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With the support of the RA MESCS and at the initiative of the “Support to the Composers Union of Armenia” Foundation and the Composers Union of Armenia, the 9th Armenian Contemporary Music Festival “Dilijan Days” was held from September 26–28 at the Ludwig van Beethoven Concert Hall of the Edward Mirzoyan Composers’ House in Dilijan. This important festival, which is now in its ninth year and presents Armenian composition, had a regional focus this year. For the first time, the region hosted a contemporary music festival, bringing together musical ensembles from three northern regions of Armenia under one roof. On the first day of the festival, September 26, the Vanadzor Chamber Orchestra brilliantly performed works by contemporary composers: “Almond Blossom” by Armenuhi Karapetyan, “Call of the Mountain” by Haykuhi Hakobyan, “Dedication to My Angel” by Zhirayr Shagrimanyan, “Insomnia in a Dream” by Edmond Makaryan, “Road” and “Leaf Fall” by Narine Zarifyan, and “…Ode…” by David Halajyan. Moreover, works by the first four composers were performed for the first time. Throughout the evening, the orchestra, under the direction of maestro Ruben Asatryan, also performed works by the year’s anniversary composers: “Garni” by Lazar Saryan and “Impromptu” by Alexander Harutyunyan.
– Music is a processual art. If a written work doesn’t sound good, it can be said that it was never written. “It needs to be heard at least once, which is why these initiatives by the Armenian Composers’ Union are extremely important,” notes Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia and conductor Ruben Asatryan.
On the second day of the festival, September 27, a master class-lecture on “Contemporary Armenian Music” was held for pre-registered students from Dilijan art and music schools.
On the final day of the project, the Gyumri State Symphony Orchestra performed. Under the baton of festival conductor Ruben Asatryan, Karen Ananyan’s “Dle Yaman” and “Dream”, Aram Satian’s “Hayk’s Land” were premiered. Incidentally, the composer himself sat at the piano during the performance of the latter piece. The evening featured performances of Vard Manukyan’s rhapsody “Sasuntsiner,” Khachatur Martirosyan’s “Poem,” as well as Gevorg Armenyan’s Concerto for Flute and Symphony Orchestra and Alexander Adjemian’s “Festive Overture,” both celebrating their anniversary this year. The festival concluded with a performance of the celebrated work “Sardarapat” by another anniversary recipient, People’s Artist of the USSR and composer Edgar Hovhannisyan, featuring the Dilijan State College of Arts Choir.
According to Aram Satian, this festival, founded in 2014, has become a pillar of new Armenian musical thought over the years. “At the same time, while paying tribute to the musical legacy left by our great masters, we continually value and present remarkable works that have stood the test of time, alongside new ones.” It’s worth noting that the festival featured soloists Vache Hoveyan (viola), Azat Harutyunyan (cello), Anahit Dilbaryan (piano), Ani Rubenyan (shvi), Nune Danielyan (canon), Lida Baghramyan (flute), Maria Khandanyan (soprano), and Eduard Makaryan (saxophone).
The Green Rock Foundation is a partner of the festival.
Full photos here:
