Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, is hosting these days the “Renaissance” Fifth International Contest-Festival of Musician-Performers. This year the event is dedicated to
the 110th anniversary of renowned composer Aram Khachaturian and 25th anniversary of the Spitak earthquake.
This year the musical competition has 13 nominations and five age groups. The contest has brought together about 2415 musician performers from 30 countries.
“Nairi” brass band of Armenian State Pedagogical University is participating in the festival for the first time.
The band performed Dmitry Braslavski’s “Merry Band,” Giuseppe Verdi's "Victorious March," Alexander Spendiaryan’s "Enzeli," Aram Khachaturian's "Masquerade" which received high appraisal from the audience.
Musician, percussionist Arsen Ter-Tachatyan, who represents Greece, has been included in the professional jury for the first time. During the contest he became convinced that the festival plays a vital role in the musical life of Armenia.
He believes that the contest-festival is one of the best ways to promote classical music, establish new creative ties between musician-performers of different nationalities, conduct master classes by foreign performers and represent national culture in a proper way.
“Armenia yields to European countries and the US in terms of brass and percussion performance. I think there is still a lot to be done to better teaching methods. On the other hand, I would like to mention that the program chosen by Nairi brass band and the good performance of the orchestra proved once again that Armenia has really talented children,” he said.
Another member of the jury, Professor of the Tbilisi State Conservatory, Georgi Beridze, did not hide his surprise: even the countries with rich economies rarely come up with such large-scale initiatives. “Science and art are lasting value in small countries like Armenia. Two years ago, I was again a member of the festival jury but then the number of participants was not so great and the level of the performance was not so good – the changes are simply astounding. I
have not heard young people playing brass instruments so professionally for a long time. I am sure that the musicians who master the art of Khachaturian and Verdi will have a brilliant future,” he said.
Karo Khachatryan, a first-year student of the University, is participating in the contest-festival of musician-performers for the second time. The saxophonist, who won the Audience Sympathy award in 2012, confesses that group participation is much more interesting and inspiring. He is convinced that they will take the first prize in the festival that symbolizes the rebirth of Gyumri.
Kolya Martirosyan, Conductor of Nairi brass band who has participated in numerous cultural events and festivals, is satisfied with the performance of the orchestra although he avoids giving generous assessments. He admits that former achievements and success are the best prerequisite for performing on international stages.
In the near future, the brass band will participate in the festival of Brass Band after Emin Khachaturian to be held in Vanadzor.
The “Renaissance” Fifth International Contest-Festival of Musician-Performers will wrap up on April 18.
Prizes of the festival have been thought very seriously and carefully. Along with well-known international standards - Grand Prix, winners of I, II, III degree, diploma IV and V degrees – the committee has established a set of incentive prizes and diplomas.
