YEREVAN. – On the eve of the declaration of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence, the Artsvaberd (Eagle Fortress) opera, by composer Andrew Babayev, was staged on September 1, 2013, in the City of Shushi.  

Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Eduard Topchjan told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am. 

Topchjan considered this event as one of the greatest accomplishments in the year that passed.  

“Everything was very well organized. Andrew Babayev is an Armenian composer whose roots are from Nagorno-Karabakh.

“To be honest, I was not too familiar with this opera. But after getting familiar [with it], I realized that it is the best Armenian opera,” the APO artistic director noted.  

As per Topchjan, however, the Armenians do not have powerful operas that can be successfully staged abroad.  

“The ‘Anoush’ opera may be dear to any Armenian, but it cannot be presented in the international scene,” he added.  

Eduard Topchjan also noted that an interesting performance of the Artsvaberd opera was staged in Shushi, huge expenses were made, and the opera was staged in the open air.