MAY No 5 (13) 2018

New stars: International Piano Competition 2018

Armenian Cultural Days fireworks MIMF of music 2018: in Malta CONTENTS

MIMF — 2018 A new circle VI Malta International of the “culture circulation”… ...... 48 Music Festival in all dimensions ...... 4 The way youngsters do ...... 50 What people say about the

VI Malta International Music Festival ...... 5 Ephemerides and other ephemeral bodies ...... 52 New stars: Malta International ...... Piano Competition 2018 ...... 10 Bravo, maestro Accardo! 54 Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Shor PERSON Alexey Shor: and Chagall for the unenl ightened “I liked the energy and the most sophisticated...... 56 of Armenian audience” ...... 12 Captivating reading of sound ...... 58 Alexander Sokolov: “ The main criterion for a member ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA Unforgettable Armenian of the jury is whether you want to listen Cultural Days in sunny Malta ...... 60 to this composer again” ...... 14 “We managed to find a common Carmine Lauri: language very quickly, and “Give me a tune and I am happy!” ...... 16 we worked together easily” ...... 63 Krzysztof Penderecki: “Maestro Sergey Smbatyan Anna Ter-Hovakimyan: Critics and musicologists keeps surprising me with his talent” . . . . . 20 hail performance of Symphony

Georges Pélétsis: Orchestra in Malta ...... 64 “Music is beauty in sound” ...... 24 Sergey Smbatyan: A Date with Lyubov… or “I am proud that has conversation of two artists ...... 26 people who are ready to

fulfil complicated tasks” ...... 65 REVIEWS

Vienna blood ...... 30 Giya Kancheli: “When speaking about Armenia, Malta International Music Festival I remember Dilijan and united Malta and Armenia artists ...... 31 my Armenian friends” ...... 66 Giya Kancheli: Spiritual ...... 32 Armine Grigoryan:

Conserto Grosso ...... 34 “ Music passes on from heart to heart, from soul to soul” ...... 67 Rhapsody in true ...... 36 Sigmund Mifsud: Tchaikovsky and… the mysterious “ Armenia is a beautiful country, but

Bach-ish light of Alexei Shor’s works ...... 38 what struck me the most is its people” . . . 68

Images from the Great Siege ...... 40 Maurice Vassallo: “ My aim is to establish an Armenian With the help of divine power...... 43 Cultural Centre in Malta” ...... 70 Sindbad the Sailor Aiman Mussakhajayeva: and the Ascot rider ...... 44 “I have many Armenian friends,

Love Changes Everything ...... 46 but I’ve never been to Armenia” ...... 72

MALTESE HERALD Publisher: Maltese-Russian Friendship Foundation (MRF Foundation) Editor-in-chief: Nina Ryabchenko Design & Layout: Sergey Novoselov Proofreading: Nadezhda Zhukovskaya Contact & Advertising: [email protected] +(356)27877705 Partner: European Foundation for Support of Culture Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Maltese Herald as well as its content do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher or Editor. Even though every attention has been taken to ensure truth and accuracy, the Editor and the Publisher cannot be held responsible for errors and omissions in articles, advertising, illustrations or photographs. © 2018

Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

Nareh Arghamanyan: “It was very interesting to work with musicians of Malta

Philharmonic Orchestra” ...... 74 Alan Chircop: “I liked Armenia, I felt like

it’s my second home” ...... 76 Constantine Orbelian: “Armenia is ready to share its cultural

heritage with the whole world” ...... 77 “We are very proud to participate

in the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta” . . . 78 Participants of Song Contest performed on open-air

stage in ...... 80 Pascal Chamassian, Artistic director of Araxe, the Armenian ensemble of the Union of Armenian Youth of France: “Araxe ensemble – Ambassador Dear friends, of Armenian culture in Europe – The Malta International Music Festival will return to Malta” ...... 82 became a real triumph of symphonic music. It stands to reason that music Voice and Harp Trio ...... 84 written for symphony orchestras is one The gifted children from of the richest and most significant areas Armenia performed in the of instrumental music.

Parliament of Malta ...... 86 A symphony orchestra presents the audience with the richest palette of Albert Marshall: sound colours and creative opportunities. “The most important lesson the Concerts and festivals of symphonic Maltese should learn about the Armenians music enable the public to enrich their is the fierce love this nation has for knowledge of world culture. Music is its national heritage” ...... 88 not only art, it is a certain religion with a great influence on people. I would like Works of – a symbol of to thank you all, dear participants of the Armenian national identity – festival, most talented musicians! You performed for the first time in Malta . . . . . 90 brought such great joy to me and the grateful audience! EVENTS The MIMF gave us an excellent Fireworks show in the sky over Malta . . . . 92 opportunity to listen to beautiful music

MIMF-2018 performed by remarkable orchestras Behind the scenes... and made it possible for us to meet the renowned musicians and young talents. and at the heart of it all! ...... 96 The Festival was accompanied by the Media about the Festival ...... 98 Days of Armenian Music, which brought together the Armenian community of Malta. You will be able to read about all this and, of course, about the culture and history of our sunny island, as well as the Maltese way of life and the Maltese language, in the new issue of Maltese Herald.

Sincerely yours, Nina Ryabchenko, Editor-in-Chief of “Maltese Herald”

МАЛЬТА ДЛЯ ВСЕХ / MALTA FOR ALL ПРИСОЕДИНЯЙТЕСЬ К НАМ НА FACEBOOK!

www.maltavest.com 3 18 days, 18 concerts, abundance of stellar names: Grigory Sokolov, Salvatore Accardo, Maxim Vengerov, Nikolai Lugansky, Lyuba Kazarnovskaya, Andreas Ottensamer, Carmine Lauri, Aiman Musakhodjaeva, Cosmopolitan Trio Vena, Khachaturian Trio, Narek and Tigran Hakhnazaryan… The concert of music by the legendary Giya Kancheli, the world premiere of a symphonic cycle The Images of the Great Siege by the Maltese composer Alexey Shor dedicated to the in 1565; two orchestras – the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – on one stage.

VI Malta International Music Festival in all dimensions

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What people say about the VI Malta International Music Festival From the 15th of April till the 1st of May, Malta was welcoming participants and guests of the sixth Malta International Music Festival organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture.

he unrivalled and fabulous of Culture 2018”, and such events event that turned a small like the Days of Armenian Culture in Mediterranean island into the Malta promote the image of the island capital of world classical music – as an international venue that can Tthis is how the festival was described by unite representatives from different its guests and participants. We can add a countries. couple of accents to this: the large-scale music forum was accompanied by the Days of Armenian Culture and the final round of the First Malta International Piano Competition. In an overambitious attempt to cover the whole picture, we Pierre Fenech are presenting an overview of what was Mediterranean Conference Centre happening within these two weeks from Chief Executive Officer all possible angles. — We would like to thank the European Foundation for Support of Culture and its President Konstantin Ishikhanov for implementation of this project in Malta. Dr Owen Bonnici Representing the largest concert hall on Minister for justice, culture and local the island, we are proud that we have a government of Malta possibility to accept renowned stars of — I think, this is an example of how the world level. two countries can work together, even if they are not neighbours in geographical terms; but we are neighbours by spirit and because we both love culture enormously. We have seen so many talents from Armenian Dr Gavin Gulia and Maltese cultures these days, and Chairman of the it is really wonderful. I have been Malta Tourism Authority the Minister of Culture for almost — Tourists do not appear out of the blue. five years, and I have never seen We need to work constantly so that our such a close collaboration between island remains attractive, and “the sea two countries in realization of such a and the sun” formula is not just enough. wonderful programme. The modern tourist market requires Jason Micallef new conditions, including large-scale Valletta 2018 Chairman cultural projects. In that respect, the — International cooperation is the Malta International Music Festival key notion of all activities under the becomes a magnet for attracting people project “Valletta: European Capital to the island. www.maltavest.com 5 MIMF-2018

competence and diversity. It has a very interesting programme, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to attend it. I truly believe in people-to-people contacts, so I think such festivals are the best way to establish relations between two or several countries. As we know, culture has no borders and makes it easier to perceive differences between us. We are used to the fact that politics Dr Kenneth Spiteri imposes something on culture, so it is always much better when culture comes Mediterranean Conference Centre first and politics follows it. – Our conference centre is situated in the building that used to be a hospital of the knights from the Order of St. John, it has a unique history we are very proud Constantine Orbelian of, and we are happy that new events, Conductor, director of the Opera and organised by the European Foundation Ballet National Academic Theater for Support of Culture, add bright colours named after Alexander Spendiaryan, to its modern history. chairman of the jury of the Malta In- ternational Piano Competition — From 15 April and 1 May 2018, Malta became the music capital of the world. World celebrities on a small Mediterranean island, presentation of all Nikolai Lugansky facets of Armenian culture, a competition Pianist among gifted musicians from dozens — When I discovered this festival and of countries... What we experienced in saw all these names – Maxim Vengerov, Malta is really unique. Even if we focus Grigory Sokolov – it was a big surprise for only on the topic of competition, can me. And now I am happy that I have this you imagine, all participants of the opportunity to participate in this project. Malta competition are winners of other Natasha Meli Daudey competitions held in , Germany, Ambassador of Malta to the Republic , Armenia, Austria, and so on. And of Armenia they all met in Malta. — This festival has a high level of

Lyuba Kazarnovskaya Singer — It is a family-like atmosphere, we all – musicians and organizers – are constantly together. Half a hundred people communicate every day; we discuss our plans and projects. In addition to this, two orchestras from Malta and Armenia performed together; this is a very interesting example of cooperation. By the way, Giya Kancheli remarked that at the beginning they sounded differently, but gradually, day by day, they were performing in total accord. Here at the festival we do not think about the mundane, we think about art, we create art, we are in a great mood and this is excellent.

