Aravot.am hosted conductor, Dean of Faculty of Vocals and Theory at Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas, Ruben Asatryan. Mr. Asatryan was concerned about the fact that some truly Armenia-devoted classical events taking place in the Diaspora throughout the past 30 years, gained the attention of American media and were neglected by Armenian media. Ruben Asatryan informed that lately Boston Pops orchestra, conducted by Kate Lockhart in Boston Symphony Hall, performed Edgar Hovhannisyan and Paruyr Sevak’s famous “Sardarapat” choral with her interpretation and Violin Concerto by Sibelius featuring American-Armenian violinist, Haig Hovsepian’s interpretation. “So-called Armenian Nights take place for the 67th time uninterruptedly, since 1952. For example, Tigran Mansuryan’s evening took place in the same hall in 2015. The founder and the sponsor of the project is “Friends of Armenian Culture Society” (FACS) organization. During the decades everything started prospering due to the vision of the leaders of this organization – Chairman of the Board, Keran Chobanian and Varant Hagopian, long-ruling President of the Board,” informed Mr Asatryan, adding, that: “FACS has a great input in propagating Armenian classical and folk music not only in the halls, but organizing radio and TV programs. It has presented rich Armenian cultural heritage by the names of Aram Khachaturian, soprano of Metropolitan Opera Lucine Amara, composer Alan Hovhaness, conductors Richard Yardumian, Ruben Grigorian and other famous names, by involving high-class musicians and collectives.”
Mr. Asatryan highlighted the name of Boston Pops orchestra in particular, which participated in Armenian Night, mentioning that it was founded in 1885.
Referring to the concert taken place lately, he said that it was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the First Republic of Armenia and “Sardarapat” battle. The event, which was attended not only by Armenian but also by a foreign audience, started with “Hayr Mer” (Our Father) Lord’s Prayer by Yekmalian.
“I was excited by knowing that the grandson of my Professor – famous violinist and teacher Anahit Tsitsikyan, Haig Hovsepian performed one of the most difficult international compositions, concerto by Sibelius. And most importantly, he was honored by the audience,” said Mr Asatryan.
Asked who had informed him about all of the aforementioned, Mr. Asatryan answered: “FACS President, Ara Arakelian, who had asked the conductor to transfer famous “Sardarapat” choral for the orchestra.”
SAMVEL DANIELYAN
See Haig Hovsepian in his performance with Boston Pops on the photograph.
