The Armenian Musical Assembly

Armenian Musical Assembly The Armenian Musical Assembly
The Armenian Musical Assembly is a public creative organization that was established in 1994. Five composers, including Levon Chaushian, Vahram Babayan, Ervand Erkanian, Martin Vartazarian, Ruben Sarkissian and specialist on musicology, Margarita Rukhkian, have formed a group with the intention of promoting to modern Armenian music. The Chairman of Assembly is Levon Chaushian, the Deputy Chairman is Vahram Babayan.

Armenian Musical Assembly
The idea from the very beginning was to combine the work of the Assembly with musician-performers and establish close and fruitful links between composers and performers. Accordingly, the violinist and conductor Victor Khachatrian, the pianist Anah’it Nersissian and vocalist Armen Karapetian became members of the Assembly.

The endeavours of the organization have successfully contributed to the quality of life of musical audiences.

The establishment of the Assembly and its initiatives were enthusiastically encouraged by Gohar Haroutsunian, the Director of Aram Khachaturyan House-Museum and an Honorary Member of the Assembly. Since then, the new organization has been registered within the museum, which contains a fully furnished Concert Hall of a extremely high quality. The Concert Hall provides only 180-200 seats, but this number is actually enough to begin with and create the regular audience and involve it into the activities of organization aimed at the support of best creative forces of musical Armenia.

The respected Consul of Armenian Embassy in Great Britain – Ruben Galichian – is an enthusiastic supporter and has become an Honorary Member of Assembly. The Trust Fund of Essefian Family (England) and Mr. Christian Khachikov (deceased) of Belgium became the first patrons of the Assembly.

Concert activity of the Assembly started in spring 1995, when the concert dedicated to 80th anniversary of Genocide was performed on April 25.

The first three concerts of the Assembly were given jointly with Chamber Ensemble of Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ruben Asatrian. The concerts were given at the concert hall, named after Aram Khachaturian. The Armenian composers’ compositions and European classical music were performed. These concerts illustrated the guiding principles of the organizers and served as a basis for subsequent development of activity linking remarkable compositions of the past and lively creative work, continuing Armenian traditions and culture.

In their undertakings, the Assembly is trying to reflect both the present and the history of Armenian music; to contribute to the development of gifted young musicians and composers; and to propagate the art of the best Armenian performers. In all, 54 concerts have been arranged by Assembly within 1995-1999 period. Moreover, the concerts were given at the time when musical life came to a stand still, as the halls were not heated within period of November -March.

Three scientific conferences followed by publication of theses were held under aegis of the Assembly. These were widely reported in the Republican press. The great attention of the musical public was given to concert-meetings with composers Eduard Mirzoyan, and Vazgen Muradian (USA); to jubilee celebrations devoted to composers Ruben Sarkissian and Lazar Sarian; to the classics of Armenian ashug music – Sayat-Nova and Jivani; to concerts of pianist Vahagn Hayrapetion (jazz) and singer Armen Karapetrian /bass; to memorial concert of Avet Terterian and to concerts of Armenian composers’ new works.

The cooperation with the Belgian “AMADEUS” Association headed by Hovhannes Anastasian, contributed a meaningful page to the activity of the Assembly. A number of competitions have been held jointly with “AMADEUS”. For example, in 1995 the competition of pianists, violinists and violoncellists; in 1996 – the competition of young composers, and in 1998 – the competition of chamber ensembles, choruses and composers.

The collected works of the young composers who became the Laureates of competitions, were published in 1996. Many young people of talent take an active part in concerts of the Assembly and some are provided with founders scholarships. Creative work is the principle purpose of the Armenian Musical Assembly, and the major emphasis is given to the composition of new works. At the request of Assembly, 18 compositions have been written in different genre within four years. All the works have been included into concert pro-grams and are performed regularly.

The Festival devoted to the 95th anniversary of Aram Khachaturian became a great event within Assembly activity. The Festival was funded by the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund. The music of Aram Khachaturian together with the works of contemporaries and followers, was performed dur-ing four concerts. Personality, time and traditions were the principal ideas of Festival, concluded by theoretical conference and nine lectures.