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Denis Kozhukhin Pianist — Although this is the first time I take part in the Malta International Music Festival and I have never been here before, I feel myself like at a family gathering where I know half of the people and I will be happy to get acquainted with the other half.

Mikhail Khokhlov Artistic Director of Gnessins Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Salvatore Accardo Violinist – It was a great honour for me to attend — This is unbelievable that there are so this festival, and I would like to thank many young people in the orchestra I will Konstantin Ishkhanov, President of the be playing with. I am so happy with our European Foundation for Support of partnership; I feel unique energy of this music ensemble. I am looking forward to Culture, for this opportunity. I had a performing with such a great conductor chance to see Malta, and it impressed as Sergey Smbatyan. When you play with me tremendously, as it is a real museum an orchestra, you do not follow it, you in the open air. have to create a balanced partnership and Another discovery was the Armenian I hope we will succeed in it here. State Symphony Orchestra: when I saw them on the stage of this concert hall I thought that all musicians were so young for an orchestra of such status. That made a very strong impression on me. I never saw anywhere in the world orchestras of this level consisting of so In addition to this, it was very young musicians. interesting to listen to music by Alexey Certainly, their work during the Shor. I first got acquainted with his art festival is worth admiration. They in , when he was a member of played so many accompaniments, and the piano competition jury. I realized Maxim Vengerov this is very difficult, more difficult then that he was a unique person, it Violinist than playing a learned programme. is interesting to see his perspective — Understanding between a soloist The soloists are all so different and in the current world of composers, he and a conductor is very important they are always so nervous; I can say has his own language and style; he is for a successful performance, and, this as a conductor. They always keep distinctive from anything else in the probably, even more important than pure you on your toes, you never know art of composing. It makes it possible to professionalism. In this case I can say what happens next second; and in see a different view and new meanings. that we have such mutual understanding. this respect this orchestra is really The music by Alexey Shor conveys these Obviously, one of the contributing factors outstanding. objectives. www.maltavest.com 7 MIMF-2018

is that Sergey is a violinist himself. of this festival. This is the first time I I have to promise that one day I will perform with them, as well as my first persuade Maestro Smbatyan to play Bach visit to Malta. Despite that, I have Concerto for Two Violins. I appreciate this known almost all musicians from this energy, this enthusiasm that is always orchestra for a long time. And it can be demonstrated by the Armenia State said not only about me. It is possible Symphony Orchestra. to say that they deserved this right to be called an orchestra of the highest level. They are much in demand; they have an intense touring schedule. And, of course, I am looking forward to Dmitry Sitkovetsky performing together with them on one stage in Malta. Violinist and conductor — I appreciate melodiousness, contemplativeness and harmony in music of Alexey Shor.

Sigmund Mifsud Director of the Malta Philharmonic — Because each of these orchestras has its own artistic style, it is very interesting for me to watch the combination of two voices, complementing each other and creating a powerful ‘full-blooded’ Aleksandr Sokolov sound, which allows looking for new Rector of the Moscow Tchaikovsky colours in the orchestral score. Sergey Conservatory Smbatyan, a professional of the highest Tigran Haknazaryan — Alexey Shor is a very genuine composer level, has a unique musical vision and with his own style. And his music really Conductor we really appreciate it. We have never affects the performer, today it was visible — I am happy that I am taking part in had a combination of two orchestras how touching and warm was Shor’s music this festival, which can be called one on one stage, this is a very interesting performed by Maxim Vengerov. This is a of the most famous festivals in Europe. experiment: for us, musicians, because remarkable example of the successful And this is a remarkable opportunity it is a new experience, and it is also partnership of a composer, a soloist and to perform together with the Armenian important for the audience. an orchestra. State Symphony Orchestra, heroes Dmitry Bashkirov A Soviet and Russian pianist and music pedagogue, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, member of the jury of the Malta International Music Competition

– This competition stands out in my memory, because from the very beginning till the very end we had a friendly environment. Although we all have quite different temperament and personality, we had absolute mutual understanding in our work. We worked very positively and we are leaving Ray Chen on a positive note. This is one of the Violinist achievements of this competition. — A new composition by Aleksey Shor In addition to this, this is my first ‘Seascapes’ is amazing. I believe it is time in Malta and I am very happy with a cycle that will be continued. This this discovery, this is a remarkably piece tells about beauty of the ocean picturesque place. I have very nice and the sea; there are different colours, feelings both from the island and the characters, and emotions. I feel a very competition. strong influence of Russian music, It is also worth mentioning that especially Tchaikovsky, Rimsky- it was a very good decision to begin Korsakov, Prokofiev, I feel the Russian the programme for competitors with soul of this music, not without a compositions by Alexey Shor. His whether this person loves music or Mediterranean touch of course. This music is very clear and conservative, not. With all my heart I wish the combination gives a unique atmosphere in a good sense of this word. When it is author of this music to continue in the and a special charm. It develops the being performed, it becomes obvious same way. traditions of classical music: on the one

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style of the first half of the nineteenth century where he came from, but at the same time this music is very modern. This is how I see this unusual composer Alexey Shor.

Narek Hakhnazaryan Cellist hand, it is very traditional tonal music, — This is very symbolic that we are Valery Vorona and, on the other hand, it is beautiful playing these romantic compositions A Russian violinist, Honoured Artist modern music of our times. by Alexey Shor in Malta. I really like of Russia, Rector of the Ippolitov- this light harmonious music, which Ivanov Music Pedagogical Institute is always close to the heart of the audience. — This is my first visit to Malta and I am greatly impressed by this island. I have seen lots of interesting places in my life, but it is impossible to see anywhere else what you can see here: a unique culture, a unique nature, a unique way of life. And now, thanks to the Malta International Music Festival, European musical culture has been concentrated here, which Vladislav Flyarkovsky in itself provides enormous food for Russian journalist, TV host, thought, especially when you meet commentator of Russia-Kultura TV new musicians and listen to new channel Irina Nikitina compositions. All this is extremely — Alexey Shor is some outlandish figure ‘Enigma’ programme host on Rus- important for the development of for me: he is an alien travelling in space. sia-Kultura TV channel, president of Music, which I have just listened to, could the Musical Olympus Foundation culture, and this is the heart and have been composed by some romantic — Alexey Shor is a very cinematographic essence of any festival. from the first half of the nineteenth composer. I can imagine very well how The festival does not only unite century, who would resurrect, live among his music can be part of some romantic people, but also gives a possibility to us for some time and then compose this film. I would say he is an excellent find your way in the phenomena of melodist. music. He would have written it in the culture and choose your niche as a professional in the sphere of art. The world is so complicated now that we need to look for ways to connect, and there are no better ways other than music, because music belongs to all mankind; it is some cosmic language that reflects the inner Cosmos of a human being. The Malta International Music Festival has demonstrated a symbiosis of Maltese and Armenian orchestras. It was very interesting to compare the Russian and Western schools. As for Alexey Shor, the resident composer of the festival, he is a natural composer who has found his own way to music and achieved amazing results. www.maltavest.com 9 MIMF-2018 New stars: Malta International Piano Competition 2018 The Malta International Piano Competition opened on the 16th of April under the sixth Malta International Music Festival. Seventy musicians, who took part in this competition, had been selected in a series of qualifying competitions “Eleven Ways to Malta” organized in different The winner of the Malta international piano competition 2018 Anna Ulaieva countries of the world with composer Alexey Shor were selected for the finals where they for young musicians to try their hand at in 2017-2018. played a concert for piano and orchestra our large-scale music contest; and this he jury of the competition on the stage of the Mediterranean has obviously changed the life of at least Conference Centre. was comprised of the rector six finalists”. or the Moscow Conservatory Anna Ulaieva (Ukraine/Austria) Alexander Sokolov, professor became the absolute winner of the Malta Anna Ulaieva Tof the Royal College of Music Dmitri International Piano Competition and she Ukraine/Austria received the prize money of €100,000, Alexeev, professor of the Juilliard The winner of the Malta interna- the second prize (€50,000) went to School Golda Vainberg-Tatz, professor tional piano competition 2018 Shion Ota from Japan, the third prize of the Hannover Hochschule für Musik — It is not so easy for me to speak now, (€25,000) and a special award for the Аrie Vardi, professor of the Shanghai as I am overwhelmed with emotions, Conservatory Zhe Tang, Head of the best performance of music by a Maltese but I just want to give a lot of thanks to Concert and Artist Department at composer (€5,000) were given to Yongqui all of you. It was really a big pleasure Steinway and Sons Gerrit Glaner, and Liu from China, the fourth place was won to play here, to play in Berlin for the other outstanding musicians, professors by Gen Li (China/United Kingdom), the first time at the first competition, and and cultural figures. The jury was fifth place – by Ben Holzman (Israel), to play two times on this stage. And it chaired by the Honored Artist of Russia and the sixth place went to Hripsime was such a great atmosphere, really, conductor Konstantin Orbelyan. Aghakaryan (Armenia), they all received so warm, and my heart was very The first round of the Malta €6,000 each. happy every time I was playing here, International Competition for young “It was so nice to see how the finalists and, of course, today. I would like pianists took place at Robert Samut Hall were supporting each other during the to express my gratitude to the great (Floriana) during the period from 16 to competition, – stressed Alan Kirkop, Armenian Symphony Orchestra, to 19 April, and the second round from 21 the Artistic Director of the European organizers of the competition and our to 28 April. The 20-minute programme Foundation for Support of Culture, coordinators – there was such a great for 70 participants of the first round during a press-conference devoted to the support for each participant of the was supposed to include a composition results of the festival. – This was a real competitions – and to all of the jury by a Maltese composer. Forty out of union of young musicians who had made members. I hope that not only me, but these participants were selected for the this long journey. I would like to remind, all other competitors as well, felt this second round where they had to perform eleven competitions were held during great happiness. Thank you so much! a 50-minute programme. It included one the whole year and then two rounds and Especially I would like to thank my of the three compositions by the Maltese the finals of the culminating competition great mom and teachers. She came to composer Alexey Shor, the resident took place in Malta. We are very glad that support me today. composer of the festival. Six best pianists we were able to create this opportunity

