and resides in Germany, believes that the conjunctions of civilizations and values give the people from the field of music other views and perceptions.
Within this context, speaking about one of his beloved and famous programs, “Krunk” (crane), he calls it a unique musical trip, where the the cultures of the East and the West enrich and complete each other with their splendor.
Masis Arakelian constantly gives concerts in different countries of the world, representing the covers of old and contemporary Armenian lyrical works through classical vocals and new sounds.
The singer was born in Isfahan to an Armenian family. At the age of eleven he started taking classes of church vocals to Movses Panossian. At the age of thirteen he won the first prize in Youth Theatrical Competition organized by the Ministry of Culture of Iran. Masis Arakelian founded and conducted the choir and orchestra of Armenian Community of Berlin, he is one of the founders of “Maguma” jazz band, conducts the children’s choir of “Gitelik” (knowledge) Sunday school.
Masis Arakelian came to “Aravot” edition together with Lilit Hakobyan, with whom they have founded “Gitelik” (knowledge). Lilit told us she teaches Armenian language and music there, however, they give the classes of maths in German. “We have an objective of involving foreigners in the environment of the Armenian school to give high level education and represent us abroad. We do not wish to isolate ourselves,” informed Lilit Hakobyan. She said that the aim of one of the five groups is to teach Armenian language to foreigners.
In the end of the interview, Masis Arakelian voiced about his wish that the Government of Armenia creates such a platform of trust that the representatives of different fields of Diaspora believe and participate in Armenia’s empowerment by doing their best and each bringing their contribution.
GOHAR HAKOBYAN
“Aravot”
01.06.2018