The Festival of Vahram Babayan’s music, including seven concerts, is a further important stage in the activity of the Assembly. This ambitious project was executed due to great enthusiasm of performers both soloists and the instrumental and choral ensembles. Today, we may easily say that the work of the Assembly was of supreme importance in preserving the traditions of composers and concerts during the hard times of art development.

To date, the work of Assembly is regulated by the joint action of musical associations, such as the Philharmonic Orchestra under leadership of L. Chknavorian, National Chamber Orchestra under guidance of Aram Karabegian, State Quartet after Komitas, Quartet after Aram Khachaturian and others.

The Assembly is intended to renew the musical links with Moscow, Tbilisi and Europe and establish new liaisons. Thus, the Chamber works of Levon Chaushian, V. Babayan, R. Sarkissian, M. Vartazarian were performed by the best Belgian musicians at Big Hall of Brussels Conservatory on March 19, 1999. The works of Jan Beyli, the Belgium Composer, Conductor and the Head of Belgium Conservatory, were performed at concert hall of House-Museum after Aram Khachaturian on November 1, 1997.

This successful illustration of creative relationship is our inspiration. We believe that these creative links are the foun-dations on which the development of our musical art is based.

And we will devote to it all our efforts and inspiration.


Contact:

Erevan
Wardananz 32, apt. 21
Margarita Rukhian
Tel: Erevan 55 76 38

  • LEVON CHAUSHIAN was born on May 10, 1946 in Yerevan. He graduated from Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas, specializing in composition (1969) and in piano (1970). In 1972 he finished the post-graduate courses in composition under the guidance of professor Ed. Mirzoyan. In 1974 he became the State Youth Prize Laureate. In 1983, the Quartet N2 of Levon Chaushian was recognized as one of 12 best compositions of the year at the 30th International Tribunal of Composers, orga-nized by UNESCO in Paris. In 1985, the symphony “To Unknown Soldier” was awarded the First Prize at the Competition of Symphony Works of Armenian Composers. From 1986 up to 1991 Levon Chaushian was the Deputy Chairman of the Armenian Union of Composers. From early 1990 he has been working with symphonic center of Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. Chaushian’s music is being performed at International Festivals and at the concerts in USA, Belgium, Japan, France and other countries. Levon Chaushian has been the Chairman of the Art Board of Yerevan Symphony Orchestra since 1994.

    Main Compositions are the following:

    Symphony “To Unknown Soldier” 1984 23′ / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1991 Concerto for orchestra 1967 18′
    Symphonic Poem 1969 16′
    Concerto for violin and orchestra 1974 21′
    Concerto No 1 for piano and orchestra 1964 17′
    Concerto No 2 for piano and orchestra 1974 22′
    Quartet No. 1 1968 17′ / “Hayastan” publ. 1972
    Quartet No. 2 1980 17′ / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1986
    Quartet No. 3 1985 19′
    Quartet No. 4 1984 21′
    Sonata No. 1 for piano 1980 14′ / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1984
    Sonata No. 2 for piano 1990 15′
    Sonata No. 1 for cello solo 1973 12′ / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1976
    Sonata No. 2 for cello solo 1984 16′
    7 Preludes for piano 1973 / “Hayastan” publ. 1975 / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1979
    6 Sonatinas for piano 1983-1985 27′
    Sonata for violin and piano 1982 16′ / “Sovetski Kompozitor” publ. 1988
    Poem for piano “Epicenter” 1989 7′
    Sonata for clarinet and piano 1995 14′
    Vocal Cycle “Armenian Songs” for baritone and piano on the words of A. Issahakian 1982 16′ / “Hayastan” publ. 1984
    Sonata for Clarinetto and piano 1996
    Sonata for Violin Solo 1997 17′
    Serenade to “Serehad” for chamber orchestra 1998 12′
    “Urbi et orbi” for piano 1997 6′

  • ERVAND ERKANIAN was born on November 5, 1951 in Giumri. He graduated from Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas, specializing composition under professor G. Egiazarian and the violin under A.Vartanian. In 1987 he became the Artistic Director and Conductor of “Tagaran” -ensemble of ancient Armenian music. From 1994 Ervand Erkanian is working under contract in Lebanon and is the Leader of “Gusan” chorus; Chamber Orchestra “Hayastan”; Ensemble of violinists; and Ensemble of ancient music “Madrigal”, Cultural center society “Hamazkain” are also directed by Ervand Erkanian. His music has been published and performed in USA, France, England, Russia, Argentina, Lebanon and other countries of world.

