John Malkovich presented expert from the "Book of Lamentations": the Khachaturian festival launched with a unique concert
12-10-2017 14:37:24 | Armenia | Culture
The 5th Khachaturian International Festival launched with a unique concert program. Music and literature - the most powerful forms of the art were united on the stage of the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. And this unity was even more influential because it was presented by the greatest actor of our days John Malkovich!
Accompanied by the orchestra Malkovich performed as a narrator. “Report on the Blind” chapter from Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato’s “On Heroes and Tombs” novel (with Armenian translation on the screen) jointly performed with the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Alfred Schnittke. Pianist Anastasya Terenkova performed with the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia.
Hollywood legend surprised audience presenting English translation of the expert from the "Book of Lamentations" by Gregory of Narek, while the orchestra performed Symphony “Confession” by Vard Manukyan.
The Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan noted that Malkovich wasn’t supposed to present Armenian literary work. The actor himself wanted to present something by Armenian writers. The organizers of the festival suggested Malkovich to present "Book of Lamentations" by Gregory of Narek, and they were surprised to find out that Malkovich is well aware of the medieval Armenian poet’s and philosopher's art. Moreover, he knew which expert he wanted to present!
According to maestro Smbatyan, the message of the concert is very important. “John believes that what happens between a format of music and music can change a person”,-Sergey Smbatyan noted.
Symphony for Timpani and String Orchestra by Edward Mirzoyan (timpani solo by Eduard Papoyan) was also presented during the opening ceremony of the festival.
The audience was amazed by the concert. Lilit Antonyan noted that she saw the fusion of the different forms of the art for the first time. “It is amazing that you are able to attend such interesting projects in Armenia. It's also proud to see mega star on the stage and communicate with his art”.
The official partner of John Malkovich’s exclusive concert is the legendary Ararat Armenian brandy.
The 5th Khachaturian International Festival, which will be held from October 11 to December 11, is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Hovhannes Aivazovsky. The festival is held under the high patronage of the President of RA Serzh Sargsyan. It is implemented thanks to the joint efforts of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (General Partner of the Orchestra – VivaCell-MTS), with the support of the Ministry of Culture of RA and the “Khachaturian” Foundation.
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