In October, the “Tsirani Tsar- Apricot Tree” Choir composed of Dutch people will perform concerts in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Etchmiadzin.
A unique concert awaits the Armenian audience soon. The ” Tsirani Tsar -Apricot Tree” four-voice Choir, formed in Holland, consisting mainly of Dutch people, will perform a charity concert in the autumn, on October 16, at the “Arno Babajanyan” concert hall in Yerevan. There will also be concerts in Gyumri and Etchmiadzin. The works of Armenian composers Komitas, Vladilen Balyan, Khachatur Avetisyan, Gusan Sheram, Gusan Ashot, and others are included in the program. And how did the Dutch decide to sing in Armenian, tells the Artistic Director and Founder of the Choir, Singer Ruzanna Hakobyan.
Ruzanna graduated from the Yerevan State Conservatory, performed in European concerts, and has lived in Holland for 23 years, where she founded her piano school – Ruzanna Muziek Piano School. During these years, she collaborated with various orchestras and choirs in Holland, acting as a soloist. For example, the concert with the “Con Secuenza” Chamber Orchestra, which is very popular among classical music lovers in Holland, took place recently in a rather exciting format, during which the qanun, played a leading role in presenting famous classical works. The works of Armenian composers Khachatur Avetisyan and Manvel Beglaryan were also played.
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Ruzanna Hakobyan, as part of a quintet of Dutch musicians, regularly participates in various events organized by the RA Embassy in the Netherlands and in the events organized by the Armenian community in the Netherlands. When 2019, they came to Armenia with the Dutch “Slavuj” Choir for charity concerts, again performing the works of Armenian composers; the concerts were so successful that the conductor, Ivo Boswijk, suggested Ruzanna create a group that would sing only Armenian songs. A quintet of professional musicians accompanies the 25-member choir.
The band’s conductor, arranger, and guitarist is Ivo Boswijk, who graduated from the Alkmaar Conservatory and is the conductor of several ensembles, including Slavuj.
Conductor Ivo Boswijk
Named the group “Ruzanna”; they even have their website: www.tsiranitsar.nl. This group has already held several concerts in Holland; another one is planned for June 11 in Amsterdam. After the Armenian shows, they also prepare to perform concerts in other European countries. The group members do not speak Armenian but sing very well in Armenian.
Qanun performer Ruzanna Hakobyan- the Artistic Director of the “Tsirani Tsar” group
We asked Ruzanna what funds would be used to come to Armenia for concerts even more, so the concerts will be for charity. She said that the group members cover their expenses; they consider that they are making a cultural tour of an ancient and unique country full of culture, Armenia, during which they will also be helpful to that country with their concerts. “I hope that this time also, our concerts will be a great success, the cultural-cognitive visit of our group will pass at a high level, and the singers who are in love with Armenian music will also love Armenia. After all, each of the thirty members of the group, returning home, will tell his friends and relatives about what he saw and felt, thereby making them interested in Armenia as well.”
Melanya BARSEGHYAN
“Aravot” daily, 01.06.2023