    Main Compositions are the following:
    Opera “Shushanik”in two acts 1981
    Ballet “Orest” intwo acts 1974
    Ballet “King Edip” in two acts 1976
    Folk opera-ballet “Mokats-Mirza” 1978 / “Golden Age Recording” (Washington) 1983, / “Melodia’ (Moscow), 1984
    Choreographic cantat “The Birth of Vahagn” 1987
    Suite No. 1 from ballet “Orest” 1975
    Suite No. 2 from ballet “Orest” 1978
    Suite from ballet “King Edip” 1980
    Symphony No. 1 Introspection 1977
    Symphony No. 2 “Hike and Bel” 1978
    Symphony No. 3 “The Voice of Killed” 1984
    Symphony No. 4 ‘Nemesis 1986
    Concerto for clarinet and orchestra 1978
    Concerto No.1 for violin and strings 1983
    Concerto No.2 for violin and chamber orchestra 1986
    Sonata No. 1 and No. 2 for piano 1975-1980
    Sonata for violin and piano 1971
    Sonata for flute and piano 1978
    String quartets No. 1 and No.2 1982-1986
    Chorus Cycles “The Country of Signs” on the words of G. Edoyan and A. Harutsunian, on the words of V. Terian and V. Davtian 1976-1984
    “Carrols” 1985
    Chamber Cantatas “From Song of Songs”,
    “The Book of Being”, “Hellenic Songs”, “Canticle” 1973-1980
    Intentia for 15 instruments 1983
    “Entelehia” for 15 instruments 1985
    The Reflections of Sunset for flute, clarinet, violin, cello and piano 1985
    “Pantomusic” for piano 1974
    Cantata “Easter Canon” for solos, mixed chorus and orchestra 1994
    Oratorio “Holy Week! for soloists, mixed chorus and orchestra 1995
    More than 350 arranged Armenian medieval spiritual and national songs for solos and chamber orchestra, for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra 1987-1995

  • MARGARITA RUKHKIAN was born on November 7, 1937. She graduated from theoretical department of Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas. From 1962 up to 1965 she was the musical editor of Armenian Television Company. From 1965 up to 1969 she was post-graduate student of Moscow Study of Art Institute, under the leadership of the professor in the history of art – Vasina-Grossman, In 1971, she maintained a thesis “Issues on Formation and Development of Armenian Symphony” and got the candidate degree in study of art. From 1970 Margarita Rukhkian has been a scientist of Art Institute under the Armenian Academy of Sciences. In 1982 she became a Laureate of All-Union Prize, named after Asaphiev for “Armenian Symphony” monograph. Margarita Rukhkian has been the author of many research works and three doc-umentaries: “The Diminishing Music” [ArmenFilm, 1970), “Gorani” (Studio Yerevan, 1977), “Armen Tigranian” (Studio Yerevan, 1981). She is being pub-lished as the music critic and publicist.

    Main Works are the following:
    “Armenian Symphony” monograph, 1980, Yerevan, publ. Academy of Sciences of Armenian SSR.
    Monograph “Avet Terterian” – manuscript
    “Classic traditions and modern tendencies in Armenian Symphony” coll. “Traditions and The Present”, 1986, Yerevan, publ. Academy of Sciences of Armenian SSR
    “Time Factor in Armenian symphony” coll. “Armenian Soviet Art at contemporary stage”, 1987, Yerevan, publ. Academy of Sciences of Armenian SSR
    “Symphony Music and Instrumental Concert” (1970-1980), publ. “Music” Moscow. 1985
    “Idea on form or myth of Armenian symphony” 1993, October, news. “Epoch” 1993
    “Armenian Symphony Music” (1968-1977) The History of USSR people music, volume VI, part II, 1996, Moscow, publ. “Compozitor”
    “Symphony Music and Instrumental Concert” (1977-1987), Moscow, The State Institute of Art, 1997
    “The Last Symphony (About the Eighth Symphony of Avet Terterian)”, mag. ” Soviet Music” No 1, 1996, Moscow,
    “Notes on musical theater of Edgar Havhanessian”, 1996, “Traditions and The Present”, publ. “Gitutiun” RA Academy of Sciences

