This fall was full of music festivals. Yerevan hosted numerous interesting, prominent and world-famous musicians, thus granting a celebration to music lovers of different genres. Among those numerous festivals the “Contemporary Classics” Composers’ festival was unique. It seems like everything in the world is already thought out and executed, and hardly anything new can be created. However, “Contemporary Classics” festival is a new both in its idea, format, and scope in the field of classical music. This fascinating initiative was brought to life by the the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the European Foundation for Support of Culture, in partnership with the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.
On November 1-9, Yerevan brought together the legends of classical music of our time, mainly the composers Tigran Mansouryan, Krzysztof Penderecki, Qigang Chen, Alexander Tchaikovsky, Georgs Pelecis, Alexey Shor, Karl Jenkins. These are the authors whose pieces are in high demand in the world and are performed on the best stages by the most popular orchestras and soloists. Within the framework of concerts in Yerevan, these authors were greatly presented, an entire evening was devoted to each of them, and the concert program was chosen very thoroughly, summarizing their comprehensive musical background. The pieces of the world-famous composers were presented to the Armenian audience by no less famous soloists, particularly Yuri Bashmet, Gidon Kremer, Ingolf Wunder, Ning Feng and others.
During nine days Yerevan became a center thoroughly followed by the world of classical music. The highest marks for the festival have already been expressed. Russian composer Alexander Tchaikovsky confessed that he was thinking of “stealing” this idea and organising a similar musical fest in his homeland. Yuri Bashmet mentioned that he was pleasantly surprised and had not faced with such festival content during his musical career. Italian cellist Mario Brunello, who is known as an innovator and would not be surprised by innovations, emphasized that “Contemporary Classics” Composers’ festival is an important event not only for Armenia, but the world as well.
It is noteworthy that the festival is carried out in partnership with RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. The participants of the festival were hosted by the RA President and the Prime Minister. This means that the Government of the Republic of Armenia places great emphasis on classical music, preservation of traditions in this sphere, development and dissemination of classical music in the country.
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As they say, contemporary music is not easy to perceive, our ear is get accustomed to already known pieces. However, the “Contemporary Classics” festival has broken that stereotype, and concerts in Yerevan showed that the audience has listened to contemporary music with great interest and love, the premieres of most of the pieces were held in Yerevan. The overcrowded concert halls proved that the audience was eager to hear new music.
Hopefully, the “Contemporary Classics” festival will be on a continuous basis, and we shall have an opportunity to get acquainted with other composers and their art over the coming years.
Arpi Gabrielyan
