The Artsakh Orchestra, revitalized in Yerevan after the forced displacement in 2023, is preparing for one of its most significant concerts to date. On May 5, at 19:30, it will take the stage of the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall for a performance that carries both artistic brilliance and profound symbolic meaning. The evening will feature world-renowned violinist Sergey Khachatryan as special guest, performing under the baton of internationally acclaimed cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, the orchestra's Artistic Director. Regional Post explores the present challenges and future aspirations of the Artsakh Orchestra that continues to create musical excellence against all odds.
Text: Gurgen Baghdasaryan
Photos: Gurgen Baghdasaryan
The history of the Artsakh Orchestra began in the early 2000s in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. For many years, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Artsakh and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), it has been warming the hearts of the Artsakh people and appearing on stages all around the world.
After the forced displacement of the Artsakh people in 2023, the orchestra, like many other cultural collectives from Artsakh, faced serious troubles. The challenges were numerous, but the solution was one: to unite renowned Armenian artists around the mission of preserving the orchestra and breathing new life into its activities. Guided by this vision and supported by the AGBU, the Artsakh Orchestra began a new chapter in Yerevan.
During this difficult time, world-renowned musicians joined the efforts to preserve the spirit of the orchestra. Cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan became Artistic Director and conductor of the orchestra, and soprano Hasmik Papian became Chair of the Orchestra's Board.
The Artsakh Orchestra's springtime concert promises countless springs for the ensemble.
Today, the ensemble presents brave ideas and modern approaches. A bright example of this was the most recent concert, “Music of Love”, held at the National Centre of Chamber Music in Yerevan on March 23rd. The team named the concert “Springtime”. Indeed, those who attended the concert noted that the orchestra had entered a fresh spring season. Now it consists of young professional musicians, full of passion to perform, to breathe life into culture, and ensure its further development.
The concert opened with Mozartian brilliance. With the first notes of the serenade, the space was filled with joy. The performers emphasised the lightness of Mozart's symphonic language, while maintaining classical balance. From the first moment, the audience found themselves at the centre of a musical universe where all worries were left behind. Then the orchestra performed Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile. This piece became the real emotional pinnacle of the concert. It unfolded like a breath - gentle, delicate, and at the same time full of melancholy. The orchestra's intonations were so tangible that it seemed as if the strings were repeating the beats of the heart. Tense crescendos were followed by deep pianos, and the musical phrases seemed to be spoken without words. At that moment, the hall fell into such profound silence that it seemed like time had frozen. It was one of those moments when classical music becomes a refuge for the soul. Narek Hakhnazaryan, who performed as a soloist in this piece, fascinated the audience with his virtuosity and deep emotionality of performance. The sound and expressiveness of his cello enriched the inner dramatism of the composition and turned it into an unforgettable musical experience. The program also included pieces from Kreisler, Elgar, and other composers.
“It was a marvelous concert. I felt like I was in one of the best halls in Vienna or Paris,” said Hasmik Papian, “‘It's been a long time since I've heard such sound and mastery of performance. This is what one person with exceptional talent, both conductor and soloist, Narek Hakhnazaryan, can do. I wish the reborn Artsakh Orchestra a successful journey. Step by step, we will reach our ultimate goal. Blessed are those who were present at this true pleasure…”
Artsakh Orchestra strives for consistency and a place on major stages.
The orchestra has many goals moving forward, yet numerous obstacles come along the way. In its early stages, the Artsakh Orchestra is striving to establish itself not only as a musical ensemble, but also as a symbol of cultural stability. After the war, creating in a constantly changing and unstable environment was itself an act of courage. However, this is the path the orchestra has chosen. The latter faces several key challenges: maintaining a stable professional ensemble, ensuring financial independence and creating conditions for regular rehearsals and performances. At this stage, the orchestra continues its work thanks to the vital support of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Despite the many difficulties , the members of the orchestra and its Artistic Director are moving forward with a clear sense of purpose. They are actively seeking new partners and collaborations, both locally and internationally. They say they have already received several invitations to perform on international stages. Although it is too early to uncover specific details, expectations are high. The Artsakh name will sound again - this time in the language of music.
“I am confident that the Artsakh Orchestra will continue to maintain high standards of performing arts, striving to reach the ambitious heights we have set for ourselves. In the process, we will achieve new successes and milestones on the best international platforms. And this is only the start. We have big projects ahead of us, which we are preparing to realise together, with optimism and hope,” says Narek Hakhnazaryan.
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