  • MARTIN VARTAZARIAN was born on April 4,1938 in Yerevan. He graduated from the Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas in piano under G. Saradjev and in composition under E. Mirzoyan. From 1956 up to 1960 Martin Vartazarian was working in Variety Quintet of Armenian State Radio. From 1966 up to 1972 he was the Artistic Director of Variety Ensemble of the State Radio and Television Company of Armenia. Since 1972 Martin Vartazarian is the Artistic Director of Armenian House of Composers. Since 1990 he has been the conductor-consultant of Variety-Symphony Orchestra of the State Television and Radio Company of Armenia. Martin Vartazarian is the lecturer of Yerevan Conservatory, he is actively working with drama and musical theaters and composing music for films. Martin Vartazarian is the Honored Art Worker.
    Main Compositions are the following:

    Sonato for piano in 2 parts 1970 8′
    Quartet for strings 1968 29′
    Concertino for flute and string orchestra 1970 7′
    Symphonic Poem “Dedication to Bartock” 1970 11′
    Concerto for orchestra dedicated to the author of the first Armenian piano concerto A. Khachaturian 1984 14′
    Symphony “Innocent Sacrifices of Fatal Struggle” 1987 24′
    Author compositions of variety songs 1981 / “Sovetakan grokh” publ.
    Prelude, prelude-improvisation, Sonata for piano
    Collection “Concert repertoire of the pianist” 1983 / “Sovetakan grokh” publ.
    The fourth W. Shakespeare’s sonnet (in English), 2 romances on the words of Av. Issahakian. Col. B Armenian romances 1984 / “Sovetakan grokh” publ.
    “The word of love to Armenia” on the words of Av. Issahakian. Col. Armenian choruses” 1986 / “Sovetakan grokh” publ.

  • VAHRAM BABAYAN was born on August 19, 1948 in Yerevan. He graduated from Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas, and studied in piano under professor E. Mirzoyan and in composition under professor G. Egiazarian. In 1992 he has established “Vahram Babayan” Fund. He is the author of many theoretical articles and perform as pianist at concerts. His music is being performed in USA, Japan, Germany, Argentina, Norway and other countries. In 1999, from April up to August, he was on creative tour in Germany.

    Main Compositions are the following:

    Symphony No. 1 1964 30′
    Symphony No. 2 1968 22′
    Symphony No. 3 1972 40′
    Symphony No. 4 1977 35′
    Symphony No. 5 1981 30′
    Symphony No. 6 1985 39′
    Symphony No. 7 1988 65′
    Symphony No. 8 1998 37′
    Concerto No. 1 for piano and orchestra 1965 20′
    Concerto No. 2 for piano and orchestra 1969 17′
    Concerto No. 3 for piano and orchestra 1984 29′
    Concerto for organ and orchestra 1967 20′
    Concerto for the string quartet and orchestra 1978 29′
    Double Concerto for violin, cello and orchestra 1981 23′
    Concerto for the quartet of saxophones and orchestra 1982 20′
    Symphonic Poem No. 1 “Morning Bells” 1969 13′
    Collages for 2 pianos and percussion instruments (pulsatile) 1971 58′
    Pentimento 1975 12′
    Chamber Symphony No 2 1981 22′
    Serenade No. 1 for soprano, flute, contralto, violin, cello and piano 1985 8′
    Serenade No. 2 for soprano, violin, cello and piano 1993 10′
    Symphonic Poem No 2 “Night in Garni” 1978 10′
    Double Concerto for flute and oboe and orchestra 1983 17′
    Opera “Stranger” in 2 acts made on the story by A. Camus (in French) 1970 85′
    Chamber Opera “Beethoven’s Letters” in three parts. For the baritone of women chorus and chamber orchestra (in German). Opera written on the base of Beethoven’s three letters ‘To the Immortal Beloved” 1977 60’
    Opera “Hamlet” in 3 acts on Shakespeare’s tragedy 1990 2 30′
    Oratorio ‘ Christ speaking’ for soprano, bass, mixed chorus and orchestra on the words of Sh. Peggy “Jesus Parle” (in French) 1991 25′
    Holiday Overture 1993 10′
    Ballet “Pygmalion” 1975 30′
    “Aria” for trumpet B 0 and string orchestra and timpani 1994 20′