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PERSON

Alexey Shor: “I liked the energy of Armenian audience”

altese composer Alexey Shor who is a resident composer of the Malta International Music Festival shared his Mimpressions about his trip to Armenia and told about his connection to this hospitable country. – The premiere of “Images of the Great Siege”, the symphony cycle for two orchestras dedicated to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, took place within the framework of the VI Malta International Music Festival and during the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta. It was performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. Did they manage to convey your message to the audience? – I think it turned out to be a tremendous premiere. It is very difficult for the two orchestras to perform at once, and this rarely happens, not everyone can boast of such an unusual experience. The most difficult work fell on conductor Sergey Smbatyan, and, thank God, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra created by him was one of the orchestras on stage, and he used to work several times with the second orchestra – Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Smbatyan, of course, spent a lot of time working on the scores: both the conductor and the two orchestras were perfectly prepared, and the music sounded wonderful. It is not an easy task to manage two orchestras at the same time. The conductor, of course, has an understanding of how wind instruments are combined with strings and how to make sure that some do not silence the others, but when the strings are twice as much than usual, it seems that this is a

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difficult task that Sergey Smbatyan coped – How much is historical events two planned trips: Crystal ballet with amazingly. 10 points out of 10! reflected in your music? will be staged in on June 2-3, and – What inspired you to create – I’d say the symphonic cycle I will definitely come, and in early July this work describing an important dedicated to the Great Siege is my second there will be a festival during which my historical event not for Malta only, but experience. The first can be considered music will be performed. for the whole Europe? “Crystal Palace” ballet, which is also – Did you have an opportunity to get – I think that the Great Siege of Malta based on a historical event. But, most of acquainted with the Armenian sights? is an amazing story. This is the story my music is associated with some fleeting I saw many ancient churches, which about which 200 years later Voltaire impressions or emotions, rather than are located in the most picturesque said: “There is nothing more famous specific events. places, and the most ancient ones are than the siege of Malta.” Now, this event – You visited Armenia last year. How erected on the ruins of pagan temples. has become less known, people know does Armenia stand out to you? I was very much impressed by the that it took place, but a few outside It was an amazing trip. My father monastery of Geghard. I have magical Malta realize how important it was and spent first 12 years of his life in Armenia, memories of the choral performance of what role it played in the history of and we were dreaming of going there the Armenian music in Geghard. Europe. In addition, this is a wonderful someday. But, the dream did not come – What does travelling mean to Hollywood story. If someone wrote a true. You know, how it goes, once we you? How do the trips influence your script with many incredible characters decide to go next year, then something creativity and life experience? telling how a tiny army stood against did not work out … We were dreaming – Travel is an obvious source of new the enemy’s armada and won – usually about it for 30 years, and finally, thanks emotions and new impressions, so when such stories have a happy end only in to the invitation by Sergey Smbatyan, I travel, often music ideas are born in the movies – I would have shrugged I went to Armenia to participate in the my head and I write them down. Some and thought that it could never happen festival. of them were gathered into a series in real life. I have unforgettable impressions, called “Travel Notebook”. The premiere – Is a symphony cycle for two especially from the audience. It was of “Travel Notebook” with the orchestra orchestras “Images of the Great Siege” middle of the summer, not a concert was played by wonderful Armenian a kind of a tribute to the memory of the season, it was too hot, and yet pianist Nareh Arghamanyan in Yerevan Maltese heroes who stood up against every day thousand people came to last year. several thousand strong armies? concerts. I liked the audience’s energy. – You spent a week in Armenia and – Yes. As a person living in the 21st Armenian spectators are very friendly, you saw a lot. What music did Armenia century and a person distant from war, they behave well during concerts, inspire you to compose? it is difficult for me to imagine the state all their mobile phones were turned I usually do not compose music that of mind of people in war, and how they off, and no one was talking. It was an needs to be stylized to the music of absolutely fabulous trip. I hope that could withstand it. For example, there a specific place that I visited. I just was an incredible situation during the cultural contacts will continue. There compose something related to my siege of Fort Saint Elmo. The fortress is already close relationship between emotions. But, my emotions from itself was small and could house around Sergey Smbatyan and the European Armenia were extremely positive and 100 people. Many people died every day, Foundation for Support of Culture, and warm, and I want to compose music while reinforcements came at night, and I am very happy that I am a part of this which gives me feelings or warms, each of the newcomers knew that they project. happiness and optimism. would likely die next day. Nevertheless, I liked Armenia very much, and I look this continued for 30 days. forward to my next visit. I already have Translated from Russian www.maltavest.com 13 Alexander Sokolov: “The main criterion for a member of the jury is whether you want to listen to this composer again”

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We are interviewing a member possibility to receive prize money, PR, a contract with some famous concert of the Malta International Music promoter… Competition jury, the Rector of the – Is there a recipe for conquering Moscow Conservatory named after members of the jury? How do jury members from different countries Tchaikovsky, the famous musicologist, coordinate their work? Professor Alexander Sokolov. This – The most difficult thing in the work of the jury is lack of a unified assessment outstanding worker of culture made scale and clear criteria. Members of the a great contribution into modern jury are human; they may like something music. He is a tutor who was teaching and dislike other things. There is even an unspoken competition between many famous performers and who is members of the jury. In my opinion, the acknowledged in Russia and abroad. system of voting should eliminate all Alexander Sokolov is an Honoured interpretations, a phrase like “he did not convince me” cannot be even allowed in Artist of Russia, in 2004-2008 he held the language of judges. The most reliable the post of Minister of Culture and voting system is “yes/no”; if you want to listen to this musician for the second Mass Communications of the Russian time, then you need to choose “yes” and Federation. allow him to take part in the next round. – Who among young pianists made a vivid impression on you recently and why? – It is unethical to praise students of – Alexander Sergeevich, what – Definitely, there are globally your own music school (laughs). Can can you say about the idea of eleven recognized great piano schools in you imagine, we have representatives of piano competitions held all over the Germany, France, Italy, Russia… Due four elite piano schools teaching at the world with the final round in Malta? to world integration processes and Moscow Conservatory! That is why the Have you ever seen such structure of musicians’ mobility, when they can have results are so impressive. international competitions during a contract in any country, traditions of – The prize fund of the final your rich cultural experience? piano schools from specific countries are competition in Malta is quite – This idea was the decisive factor for smoothed out nowadays. Currently we substantial – 200 thousand euro. In my participation in the Malta Competition. talk more often about the old European your opinion, how will young musicians I never came across such competition piano school and the young Asian, more spend their prize money? format. For example, the International specifically Chinese, school, which, by – Here everything will depend on Franz Liszt Piano Competition, where the way, adapts the recognized results the conditions they live in, whether students of the Moscow Conservatory of the American and European schools. their parents or sponsors support them traditionally take place, also includes And Russia, in contrast, demonstrates financially, or maybe they already have a preliminary selection, but it is absolutely stability of its piano traditions. Partly this contract. We should not forget domestic unprecedented when this selection is can be explained by the fact that foreign based on eleven full-scale competitions professionals do not work in the country. problems. Maybe, someone will prefer followed by a final round judged by an But the main reason is that we have to use the prize money for buying a international jury. distinct continuity: it is always known good instrument. Also, in the conditions – What do you think, what national who was the teacher of a pianist, who was of an open world getting prize money colour does each country bring the teacher of his teacher, and so on. means having a possibility to attend to the Malta International Music – How would you describe the international master-classes and gain Competition? level of competitors at the Malta valuable experience. – National peculiarities depend on the International Music Competition? How – What do you expect from the final programme selected by pianists, and it will they develop professionally after round the Malta International Music should always meet certain requirements. participation in this competition? Competition? If composers are commissioned music for – The technical skills of strong – I expect establishment of a new a competition, then the national specifics performers are approximately the musical tradition. This year we are will be reflected most vividly. I myself same, so it is hard to surprise with your going to have a test for reaction from prefer to listen to a French musician technique, but it is possible to surprise competitors themselves, members of performing French music, although this with your interpretation and your the jury, and the audience. If all goes barrier is not insurmountable. attitude to what you do. For me the main well and the Forum becomes regular, – Countries presented in the eleven evaluation criterion is “I have never heard it will be the major success. We need to competitions have different history of anything like that”. And you understand get accustomed to this event; it should piano art development. There are the that, in view of our experience, we become an inseparable and important oldest schools and relatively young seldom say that. part of musical life. ones. How wide is the gap between The point of every competition is them in terms of skills? in what happens afterwards; it is a Interview by Ilona Egiazarova www.maltavest.com 15 He has passed a long way from the child who

played wooden spoon Photo: © Amanda Hsu pretending that the spoon is a violin till one of the most famous Maltese musicians. Since the year 2000, he has been Co-Leader of the Concertmaster of the Oxford Philharmonic and Guest Leader of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

