MONTSERRAT CABALLE CALLS ARTSAKH “A CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY,” SINGS AT GANDZASAR MONASTERY

18:57 06.06.2013
Montserrat Caballe, Nagorno-Karabakh

Lusine Avanesyan
“Radiolur”
Stepanakert

World-renowned soprano Montserrat Caballe described Artsakh as a
“cradle of Christianity.” “The most important is that this cradle of
Christianity has been maintained in the region. This is the greatest
impression from my visit,” Montserrat Caballe said, speaking on
Artsakh Public TV.

The world-famous soprano performed Komitas’s “Krunk” at Gandzasar
Monastery. Montserrat Caballe said she admires the harmony of Armenian
music and Armenian architecture. She was inspired by the stories told
by the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic
Church.

“This is a very important moment, because it’s a great blessing to be
in this island of Christianity. Christianity sits very deep in my
soul. All this is like a miracle,” she said, confessing that she had
similar emotions in Israel and Vatican.

Montserrat Caballe was in Artsakh for a private visit. She visited
Stepanakert, Gandzasar, Shushi and had a meeting with NKR President
Bako Sahakyan.

President Sahakyan noted that she had a great number of admirers in
the republic and underlined that cooperation with famous artists would
greatly contribute to the development of culture in Artsakh.

NKR Culture Minister Narine Aghabalyan said the private visit will be
followed by practical steps. There are plans to organize master
classes next time, she said.

“Montserrat Caballe’s visit to Nagorno Karabakh was a great honor and
great joy to us. I’m confident it will have an influence on both the
development of culture in Nagorno Karabakh and the recognition of
Arsakh,” she added.

Visiting Armenia and Arsakh had always been a dream for the great
soprano, and she did it despite illness, long distance and other
obstacles.

Astronomer Garik Israelyn, who organized the visit, considers that the
discovery of Artsakh by world-famous people is a unique path towards
its international recognition.

“This will pave the way for the visits of other singers, scientists
and other famous individuals,” he said.

The world-famous soprano will take souvenirs from Artsakh – an
Armenian cross presented by NKR President Bako Sahakyan and blessed in
Gandzasar – and a hand-made angel prepared by a child – a symbol of
pure love.

To listen to Montserrat Caballe singing at Gandzasar Monastery, visit here.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress