YEREVAN. – “Aram Khachatryan” festival and the 9th Aram Khachaturian International Competition was launched on June 6 marking the 110th anniversary of the great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. The opening ceremony was attended by the First Lady Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, who is honorary president of the board of trustees of the competition, Austrian Princess Irina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, members of board of trustees of the competition Karen Khachaturian and other honorary guests.
During the opening ceremony of Aram Khachaturian International Competition the Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan mentioned, that music by Aram Khachaturian is a celebration for everyone. His music has conquered all the stages of the world and the hearts of people of different nationalities. “We are proud to say that the music of Aram Khachaturian has elements of national melody in it. That is why his melody is familiar to all of us. And today, in many countries Armenians, Armenia is known for Aram Khachaturian”, said the Minister of Culture.
According to Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Moscow State Symphony Orchestra Pavel Kogan Aram Khachaturian International Competition opens new perspectives for young performers. He brought a special present with him for the museum of Aram Khachaturian: a handwritten letter from Aram Khachaturian, which had a date 6th of June 1953.
Artist, son of Aram Khachaturian Karen Khachaturian said, that each time he arrives in Yerevan he feels exited, as everything here reminds him of Aram Khachaturian. Here he sees the strong spiritual connection between the people of Armenia and Aram Khachaturian. “I get emotional energy in Armenia. At the same time the memories wake up in me: I often came to Armenia with Aram Khacharutian. I want to thank the Armenian people for their great love and respect for Aram Khachaturian”, said Karen Khachaturian.
The honorary guest of the competition Austrian Princess Irina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg told the journalists, that she likes the works by Aram Khachaturian. His music is very beautiful. The princess emphasized the concert for cello by the composer.
Aram Khachaturian International Competition is implemented thanks to joint efforts of RA Ministry of Culture, “Aram Khachaturian-competition” Cultural Foundation and Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. It is held under the high patronage of the First Lady of RA Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, who is honorary president of the board of trustees of the competition. Since 2010 the main partner of the competition has been the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation.
During the opening ceremony of Aram Khachaturian International Competition the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan), which has been the official orchestra of the competition since 2007, and the world-renowned cellist Gautier Capuçon from France performed.
The first round of competition will begin today and will last until June 9, the second round – on June 10-11, the third round on June 13 and on June 14 the gala concert and awards ceremony will take place.
Supporters of Aram Khachaturian International Competition are: hotel “Ani Plaza”, “Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Yerevan”, hotel “National”, Mozarteum restaurant, Gusto restaurant, The Club restaurant. Inforational Supporters of Aram Khachaturian International Competition are: “Panarmenian Media Group”, Public TV, “Erkir Media” “Shoghakat”, “Dar 21”, NEWS.am, 1in.am, slaq.am, arminfo.am, panarmenian.net, “Novosti-Armenia”, bravo.am, mardik.am, emporium.am, hayyer.com, eritasard.am, “168 hours”, “Irates de facto”, “Vem” radio, Informational radio 106.5, imyerevan.com, “TourInfo” magazine.