Carmine Lauri: “Give me a tune and I am happy!” t 2015 he has been awarded – Performing in Malta will always In the past we used to say that it is the Malta Society of Arts Gold remain a regular yearly date/s in my busy impossible to have a career in Malta Medal in recognition for his diary of concerts. I am very pleased to say as a performer, do you think that this outstanding international that my appearances on Malta’s music is still the case? Acareer. He is living in London and he stages have always been well attended by – The fact remains that Malta is a tiny plays with the most famous international Maltese music lovers and have always been island and therefore the opportunities for orchestras but he also permanently given warm welcome. I feel that I always a musician to have a solo career in Malta plays in his homeland. In April 2018 he delivered what I considered to be the best is tricky. Of course one can have a lifelong performed on Malta International Music I could give in any concert I performed career such as being a member of the MPO Festival with Armenian State Symphony in Malta and have always thought of the or a chamber group. It is not impossible Orchestra. More touches to Carmine Lauri audience first, in regards to what I choose to make a living as a musician, but the portrait in our interview to play in solo concerts. I wish to carry opportunities remain limited, compared – You left Malta very young to pursue on my contribution as a renowned artist to a same career in much larger countries. a music career. Now you often return towards securing a solid foundation for the – The MPO has many members as guest leader of the orchestra and love of music both for our regular attendees from many different countries and as soloist with the orchestra and and hopefully to others that perhaps have whiel some of its members have been occasionally for recitals. How do never been to a classical concert before. there for a long time others seem to be you feel you fit in the today’s Maltese – How has the Maltese musical changing quite often. What does this musical scene? scene changed since you left Malta? contribute to the orchestra and do you

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think that the changes are beneficial in the Musikverein in Vienna it is a for the orchestra? different story. No matter how short notes – In the case of the MPO I feel that are played, they still have an incredible the benefits have been immense. The bloom to them. We have to always orchestra has grown from strength to adjust our playing depends on where we strength and broadened its horizons. I perform and as a concertmaster this issue think that employing foreign musicians is always on my mind and a priority and has not only given us the opportunity pay a lot of attention to it. to widen our repertoire and styles but – Having achieved consistently high brought along a competitive atmosphere grades at school at one point as a within the workplace, competitive in teenager you found yourself having to the sense of better music making, an choose between taking up engineering, opportunity for our Maltese musicians what made you choose music instead? to work alongside other musicians – I picked up a pair of wooden spoons who come from different backgrounds to pretend I was playing the violin and experiences from other orchestras probably before I learnt how to hold a abroad. The MPO is tackling some pencil properly. I was to play the violin challenging works that were never even though I have a huge interest perhaps possible to perform due to their in engineering and sound recording demands and the number of musicians equipment, which are the two hobbies that the composition requires, as was that are closest to my heart. I studied the case last January in Strauss’ Ein hard at school alongside my violin Heldenleben which I proudly guest lead practice during my younger days however and in my opinion has been one of the a decision was taken at the age of 17 and most important concerts the MPO has pursued my dream to study music abroad. ever performed to date. I am very grateful to my uncle Alfred who – What is your role as guest leader resided next door to us in Paola who with the MPO, how does this differ through his almost daily appearances from being the regular leader of an at our house to play his violin with my Photo: Mangion © Tony orchestra? eldest sister Stephanie, I was being – My role as a leader of an orchestra exposed to the violin and the only way of reducing a piece of stock metal into does not differ from one orchestra to I could try to join in with the duo was something else, making small parts or another. I turn up on the “hot seat” as by the use of kitchen wooden spoons, cutting threads in metal. Youtube is my it’s called in the trade to make music sawing away happily next to him without daily attendance to school and am mostly with other musicians and ensure that making any nose. self taught. I do love going on holidays as an orchestra we prepare for a concert – You are a regular member of the abroad too with my wife or kids and do with our full potential. Needless to say LSO and perform as soloist does your enjoy the occasional visits to different every orchestra is different, has different work schedule leave you tme for non- restaurants when time permits. levels of experience and different calibres musical activities? What are these, – Who is the conductor with whom of musicians and I adjust my output or are they also connected with your you enjoy playing most? What is it accordingly. Every conductor I work musical life? about him that you find so inspiring? with is different, have different agendas – Life in the LSO is incredibly hectic. – Every conductor brings to an on their mind and different experiences I think it is one of the busiest orchestra orchestra a different perspective to music and if I feel that there is some musical ever, and as a leader/co-leader the and have to be honest in saying that some aspect that has not been tackled during demands are a lot. Free time can at interest me more than others, simply as a rehearsals and I can contribute towards times be a dream for us members due personal taste. Experience can never be my observations I will have no hesitation to so much touring around the world, thought however and one cannot forget to stand up and address the orchestra in concerts and recording sessions. We get experiences such as my time performing the most direct way sometimes or subtle through repertoire like nothing else and all Shostakovich symphonies with the ways. The objective us always the same the job requires unbelievable stamina. I LSO with the legendary giant musician, wherever I go. Details and respecting try to maintain a healthy lifestyle even the late Mstislav Rostropovich, who lived what the composer is requesting from though I admit that I do not frequent a during the war and was a close friend of us musicians, whether it’s dynamics, gym so often. Walking is a must however the composer himself. Perhaps no other colours, phrasing, balance or intonation. and wherever I can walk I will do so, no conductor can have the same impact Most of my experiences with the MPO matter whether I’m challenged by rain on these symphonies as Slava did and I have been in Malta where unfortunately or snow. I can’t say I am a keen traveller speak on behalf all my colleagues in the we are not so blessed with the most because as I travel so much that in my LSO. I am a great fan of Valery Gergiev amazing acoustics as both the MCC and spare time I love to be at home playing who was principal conductor of the LSO the were built for either with my toys, which include a number of for about 10 years and his insight into his conferences or plays/operas respectively, tape recorders, mountain of tapes, and native Russian music is in my opinion meaning that they are very dry sounding. hifi equipment and lots of tools to do my unparalleled. I have learnt so much from Therefore I always emphasize during own maintenance on my own equipment. Valery in rehearsal, especially when rehearsals that we do not play notes too I also have grown to like metal turning he really dug deep into the scores of short as the acoustics will not help us and have bought myself a metal lathe Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich phrase properly. When the MPO perform and am fascinated by the challenges and Prokofiev. I watched him with www.maltavest.com 17 PERSON

