Since the 20s of the last century, when jazz music, which was the result of the synthesis of African and European musical styles at the end of the 19th century, reached Armenia and began to spread thanks to our musicians and groups, it was already clear that Armenians will become a jazz-loving nation.
That is evidenced by the many groups and talented jazz artists active in those times and today, also in demand abroad in recent decades. For example, at the invitation of the Lebanese Jazz Association, Vahagn Hayrapetyan is also performing with New York jazz musicians. When it became known to the public that Jazmen is a candidate for the Yerevan Council of Elders, we heard opinions that this would hinder his career. On that occasion, the jazzman assured us.
“I am a free person and a touring musician, and if elected, I will first work so that the music playing on the streets of Yerevan is under the attention and control of the municipality.”
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Allaying some people’s worries that we will not see the jazzman on stage again, let us say that on October 5, jazz music will be played in the “Aram Khachatryan” concert hall with the participation of legends of the field; Levon Malkhasyan, Daniil Kramer (Russia) and Vahagn Hayrapetyan. In a conversation with us, the head of this project, Lusine Khachatryan, informed that the author of the idea of the upcoming evening is Shmavon Grigoryan, who is known to music lovers for his many works, including opera art in the regions, as well as in Artsakh and border zones, “Orchestra+,” “Concert in the Foyer,” “The fairy tale is calling,” opera art in educational centers, etc. She also announced the names of the coordinators: Hripsime Baghdasaryan, Ani Melkonyan, and Lia Harutyunyan.
Referring to the upcoming evening, our interlocutor considered it necessary to introduce the famous musicians in two words. “Legend Levon Malkhasyan founded Yerevan’s first jazz trio; he has performed on stage in more than 40 countries. By the decision of the International Jazz Association of New York, he received an official certificate to hold the jazz festival in Yerevan at a high level. Vahagn Hayrapetyan is the leader of the avant-garde jazz-rock group “Cats” and the figure of Armenian jazz that has been representing jazz at a high level for decades. Daniil Kramer is a laureate of many international competitions. It is said that even this musician’s character consists of jazz improvisations, and he spreads Russian jazz worldwide.
The other musician participating in the evening is a cellist and double bass player of “Malkhas” jazz group Nikoghayos Vardanyan, who has collaborated with such famous jazzmen as Michel Legrand, Chick Corea, Igor Butman, Daniil Kramer, Armen Donelyan, Arto Tunjboyajyan, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, and others. Drummer Arman Mnatsakanyan is also a desirable musician in Armenian jazz groups. He built a successful career at 25 and managed to perform with our and foreign stars.”
During the conversation, Lusine, talking about this project, emphasized with a smile, “Yerevan has never been so jazzy,” and informed that the upcoming jazz evening is included in the “Aram Khachatryan” concert hall, starting from September 15, by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia for the 15th time, in the program of the Yerevan International Music Festival. We will also state that International Jazz Day has been celebrated in Yerevan for decades, international festivals are held, famous jazz artists visit our country, our jazz musicians hold joint concerts with them, etc.
Samvel DANIELYAN
“Aravot” daily, 10.09.2023