  • RUBEN SARGSIAN was born on November, 1945. He graduated from the Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas in 1972 in composition. From 1973 up to 1985 he was teaching theory and solfeggio at Yerevan music school No 10. Since 1986 he is a lecturer on harmony and composition at Yerevan Conservatory. Musical works of Ruben Sargsian were performed at all Congresses, Plenary sessions and Festivals, arranged by Armenian Union of Composers within period of 1973 – 1986. His music was performed in Finland, France, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Russia. The concerto No. 1 was recognized as the best musical work of Armenia in 1978. He received the Prize of Komsomol of Armenia.
    Main Compositions are the following:

    Symphony No 1 1980 30′
    Symphony No 2 1985 32′
    Symphony No 3 1986 31′
    Symphony No 4 1989 32′
    Cantata “It used to be so” 1975 12′
    Concerto No 1 for cello and orchestra 1975 22′
    Concerto No 2 for cello and orchestra 1978 24′
    Concerto No 3 for cello and orchestra 1982 18′
    Concerto No 4 for cello and orchestra 1986 18′
    Concerto No 1 for violin and orchestra 1981 30′
    Concerto No 2 for violin and orchestra 1983 18′
    Concerto No 3 for violin and orchestra 1984 20′
    Four sonatas for violin and orchestra 1976-1990
    Two sonatas for piano 1975-1990
    Five sonatas for piano 1968-1978
    Cantata “I Testify” on the texts of modern 1990 20′
    German poets, A. Issahakian and V. Terian “Six Stories from the Past” on the “Song of Songs” text from the Bible and on the poems of Armenian poets A. Issahakian and M. Metsarents 1982 15′ / “Sovetakan grokh” publ. 1982
    Vocal cycles “About Love” on the words of ancient Indian and Chinese poets 1973 10′ / “Sovetakan grokh” publ. 1983

  • VICTOR KHACHATRIAN was born on April 7, 1946 in Yerevan. He graduated from Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas and post-graduate courses in class under professor K. Dombayev. For more than 20 years he has been the leading violinist in Symphony orchestra of Armenian Radio and Television Company, meantime he has performed as the soloist of the Armenian Philharmonic Society. Many solo concerts accompanied by orchestra in Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev, Tbilisi, Riga and Vilnius, in cities of Germany were performed on tours. He was recorded by Radio Company in Yerevan and Moscow. He has laser discs produced in Germany and in USA. From 1988 up to 1992 he was the conductor of chamber orchestra “Ikar” and conducted many new compositions of Armenian composers. At present Victor Khachatrian is the professor of Yerevan Conservatory after Komitas in violin class. At concerts he has been performing as soloist, conductor and a member of ensemble group.
  • ANAHIT NERSISSIAN was born on June 16, 1954 in Yerevan. She graduated from Moscow Conservatory after Tchaikovsky and post-graduate courses in class under professor V. Merzhanov. In 1980, Anahit Nersissian became the Bach International Competition Laureate in Leipzig (the first prize, golden medal). She is the professor of Yerevan Conservatory and carrying out the broad concert activity. In 1992 she was included into jury at the Bach International Competition in Germany. In 1994 and 1996 she was invited as judge to the International Competition after Sergei Rachmaninoff.
  • ARMEN KARAPETIAN was born on January 30, 1964 in Yerevan. In 1981-1986 he studied at Yerevan State University at the Chemical Department. Simultaneously, he attended the Conservatory after Komitas, the department of vocal music under professor S. Danielian. From 1988 Aram Karapetian is soloist of Armenian National Opera House. From 1993 he is giving concerts on tours in Russia, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. From 1997 he has been work-ing under contract at Czech Opera House as a leading soloist and perform as a guest-artist at Opera Houses of Praha, Brno, PiIzen and Olomouts.