admiration rehearsing us and at times as well. I love the music of another 50 – Technique is not music. Technique I have written quotes on my own music composers too but I can’t mention them is our tool to deliver music to the best from what he had just said in rehearsal all. I fall in love with a particular work of our abilities. Unfortunately we lose to either our section or others sections depends on what I want to feel inside. our technical agility as age takes its toll because they were either so genial or Right now I keep listening to either The on every performer however inversely humorous. Valery created music as he Sleeping Beauty or the Capriccio Italien musicianship matures as we grow older. went along, no day was the same as the by Tchaikovsky. Popular works perhaps, We can learn how to master technique previous and at times concerts were but they are genial. Who knows what I but being a great musician requires different from what we rehearsed. I speak shall be listening to tomorrow? As regards experience, requires living life. A great for myself, I am not a fan of over prepared concertos I vary from violin concertos by performance is a combination of effortless rehearsals and concerts being a perfect Glazunov or Korngold to Rachmaninov technique and our ability to understand copy of so many rehearsals. I believe an concertos for piano. I love also operas phrasing, varying our dynamics, colours, artist ‘s temperament changes day by day, by Verdi especially sung by great singers musical timings and other aspects. What just like our moods do and therefore so such as Pavarotti and when accompanied brings tears listener’s eyes however is not should music. I loved the challenge and by my favourite orchestra, the one of the technique, it’s simply our ability to touch he will always remain one of my favourite Wiener Staatsoper. hearts by the way we deliver our message musicians. Others include the legendary – As soloist do you prefer playing to music. That is the most important Carlos Kleiber, respected by every living with an orchestra or giving recitals? aspect of this incredible language called musician in existence, however I sadly – I cannot say I have a preference music. never had the opportunity to work however I would miss one or the other if – Which if any of the great violinists with him. He had a relatively limited I just settled for one! I love giving recitals do you admire most and how has he/ repertoire, but what he conducted remain as I can vary the amount of repertoire she inspired you? a reference! Unbelievable as much as I like in just one concert, – Jascha Heifetz. The man is perfect! – Have you ever played under a by giving different encores also at the The man is a phenomenon, spent a life female conductor? end, which is a speciality of mine and being supreme, being God’s fiddler. Yes I have many times. They have having a partnership with a pianist on Certain repertoire played by Heifetz included Susanna Mallki, Elim Chan and stage is very rewarding and has plenty has left its stamp on us all. We can only Xian Zheng. of freedom to it. With an orchestra one admire and watch and try to copy his – What is your favourite repertoire/ feels such an overwhelming experience style but he’s the master. Of course I love concerto? on stage, having so many musicians David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein and – Give me a tune and I am happy! I accompanying you. I love it and can’t Ivry Gitlis, another two giants who have have a varied range of styles and music wait for my next concerto experience inspired me all my life especially Ivry that I like however the music that which will be on the 7th July in Gozo with whose freedom of expression and the way remains constantly closest to my heart the MPO accompanying me in Glazunov’s he plays left a lasting impression on me. is the music of Tchaikovsky and Verdi. violin concerto. When I heard him for the first time I think These are my top. I have days where I go – It seems that any performer who I did not blink once throughout a whole absolutely nuts on some less known work becomes famous often does this on the flight from Madrid to London! I could and listen for days on end. I refer to works basis of a fantastic technique, which mention others such as Leonid Kogan such as Josef Suk’s Asrael Symphony without doubt you possess. But there and Andrei Korsakov who tragically died or Cesar Frank’s D Minor symphony. I is more to a great performance than in his 40s. An incredible violinist. I have love the music of Brahms and Smetana technique. What is it? also great admiration for Itzhak Perlman

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and Gidon Kremer. Of course there are have also heard that as long as a violin the Malta International Music Festival other violinists that I enjoy either working has a good tone that it can project, 2018 you played with the Armenian with or listen to but the old timers cannot the instrument itself does not make a State Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist be beaten! They’ve been there before difference. It is solely the performer could you tell us something about the us and done it already with incredible that counts. What is your opinion? orchestra? perfection! – This reminds me of the great story – I loved every minute working – You are often asked to give master from Jascha Heifetz when a keen admirer with the Armenian State Symphony classes. What advise would you give to of Heifetz went up to him after a recital Orchestra because it is such a youthful a rising violinist? and said to him: “Mr Heifetz your violin orchestra and had the opportunity to – My advice is always positive! sounded so amazing today”. Heifetz not only perform as soloist with them I encourage the students to carefully being cool and witty simply picked up his in one concert but to return to them as study a score, not just to concentrate on Guarnieri del Gesu, lifted it close to his their guest concertmaster. I had the their own solo part. That’s not what the ears and said to the lady: “Funny! I can’t pleasure to work with 11 of the musicians music is all about. Listen to the piano hear anything!”. Point made. Personally a few months earlier when they came part or orchestra accompaniment in their speaking I have played by now a number purposely to Malta to help us out form heads when they practice, feel those of Strads and Guarnieris and they are a big orchestra to perform Strauss’ wonderful harmonies, they help phrasing incredible violins. They do come at am Ein Heldenleben, a joint collaboration and colour. Listen to other artists, never extortionate price nowadays and it’s only between the MPO and the ASSO. Their stop listening to music. It should be living through the generous support of investors youthfulness and fresh approach to in our heads 24 hours a day, just like when or collectors that we get to perform on music was evident in their smile, in their we breath. Practice slowly, love what you these beauties. The last Strad I brought genuine love for music, always giving do, explore, experiment, don’t get bored to Malta was the Baron Deurbroucq their best every time we played. I felt I by repetition. The violin is a toy in our Stradivari made in 1727 which Janine inspired them by my playing perhaps and hands, it offers endless capabilities to Jansen played on for some time. I loved I loved working with them, as a matter st experiment with different fingerings and playing on it the Wieniawski 1 concerto of fact I am planning to go to Yerevan bowings. Look for them and discover as however they are temperamental to perform with them hopefully again you go along. Don’t settle for one way of instruments and under unfavourable by the end of the year. My collaboration playing or one way of fingering pattern all conditions they can really struggle. I with them will remain in my heart for a your life. The day we stop experimenting think the Strad struggled in our humid long time to come. They are superb and is the day we should start worrying! conditions in Malta. Another Strad I enthusiastic young players and look forward to my next experience with them. – During the Malta International played on some 11 years ago and in the – How was the collaboration between Music Festival we have heard different same venue seemed to suffer less, from what I remember. Each instrument needs the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and opinions about what it means to a to be played differently as they respond to Armenian State Symphony Orchestra? violinist to play on a Strad, or an Amati different bow pressures or even different – I think that the collaboration was violin. On the one hand we have heard bows sometimes, however when one fruitful and productive. My experience that with a great violin in hand you feel gets to know the instrument very well with such a collaboration was back in that the notes are in the instrument the possibilities can be endless, just like January as I was not involved in any of and all that the performer does is to the love given by a pet to its owner. I love the concerts they performed together make it speak. On the other hand we playing Stradivaris and can’t wait for during the festival in April. I hope that the next opportunity to pick up another both managements van arrange another one and perform on it. Through my collaboration so the ASSO musicians can connections with so many violin soloists I come back to Malta for other big projects, always make it a must to ask them kindly such as performing perhaps a big Mahler to play a few notes on their instrument Symphony together. I hope that I can be and have played on some amazing with them too to lead the orchestra again. Cremonese instruments, however I hope – What did you personally find most that one day I will have the opportunity to interesting in the program of Malta pick up both Paganini’s violin and Jascha International Music Festival? Heifetz’s Guarnieris even though it may – For me this was an amazing not be so easy as asking say either Anne- opportunity for Malta in that so much Sophie Mutter or Maxim Vengerov or repertoire was presented to the public Leonidas kavakos to play on their Strads in a span of around 2 weeks. It was a whilst working with them so regularly. challenge, especially for the orchestra – Throughout your career you have and conductor who performed in most of played been playing with different the concerts. orchestras including the Orchestra – How can you describe the of the Royal Opera House Covent significance of this musical event? Garden, the London Philharmonic, – This festival has given Malta an the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the immense exposure around the world, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra especially to those that follow classical the Czech Philharmonic, the Oxford music. International artists have come Philharmonic, the Orquestra to our Island to perform and I believe Municipal de Caracas, and the Malta that the festival gave Malta a name as an Philharmonic Orchestra etc. During important cultural ambassador. www.maltavest.com 19 PERSON

Krzysztof

Penderecki: “Maestro Sergey Smbatyan“ keeps surprising me with his talent 20 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 PERSON

owards the end of the Malta International Music Festival, one of the greatest mystifiers of the modern times came to the island. THe is the owner of an endless number of doctoral gowns trimmed with a sweet intonation of challenge and rebellion, a supporter of ecumenism and an avant- garde artist who gave the reason to cast doubt on the future of both the common musical stave and entirely all overtones. All in all, it was Krzysztof Penderecki himself, recognized as the “best living composer” of the twentieth and twenty- first centuries. – How wonderful this place is for holding a festival, – said Penderecki in admiration, when he first came to Malta, although he seems to be so even- tempered. – I am especially delighted to see musicians here who are so significant for our world. Definitely, one of them is Maestro Sergey Smbatyan, who will be at the conductor’s podium during the performance of my Chaconne. We have known each other for about a decade, and all these years he keeps surprising me with his talent, his wisdom and maturity. – These words are very surprising, because it is known that you prefer to I often prefer to conduct my conduct your compositions yourself… – Yes, but you see, exceptions are own compositions. But I am possible sometimes. As for me, at the beginning the 1970s I had to stand on ready to trust Sergey Smbatyan. the podium myself, because I was not satisfied with interpretation of my music A musician of his level can by other conductors. Not because I did not like those conductors, they simply could discover something in my music not read what was behind the notes. And that was where I communicated I did not expect to find there very important information. And I also thought that the author understood his myself. music better that anyone else. That is why I often prefer to conduct my own compositions. But I am ready to trust long time ago, he was a composer and Philharmonic Vasily Petrenko said Sergey Smbatyan. A musician of his level conductor (because in those days it that “a female on the podium can be a can discover something in my music I did was expected that the composer would distraction for the orchestra”… not expect to find there myself. It is not conduct his own music), and he used a big – I think such views are anachronistic. unlikely that my concept is the only one stick to thump the rhythm. Unfortunately, Today a woman on the conductor’s of possible interpretations. he struck his foot with it by mistake, podium is normal, absolutely normal. – Could you explain why you hold the wound soon turned gangrenous, It started at least twenty five years ago. the baton in the left hand? Doesn’t it and it all led to an amputation and his In my opinion, there are no gender confuse the musicians in the orchestra? death. So they decided to turn this stick differences in music. – Because I am left-handed. And no, with its pointed end upwards, with In the past Penderecki had a good they are not confused; I believe it is time it got smaller, and after a series of laugh at the classics and himself in not a big deal for musicians who play transformation it became a baton. Ubu Rex Opera Buffa. He refused to use in orchestras. For some time I did not – What do you think about women traditional notation, instead he drew use the baton at all, because ten fingers conductors? Do they have their place triangles, arrows, and squares on paper. were enough. But then I decided that for at the podium? It was not surprising that many musicians musicians it is more convenient when a – Why not? Modern women do refused to perform his compositions conductor uses a baton. everything what was done by men in the with an excuse that they did not what past. to “break instruments”. The composer I remind Penderecki of the Florence- – However, not long ago there was himself explained, “This is how I see born Jean-Baptiste Lully, who served an international scandal in that music”. And if someone cannot see it, at the court of Louis XIV (the Sun King) regard. Chief conductor of the Oslo forget about them.

