The Composer’s Career: In Armenia and Beyond
Composer Hasmik Harutyunyan is a talented and versatile musician who has made a significant contribution both within Armenia and internationally. In Armenia, she has served as a lecturer and later as the deputy director at the State Musical College named after Romanos Melikian, and as a composition teacher at the Haykanush Danielyan Art School.
Harutyunyan’s works have received high acclaim from both professional circles and the general public. Notable compositions include a Piano Trio dedicated to the memory of Aram Khachaturian, commissioned by the Lilith Ensemble (Netherlands), “Seas” for duduk, commissioned by the renowned duduk player Jivan Gasparyan, “Acknowledge Your Own” for flute and piano, commissioned by North German Radio (NDR), and the Symphony “Underground.”
Her compositions have consistently achieved top rankings in national and international competitions, including the annual “Hungarian Fest Arena” in Budapest (2017 and 2018). Notably, in 2017, the jury was chaired by Krzysztof Penderecki, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Her works have also earned leading positions at the “Paris Bridges” competition (2015, 2023) and the “Renaissance” international competition (2012, 2016), among others.
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Since 2023, Harutyunyan has been working as a composition teacher at the International Music School (now known as Crescendo)” in Glendale USA, where she also composes pieces for the school’s choir. Living and working in the USA, she is actively presenting Armenian musical culture on the international stage. She has frequently served as a juror in internationally recognized competitions.
“Working and creating in America has opened up new opportunities for me. It is an interesting challenge to express oneself in different environments. Each environment has its own taste and value system, and I strive to find my harmony within that diversity,” Harutyunyan remarked in an interview with “Aravot”.
She reflected on her participation in various events commemorating Komitas last year. She noted that in one event, musicians from different nations were involved, each presenting their own cultural elements, while the Armenian component was blended with electronic music, resulting in an intriguing interpretation. “The project allowed us to experience the blending of cultures, and it was warmly received at various concerts. We also held a concert titled “Bell Tolls Of Komitas” at the St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, where I was responsible for the arrangements, and the concert was conducted by tenor and Honored Artist of Armenia, Berj Karazian.”
As a composer working across various genres, Harutyunyan has a special affinity for children’s and youth songs. She was asked whether it is challenging to compose for children. According to her, children should perform and listen to works specifically written for them; the essence of childhood should come through their voices. She elaborated that composing for children is more challenging because the composer must penetrate their inner world and view the world through their eyes.
“In Armenia, I collaborated with the ‘Arevik’ (now ‘Arevner’) children’s and youth ensemble led by Armen Divanyan (currently Arpine Hovhannisyan). It was Armen Divanyan’s idea to organize a televised festival where songs specifically for children would be written, with the slogan ‘Write Songs for Us.’ As a result, many songs were created during this festival, and I participated in numerous competitions and won awards. My collaboration with ‘Arevner’ continues to this day, and my songs have been performed in around 10 countries, earning awards and high acclaim, notably in America (American Charm), France (Art Marathon in France), Germany (Art Marathon in Germany), Greece (Art Marathon in Greece), Australia (Under the Skies of Australia), Spain (Paints of the Spanish), England (Welcome to England), Argentina (Argentine Cathering), Canada (Welcome to Canada), Italy (Art Marathon in Italy), and several other countries during ‘Arevner’s’ tours.”
Discussing the genre of children’s songs, Harutyunyan mentioned that last year marked the 30th anniversary of the Glendale International School, where her composition “Planet of Childhood,” written for symphonic orchestra and choir, was performed during the anniversary concert. As a composer, she collaborates with the “Hamazkayin Western USA Nayiran” choir (conducted by Lusine Meliksetyan), and the “Hay Art” children’s academy under Nektarine Chilyan, creating songs and actively participating in joint concerts. On June 1, in celebration of International Children’s Day, her song “My City” was performed at the AGBU Vache and Tamar Manoukian Arts Center in Pasadena. According to Harutyunyan, such collaborations provide an opportunity to apply her creative potential for the education and development of the younger generation. She also collaborates with the AGBU choir in Los Angeles, conducted by Nektar Mirakyan. While she values diversity, Harutyunyan believes that music has a nationality, and the listener should understand the composer’s cultural background.
Harutyunyan emphasizes that cultural diversity and direct interaction with people, as well as collaboration with various choirs, performers, and organizations, inspire new ideas in her work. She considers herself a successful person, saying, “I value all the successes I have achieved through my creative work.”
Additionally, Harutyunyan is a member of the NACUSA-LA (National Association of Composers), the World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA), and the Armenian-American Artists Association. Since 2023, she has been leading the Composer’s Union branch of the Armenian-American Artists Association. She has published books and is preparing another one to help young musicians acquire new skills in composition and demonstrate creative approaches.
Gohar HAKOBYAN
