A concert, held on October 22 within the framework of the 5th Khachaturian International Festival, was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia. The ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Armenia George Saganelidze attended the evening. The concert was held with the support of Embassy of the Republic of Georgia in Armenia. 

During the concert Mamikon Nakhapetov (piano) and Dimitri Bokolishvili (clarinet) presented compositions by Aram Khachaturian, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Nodar Gabunia, Robert Schumann and other composers.  

 

The author of the project Ovanes Ambartsumian noted that he has been organizing Armenian-Georgian joint projects for 4 years. Due to the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan a concert, dedicated to the friendship of the two nations was held within the framework of the Khachaturian Festival. During the concert compositions by Ovanes Ambartsumian were also performed. One of them was world premiere, the other was Armenian premiere. Ovanes graduated Tbilisi State Conservatory, then continued his studies in Munich. He composes chamber and symphony compositions. 

Ovanes Ambartsumian noted that it was an honor for him, musicians Mamikon Nakhapetov and Dimitri Bokolishvili (his both grandmothers are Armenians) to be part of the Khachaturian International Festival. 

The pianist Mamikon Nakhapetov hasn’t performed in Armenia for 13 years. He noted that he has been awakened by many memories. “In 2003 I was awarded the Third Prize and the Public Cherish Prize at the Khachaturian International Piano Competition. I am happy to perform on the Armenian stage. In fact, it is an exciting and responsible performance”,-he noted. 

Dimitri Bokolishvili (clarinet) is laureate of many international competitions. When he was 17 he became principal clarinet at the Tbilisi National Opera and Ballet Theatre. He performed with recitals at the various International European Music Festivals, as well Chamber Music Festivals.

There is no coincidence that the evening dedicated to the relations between Armenia and Georgia is held within the framework of the Khachaturian International Festival. Aram Khachaturian was born in Georgia and all his memories were connected with Tbilisi. Aram Khachaturian used to say that Tbilisi is a city of music. The Armenian and Georgian folk songs were heard in the yards of the city.

When Aram Khachaturian was 16 he appeared in Tbilisi Opera Theatre, where he got acquainted with the art and saw one of Paliashvili’s operas. Since that he has got the idea of becoming a musician. 

The 5th Khachaturian International 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, the “Khachaturian” Foundation, European Foundation for Support of Culture.

 

  -   Culture