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– I have been wondering about one of the Old Testament and the musical unprecedented and unparalleled tone more, let’s say, peculiarity. When you language of “big avant-garde”. In quality and richness of sound. His are conducting your own music, you general, Penderecki composes his music compositions of the 1960s resembled always have a score in front of you. But on demand. And in response to sarcastic samples of intricate abstract graphic you know your music by heart, don’t comments he remarks that Bach used to works, rather than the usual musical you? write one cantata per week, but music scores. These early scores were beautiful, – It is true, but I need to read music. did not suffer from it. covered with mysterious signs and wavy I need to see notes, because a visual – Six years ago you composed a new lines. aspect is very important for me. It helps orchestra version of your first opera – You were doing it contrary to me to concentrate, including during the The Devils of Loudun. Why? whom? process of composing. I always start with – Because I wrote it long time ago, – When I was young I wanted to a graphic sketch, with a shape, and then when I was young and furious, and at destroy, nowadays I want to embed in a I fill in the blanks. that time I wanted to use numerous form. And when this pure form is already instruments: there were four flutes, four established, I begin adding music to it. Soon Krzysztof Penderecki will trumpets, four trombones, six French And by the way, the Poles have always celebrate his eighty-fifth birthday. horns and so on. The modern orchestras been known as mutineers. If we are told But it does not mean anything: he has do not have large instrumental groups to do something, we will definitely do it been a modernist and “renewer”, ready like when I was composing that opera. the other way round. at any moment to burst onto the stage At that time I lived in Germany, a rich He sees all sounds in colours, and like the armed force of Earl Roland country where opera houses could afford the colour might change depending with the warcry “Munjoie”! Whether to have big orchestras. I seldom create on his perception. The palette creates contrary to the said above or by virtue new versions of my compositions, maybe polyphony of sounds in his mind and it of it, this highbrow bearded aristocrat just two or three times, not more. When becomes visible in the music sheet. “It has preserved the status of the most you turn fifty, you begin understanding can be said that I illuminate it”, explains highly paid and popular composer in your music much better. the composer. the world. He was commissioned by – Shostakovich, for example, – As far as I know, you like to quote the United Nations to compose the preferred the second version of his Lady Hans-Georg Gadamer, a representative spiritual opera in two parts Paradise Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (in the of the philosophical hermeneutics Lost, dedicated to the 200th anniversary first version Katerina Izmailova). Did tradition. Why is he so close to your of the USA, for a fantastic fee. A similar he have the same reason, what do you heart? order was received from the city hall of think? – In his work “The Relevance of the to commemorate the 3000th – I think, the second version of the Beautiful”, Gadamer considers art as anniversary of the capital of Israel (it opera is more successful than the first a certain playground that requires a was in 1997); and the Catholic composer one. The first one was too long. co-player, as a symbol that makes you wrote the Seven Gates of Jerusalem A rebellious artist by nature, think, and, finally, art as festivity. oratory, combining the canonical text Penderecki revealed to the world the Gadamer finds everything that we

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in sacral music at all levels, and I never make a secret that sacrum for me is way more important than profanum. – Here it is relevant to remember When I was young I wanted to your Symphony No. 7 Seven Gates of Jerusalem dedicated to 3000 years of destroy, nowadays I want to the City of three religions. By the way, why is “seven” symbolical for you? embed in a form. And when this – Believe me, I did not think about the seven days of creation, it just pure form is already established, happened so; I did not intend to write a symphony in seven movements, they I begin adding music to it. just followed one another. And I called it a symphony, although it is an oratory. Salvador Dali suggested we write together the Creation oratory, so that I could be responsible for music and he – wish to find, in Pythagoras’ theory, government riots, the Katyn massacre. for text and scenography. Unfortunately, in his Harmony of the Spheres based Other parts are dedicated to legendary it did not work out… And seven for me on the law of numbers. Probably, this figures, who are spiritually close to is just a number I love. I like to play is why I love mathematics, because the composer: his friend Cardinal with numbers, because it makes the numbers and order are the oldest Wyszynski; the Reverend Maximilian process of composing more amusing. I aesthetical principles, which form the Kolbe, a Polish priest who gave his life use colour pencils for different groups of basis of any art. at Auschwitz to save a fellow prisoner, instruments for the same reason. and John Paul II. – Seven Gates of Jerusalem was In the distant 1960s Penderecki was – Tonight your Chaconne in recently performed at the festival time and again blamed for the “cult of Memoriam John Paul II will be in Yerevan, and its interpretation noise”. Today the attitude to him has performed at the Malta International belonged to the Armenian State changed and his intellectual avant- Music Festival. Did you happen to know Symphony Orchestra under the garde escapades can now be described him long before he became the Pope? direction of Sergey Smbatyan. as vintage. Moreover, musicians love – Absolutely right, we met at the – It was one the best festivals where when he conducts his own fanciful beginning of the 1950s, at that time he my music was performed. I love to music. Sometimes there are so intricate was a Roman Catholic priest and he come to Armenia and I am fascinated consonance rhythmic figures, that it is played in an amateur theatre. I wrote by musicians of this country. As for hard to makes sense of them without the music for productions of that theatre Sergey, I said before that I consider him author. and he was an actor. We saw each other one of the best conductors of the new This time Penderecki the composer, as very often, I can say we were friends, and generation. already mentioned, yielded the role of after he passed away I decided to write Penderecki the conductor to the amazing this homage. You know, even then he As a child he was interested in young maestro Sergey Smbatyan who, perceived the world differetly, he always nature and collected a herbarium. together with the Armenian State was ready to give a helping hand to lost Later he bought an old abandoned Symphony Orchestra, will be performing souls. There were always young people manor with a park near Krakow and Chaconne in Memoriam John Paul II at around him; probably they felt he was a started bringing it back to life; he has the final concert of the Malta festival in spiritual leader. planted more than 1,500 tree species the presence of the composer and his – Did he play a role in your destiny? over these thirty years. charming wife Elżbieta. This Chaconne Maybe, it led you to composing – How does it go together with for string orchestra is the hymn in spiritual music? music? praise of beautification of the Pope, – I come from a very religious family; – Creation of a garden for me is who used to sing, write poetry, play as my mother was a devout woman, not to similar to creation of a musical score. a young man in an amateur theatre and mention my grandparents. So I started A garden is nature expressed in who had left to the world numerous writing spiritual music quite early; mathematics and music is emotions passages about love; Chaconne forms Stabat Mater, for example, was finished expressed in mathematics. My the last movement of the Polish Requiem when I was 29. In Poland such music was Symphony No. 8 Songs of Transience finished in 2005. It is necessary to prohibited by communists, but I wanted appeared under the impression from explain that this composition was to rebel and do everything against my garden in blossom. I even thought of expanding for a long time: the composer the regime. I have always travelled calling it the Symphony of trees, those spent twenty-five years writing it, from with a Bible. Later I also composed a ones I planted myself. It is likely if I 1980 till 2005; all parts (and traditional lot of religious music for churches of had started my life now, I would have for a requiem mass Lacrimosa, Dies different denominations. My father was become not a composer, but a musician. Irae, Agnus Dei, Recordare, Jesu pie, as a Catholic and a Greek born in the Polish There are only twelve notes, practically well as a nontraditional hymn Święty part of Ukraine near Ivano-Frankivsk, all combinations are well known, and Boże) are dedicated to various tragic my grandmother was Armenian and trees live their hard- to-understand and events in Polish history: Resistance, belonged to Gregorian church, and my unfathomable life. Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, shooting of dad was German by birth… This is why shipyard workers in Gdansk during anti- I am open to all cultures and interested Lina Goncharskaya www.maltavest.com 23 PERSON

Georges Pélétsis: “Music is beauty “ IN SOUND The first president n the intense programme of the final compulsory discipline. I had to attend day of the festival, we were lucky classes and do homework; that is why by of the Riga Center to ask Pélétsis several questions the end of my studies I had several proper for Early Music, and find out how the Latvian compositions that gave me courage to I“Knight of the Order of Consonance and go to the Moscow Conservatory. This is professor at the Diatonicism” had found a colleague in how it all started. Now I am happy that it Latvian Academy of Malta. worked out, I am pleased with my life and Music, composer and – Is it true that you were not planning I cannot imagine how I could live if I had to become a composer? Was it purely by chosen another profession. musicologist Georges accident? However, I did choose one more Pélétsis is one of the – Yes, it is true, in my childhood I did specialty and it became a problem in not have any significant composition my life, because I sometimes have to honorary guests of skills, but when I changed the vocal sit on two chairs. So, first I finished the the Malta International studies department for the music course with as a theory department at the Dārziņš Music composer and then it happened so that Music Festival. School, music composition became my I had to teach polyphony, and I realised

