AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 25, APRIL - MAY, 2013
AGBU’S MUSICAL ARMENIA PROGRAM IN YEREVAN WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR ITS SECOND SUMMER SESSION AGBU’s Performing Arts Department is still receiving applications for Musical Armenia Program (MAP), a three-week summer program in Yerevan, Armenia, from July 15th to August 4th. Successfully launched last year, MAP offers Master Classes and lessons in the applicant’s area of expertise. Classes for Western classical and Armenian traditional instruments as well as voice, conducting and composition are taught by experts and well-known musicians. Specialized lectures include the history of Armenian music throughout different periods and across genres – classical, contemporary, jazz, medieval, minstrel, Soviet – and the ancient music notational system, khaz, which was of great interest to Komitas, the preeminent master of Armenian music. Whether their passions lie in singing, the piano or string instruments, MAP participants, benefiting from private training by experts, are sure to enhance their talents during the program. In addition to classes, the musicians attend concerts, visit local institutions such as the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory and Sayat Nova Music School, as well as museums, including the Aram Khachaturian Museum and Alexander Spendiaryan Museum. Social activities, sightseeing and excursions to historic landmarks complete the experience. MAP participants conclude their three-week stay in our homeland by performing side by side with their peers and teachers at the MAP gala concert. Last summer, while participating in MAP 2012, pianist Shoushy Nakashian and violinist David Melkonian, both from Syria, were invited to participate in the celebrated Im Hayasdan (My Armenia) Festival of Armenian Performing Arts, held under the patronage of Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora. “My experience in Armenia as part of MAP last summer was truly unforgettable and provided me with many exciting opportunities,” said percussionist and composer Joseph Bohigian from USA. “Being able to study and perform my own music in Armenia and learn about the country's wealth of musical culture has greatly expanded my approach to writing and playing music. I made many friends with whom I explored the country and I look forward to returning to Armenia in the future.” The AGBU Musical Armenia Program is open to applicants ages 18 and older who have training in vocal, instrumental (piano, violin, cello, duduk, percussion, horn, guitar, etc.), conducting or composition studies. For more details and an application form, please visit www.agbu.org/musicalarmenia/
ARNI GUIRAGOSSIAN: “AGBU’S MUSICAL ARMENIA PROGRAM WAS A TURNING POINT IN MY LIFE” The Summer of 2012 marked an important turning point in Arni Guiragossian's life. Her participation in the Musical Armenia Program, organized by AGBU, opened new horizons for the flutist from the High Institute of Music in Damascus, Syria. Arni had very high expectations of the Musical Armenia Program. However, the reality far exceeded them. Experiencing the beauty of her homeland, the rich lessons and lectures, unique concerts and the warm and encouraging environment created by the teachers and organizers, helped Arni reach an important life-altering decision: she decided to move to Armenia. Today, Arni is a third year flute student at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, an active member at the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and a first place winner at this year’s 5th International Gyumri Renaissance Music Festival. On June 6, she performed with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in Sabre Dance on the Street, an event sponsored by AGBU, organized by Emporium and which took place at the Cascade Complex and Cafesjian Sculpture Garden. The event celebrated renowned Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian's 110th birthday. Arni loves to share her experience with young Armenian musicians all over the world, and encourages them to take advantage of and participate in the amazing and unforgettable AGBU Musical Armenia Program, in their beautiful homeland. Arni Guiragossian
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