CONCERT-EVENING PARTY DEDICATED TO 80TH JUBILEE OF STATE PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA OF ARMENIA TAKES PLACE AT “ARAM KHACHATRIAN” CONCERT HALL
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A concert-evening
party dedicated to the 80th jubilee anniversary of the State
Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia (SPOA) took place at the “Aram
Khachatrian” concert hall on June 8.
The RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues, Composers’ Union of
Armenia, Chamber Music House, SPOA Artistic Head and Principal
Conductor of 1981-1985 Valeri Gergiyev, SPOA Artistic Head and
Principal Conductor of 1987-1989 Vahagn Papian, heads of the Arno
Babajanian International Charity Fund, the Artistic Head and Principal
Conductor of the “Novaya Rusia” State Symphonic Orchestra Yuri
Bashmet, Principal Conductor of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of
Russia Vladimir Spivakov, Ambassdor of the Republic of Armenia to
Russia Armen Smbatian sent messages of congratulation to the State
Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia.
The SPOA addressed his speech of gratitude to the Friends’ Union,
particularly to the Board of Trustees (Chairwoman Bella Kocharian),
for the assistance shown during the recent years.
The SPOA addressed speech of gratitude to the Armenian General
Benevolent Union as well, for being the general sponsor of the SPOA
during the last 15 years. “Remaining faithful to its fostered
principle of assisting national supremacies during the most difficult
period of time for the newly independent Republic of Armenia, the AGBU
and union Chairwoman Mrs. Luiz Manukian Simon lent a helping hand to
the orchestra what became decisive and literally excluded orchestra’s
merited musicians’ being spread all over the world. Even more, owing
to that assistance, the orchestra has had possibility during the last
15 years to increase its performing level, having perfect perfomances
not only in Armenia, but also in many and many countries of the world,
presenting with honour the Armenian classic music art,” is mentioned
in the SPOA speech of gratitude.
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the SPOA, Hovhannes Chekijian, Gegham
Grigorian, Irina Zakian, Juliet Galstian, Narek Hakhnazarian who was
recognized the winner of the Aram Khachatrian Cellists’ International
Competition taken place few days ago, performed evening music
greetings.
The orchestra headed by SPOA Artistic Head and Principal Conductor
Eduard Topchian performed famous classic works.
In 1924, Composer Alexander Spendiarian moved to Yerevan from Russia
headed in the 2nd part of his author’s concert a 18-person orchestra
formed of Conservatory teachers and students, proving just by it the
possibility of creating in Armenia a symphonic orchestra completed
with local personnels. On March 20, 1925, Conservatory Rector,
aesthete Arshak Adamian headed the first concert of the orchestra
established just by his efforts, formed of teachers and students.
Alexander Spendiarian’s words that “the time will come when our, still
modest, pupils’ orchestra will bear proudly the honourary name “State
Orchestra of Armenia” became reality during years. After Alexander
Spendiarian (1926-1927), the orchestra was headed by Konstantin
Sarajian (1941-1945), Mikayel Maluntsian (1945-1960, 1966-1967), Ohan
Durian (1960-1965, 1973), David Khanjian (1974-1981), Valeri Gergiyev
(1981-1985), Loris Chgnavorian (1989-1998, 1999-2000). The orchestra
has been headed by Eduard Topchian since 2000.
Aram Khachatrian headed performances of the orchestra on different
occasions. Arno Babajanian, Tatevik Sazandarian, Zaruhi Dolukhanian,
Gohar Gasparian performed with the orchestra. Izabel Bayrakdarian,
Sergey Babayan, Alexey Lyubimov, Renato Bruzo, Alexander Treger and
other famous names performed with the orchestra during the last years.