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that I lacked knowledge and education find out that it happened, otherwise we has been the contemporary Maltese in the theory of music. That is why I both could have lost our jobs. Later, in composer Alexey Shor. How can you, decided to go the Moscow Conservatory the 1990s, when it became possible to being a musicologist and a composer, for the second time and did my PhD as demonstrate your faith openly, I started characterize his music? a musicologist. Actually I wrote two composing religious music. But then I – The music by Alexey Shor has been PhD theses. And now, on the one hand, realized that I should not do it. Instead a great discovery for me. Of course, I like that I have two professions, but of writing religious music for Church, before the festival I found something on sometimes it is hard to combine them. we should create Orthodox music for the Internet, but this immersion into his – Who is your favourite composer? concert halls. The music repertoire in music that was presented at the festival – I have several favourite composers, churches is very rich; they know what demonstrated to me the whole range of they are all Italian: Domenico Scarlatti, to sing on church holidays, whereas it his art. And then I said to Alexey Shor Antonio Vivaldi and Claudio Monteverdi. is quite difficult to find Orthodox music that we are knights of the same Order: the Among contemporary composers I would that can be offered to people coming to Order of Consonance and Diatonicism, point out minimalists, for example, Steve concert halls. I try to contribute in this that is, the beauty of music. Reich, or the great Russian minimalist area. In addition to this, I was especially composer Pavel Karmanov. – You are a student of Aram impressed by the Armenian State – Can you describe the ultimate goal Khachaturian, how can you comment Symphony Orchestra, which is, in fact, of your art? on what has been happening during the orchestra consisting of soloists, – This is a difficult question. The VI Malta International Music Festival: and each one of them has a unique answer can be as lengthy as a book. If I music of this great Armenian composer temperament and enthusiasm. have to answer in just one sentence, then was performed almost every day both – This is your first time in Malta. Do music is beauty in sound and I would like by orchestras and chamber ensembles. you have a feeling that you might wish to be involved in creation of this beauty. – Such events prove the eternal values: to come here again? – You have compositions based on what is temporary and what loses its – From the very beginning this Christian texts, for example, the Book significance very quickly cannot sound placed seemed sacred to me. One should of Revelation. Why is that? By no means at such festivals after a long time since consider the sheer amount of churches on all composers turn to Christian topics. their creation. Aram Iljich Khachaturian this tiny island; they say there are 365 of – I was baptized in the Russian passed away long time ago, but his music them. Where else can you find something Orthodox Church. Of course, it is is still alive and it will always be relevant like this? This island integrates the worth remembering that I was born and much-in-demand. And festivals like incompatible – antiquity and its in the twentieth century in the Soviet the Malta International Music Festival translation into the modern life; it is not a Union, where religious activities were only confirm that: it becomes obvious museum, but a desirable and organic part prohibited. When my wife and I had who was composing for eternity. of the present time. It is a unique place. a church wedding, we had to go from – The resident composer of the I do not know if it happens, but I would Riga to Moscow, so that no one could Malta International Music Festival like to come here again.

www.maltavest.com 25 ???MIMF-2018 A Date with Lyubov… or CONVERSATION OF TWO ARTISTS

Many exciting events happened at VI Malta International Music Festival. Their succession was presenting itself in different formats and patterns, like fantastic reflections of a kaleidoscope, but in this case it was a musical kaleidoscope: from substantive meetings with artists at press- conferences to rounds of the piano competition, from exclusive creative conversations with musicians and unique photo exhibitions to various concerts that can satisfy the most fastidious taste…

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We decided to show Malta in all its beauty! Especially we wanted to show what it experienced throughout these three weeks. Because every second of the life of every tiny corner of this beautiful island was filled with musical topics.

ractically every day the real stars difficult situations they experienced, and With many heroes we discussed some of musical art were radiating some personal aspects as well. very sensitive aspects, without being their phenomenal light in the sky – Could you share with us what you nosy I asked some personal questions: of the Malta festival! heard from celebrities? about the family, wives and children, PAll this grandeur will be depicted in – All conversations turned out to be about what is important for them today, a film series consisting of 20 episodes, very extensive with a whole bunch of how they perceive themselves in this where the famous Russian singer Lyuba multi-faceted questions, and everybody world and the world of art. Kazarnovskaya plays the roles of both unfolded like a real Personality and a – Did you discuss impressions from the author and the host. We were lucky to Performer at this stage in life. this festival? speak with the artist during preparation We discussed with Maxim Vengerov – Certainly. The musicians expressed of one of the episodes. that difficult period in his career, when their opinion about concerts and shared – Lyubov Yurievna, what makes the he had been sick and tired of everything, what they think about the contemporary series of programmes, which are being at that point he changed his image style and level of performing, what filmed here at the Malta International completely, dyed his hair and as such concerts touched them, what they liked Music Festival, unique among other went to Rostropovich. and what they did not like. The range of films in this genre? We had a very sincere conversation questions was enormous, colossal. – From the very beginning this series with Maestro Accardo. We touched upon – Great amounts of the most was planned as a conversation of two the image of genius Paganini. The famous interesting material, but the film has Artists. In each episode I am not only the violinist shared his ideas about whom he its format. presenter who asks questions, I also try considered a real genius of the violin art; – It is a pity, but most likely, we will to “work-out” and discover the inner core he told me how he was assisting during have to cut the accumulated material very of my counterpart. Two peers can discuss production of the famous film Stradivari ruthlessly. absolutely any topic, from professional with magnificent Anthony Quinn, and – The “action” in each episode takes issues, related to interpretation or how difficult it was to explain to the actor place every time in a new historical stylistic characteristics of performing, to how to pretend playing the violin so that place or natural landscape of Malta. a discussion of important life principles, the fingers move in tune with the sound. Whose idea was that? www.maltavest.com 27 MIMF-2018

One episode was recorded by the sea, with an old stranded ship in the background, an absolute Flying Dutchman!

– For a long time our crew studied buildings. We decided to show Malta in attracted by all this beauty, the spirit historical, cultural and natural sights of all its beauty! Especially we wanted to of Malta itself, its unique and the island. From morning till night we show what it experienced throughout squares. One episode was recorded by were travelling and choosing beautiful these three weeks. Because every second the sea, with an old stranded ship in spots, because we wanted to create this of the life of every tiny corner of this the background, an absolute Flying special informal atmosphere. beautiful island was filled with musical Dutchman! There is a certain difference between topics. When we were shooting Andreas an interview videotaped in some closed – Probably, these films will appeal Ottensamer in a totally fabulous place, and even very spectacular rooms (as it not only to musicians, but to keen we decided to go in a boat along grottoes. is usually done) and when you talk with travelers as well. But we were out of luck because of the a musician against the background of – It will be interesting in all senses, storm and we had an interview standing magnificent nature and those amazing because the viewers will be definitely at the edge of a fantastic cliff!

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Every new episode will be telling not only about some details of the character of a thinking artist and musician, it will inspire and surprise every viewer with Every new episode will be the natural and historical scenery. – Musicians were playing to the telling not only about some sound of the sea waves crashing… Are you going to record sound again in the details of the character of a studio? – No, we are going to use the live thinking artist and musician, sound, which was recorded in the place where each musician was playing. Ray it will inspire and surprise Chen, David Aaron Carpenter, Aiman Musakhodzhaeva, Khachaturian trio… every viewer with the natural Actually, we had not a trio, but a duet, as it was impossible to fix a piano on the and historical scenery. jagged rocks. It will be the sound filled with air, wind and the amazing beauty of Malta. We will also show fragments of concerts by the same artists at the Malta festival. – During shooting an episode with Ray Chen, he lovingly was protecting the violin from the sun with his body… – Actually, all musicians were worried about their instruments. Narek Hakhnazaryan also was protecting his cello from the wind and the sun. Everybody treasures their excellent instruments, several artists have really unique instruments made in the eighteenth century, and, of course, the varnish can be badly affected by the sun, sea salt in the air, and high humidity. – But despite all this, the musicians agreed to do it? – With no exception, because the shooting was really fabulous! A musician performing in the open air – it is always a great picture. Once my husband Robert and I saw Anne-Sophie Mutter filmed with her Stradivari in Salzburg. It was happening right outside: a drone was flying around and they were recording a live sound; in the end it was something unbelievable! It was like a 3D image! – Can you say a couple of words about your film crew? – The film crew is very serious and with great experience; the guys know how to shoot in the open air. This will be an unusual series, and I am sure that viewers will really enjoy it! – Does the series have a title? – Of course – “A Date with Lyubov” (lyubov means love in Russian)… Only if you love your profession and everything you do, you can take a risk and bring a Stradivari or Guarneri into the sun and play for a multimillion television audience.

Tatiana Esaulova Moscow-Valetta www.maltavest.com 29 REVIEWS

Vienna blood On April 15th the an incredible mix; a city filled with of the term “gassen” is a “hit” or melodies from all over Europe and at any “schlager”). Where Haydn in the finale Malta International time ready to exchange its comfortable of his G-major trio No. 39 flirts with Music Festival – the patriarchal existence to a simple-minded “Hungarian” style, for what his opus was naive fun. That’s what happened in the nicknamed “Gypsy.” Where Schubert most European and cosy little concert venue in Floriana – an even in the last year of his life feels in cosmopolitan festival ex-Methodist Church (vaults, acoustics, B-flat major and allows the violin and of all – has finally crystal chandeliers included). cello to have a good chat. Where Joseph The ladies trio was a rather intricate Vella, a Gozitan who has recently passed started ensemble, which consists of the Austrian away, composes Romanza for his own violinist Elisabeth Kropfitsch, the Indian son’s nuptial mass, showing himself to t is useless to search for any pianist Marialena Fernandez and the be a true lyricist and a romantic of broad similarities with Johann Strauss Korean cellist Meehae Ryo. This clearly breathing. the Younger’ operetta – for we are indicates that they are cosmopolitan truly. The most heartfelt was, however, speaking about a Viennese trio with Especially since they all live in Vienna; the encore “Schubertango” by the Iall-female participants who performed contemporary Maltese composer Alexey hence, in their arteries and, of course, works of the Great Trinity namely Haydn, veins one finds real Vienna blood – a Shor – a delightful joke, a real example Beethoven and Schubert. Adding to their heady mix of ages, races and classes. of postmodern irony, where the rhythm wonderful music an opus of the Maltese The Cosmopolitan Trio Vienna’s of tango embraces a Leise flehen meine composer Joseph Vella which perfectly concert was, first of all, incredibly vivid, Lieder Durch die Nacht zu Dir, and other blended with the programme. It is and secondly, resembled a hedonistic act serenades, so Piazzolla’s “Libertango” interesting to note that Joseph Vella is a filled with everything beautiful, bright inevitably arising in your mind, does not appear as a simple allusion. And you namesake of the first Viennese classic. and joyful. Where Beethoven does not know, in this very moment it became Cosmopolitan Trio Vienna is a true claim to sound significant, composing crystal clear, that naturally joyful symbol of Wean (Austrian pronunciation variations on a popular theme from perception of life has not been lost of “Wien”), a cosmopolitan city, Joseph Weigl “L’amor marinaro,” for forever by us, who live in this complex where waltz, and march, and csárdás, what his B-flat trio op. 11 was actually world, which nevertheless remains full and landler, and verbunkos, and named Gassenhauer – for its melody was of harmony. polka, and Gypsy violins, and, of chanted and whistled by idlers of Vienna course, champagne splashes created (by the way, the modern equivalent Lina Goncharsky

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Malta International Music Festival united Malta and Armenia artists

usicians of Malta and performance turned out to stay in line Armenia united at the Gala with the repertoire. The program itself concert of the 6th Malta consisted of a number of concertos, a International Music Festival. genre that allows soloists and orchestra MMalta Philharmonic orchestra soloists – to compete. In this musical battle both Rebecca Hall (flute), Brit Arend (harp), “camps” performed on an equal footing, Etienne Cutajar (French horn) and London demonstrating their shining talents. Symphony orchestra soloist Carmine Brit Arend showed off with a number Lauri (violin) performed together with of gentle arpeggio and elegant pizzicato the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (it is to note that the harp part Mozart under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, composed for his beloved student artistic Director and Honored artist of Marie-Louise-Philippina). Rebecca Hall Republic of Armenia. The event was held pleased the audience with the matte at MCC’s Republic Hall in Valletta. timbre sounds in the middle register. The concert program included cream Etienne Cutajar, like the first performer de la creme of the classical repertoire – of the Strauss concerto Oscar Franz, Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra demonstrated “hanging” high notes. in C major of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The climax of the concert, however, Horn Concerto No.1 in E-flat major of came with Carmine Lauri’s performance, Richard Strauss and Violin Concerto No.1 whose interpretation of Wieniawski’s in F-sharp minor of Henryk Wieniawski. concerto combined filigree technique, The unity of artists created an soft velvet sound and intelligent uncommon contrast of different styles manner of expression. Mro Lauri played of performance. Aristocratic West’s Stradivarius violin. manner shown by the soloists has The unusual “joint venture” of the perfectly blended with temperamental Malta soloists and the Armenian State East being represented by the orchestra. Symphony orchestra is an absolute Soft roulades of flute and harp were success of the festival program. Despite contrasting with expressive calls of their differences in spirits and performing the strings. Restrained, natural solo styles, the musicians performed as one of French horn – with powerful tutti. single instrument. Seeing this magic in Melodious cantilena of the violin – with action was a pure pleasure. pathetic roaring of the winds. The stylistic polarity inherent in the Translation from Russian www.maltavest.com 31 REVIEWS

Giya Kancheli: SPIRITUAL

“What shall I do, singer and first-born, is music is made of moments, before the concert, was dedicated to those in a world where the deepest black is grey, hints and pauses. It is personalities, who re-shaped his artistic and inspiration is kept in a thermos? unspeakable, unspoken, perceptions. All music miniatures were with all this immensity transcendent. Its abyssal written for various theatrical productions in a measured world?” Hinsights are hidden behind sweetest and movies. Unlike “Letters to friends”, melodies vanishing in the thin air, “Chiaroscuro” belongs to a completely Marina Tsvetaeva felliniesque absurdity smiling like different genre. If “Letters” were written Giulietta Masina. Ascetic art nouveau. with the stage directors and filmmakers’ Deliberate simplicity of orchestral preferences in mind, in “Chiaroscuro” the writing, deceptive artlessness of composer chose to become a filmmaker, harmonies, fragility of moments filled and a screenwriter, and a choreographer Yes, one’s sleep is with sounds, aesthetic pianissimo and himself. Therefore the latter piece he devilish forte. Superiority of afterlife over composed for himself. quiet, but meaningful; life. And over death, too. “Letters” were performed by the in the absence of For the Malta International Music incredible young violist Giorgi Zagareli. Festival, Giya Kancheli, the most Each miniature was like a micro-story music one is sure that mysterious and unworldly composer on with an open ending, a scene from a silence does sound, the planet, chose three of his works: 14 stage play, a chord, a timbre, a note, a “Letters to friends” for viola and chamber stroke. And everything else in between too, although the orchestra, “Chiaroscuro” for violin them. Amazing Georgian musician, who absence of music one and chamber orchestra and “Instead lived through every moment of sound of a Tango” for violin, viola, piano and and silence, shared a great variety of can imagine only while chamber orchestra. Each “Letter”, said colors and overtones of Kancheli’s music, dreaming Kancheli at the press conference held and managed to depict its philosophical

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carnival. Zagareli’s viola was telling of slow, quiet part his violin suddenly nevertheless clearly heard the Eternity stories, singing and laughing, joking; started fuming with the frantic pace, the speaking to them there and then. In at times the musician, together with fiery-paced, loud demonic laughter. And the spacious Republic Hall hall of the the composer, were ironically speaking once again reminded that Cortesi – quite Mediterranean Conference Centre – the about the world and themselves. Art, in rightly – thinks that violin is the Devil’s former hospital of the Knights of St. general, is a frivolous subject. After all, Instrument. His perfect performance one John – the unworldly music was slipping since Shakespeare’s era we all know can describe by all that what is enclosed to disappearance, almost a dream. about The Importance of Being Earnest. in a single word “spiritual.” Yes, one’s sleep is quiet, but In “Chiaroscuro,” before the audience Needless to say, the delightfully meaningful; in the absence of music and the composer himself who was musical young conductor Sergey one is sure that silence does sound, too, present at the concert, the fantastic Smbatyan and the chamber section of although the absence of music one can Italian violinist Andrea Cortesi, one the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra imagine only while dreaming. of the most expressive interpreters of turned out to be the people of the same “God Almighty who refused to accept Kancheli, made a confession. He wasn’t spiritual category – they perfectly me must have thought of giving me a just performing – he was painting understood and passed on the clear and chance to visit Malta,” said Giya Kancheli exquisite pictures, using contrasts of sharp message of the gloomy Georgian to me in his interview. I wish to add that light, shadows and reflections, fighting genius. Lord must have taken care of those who along the way with unexpected attack The audience was meditating, still wander on Earth. of the kettledrums and spontaneous willingly succumbing to the collective Lina Goncharsky outbursts of percussion. In the middle hypnosis. However, subconsciously they

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Concerto Grosso Extravaganza in Floriana: Vivaldi the Baroque knight and other seasons

adies first is a chivalrous custom. and cello, captured by its polyphony, is distinguished by its seriousness Since all of us are in the concert gracefully distributed between the and lightness at the same time. As for hall – in ex-Methodist Church of piano and the strings, an unmistakable the transcriptions, according to Julia, the Maltese town of Floriana, – understanding of Vivaldi’s style and Vivaldi wrote many concertos for strings, Lthis knightly allusions cannot be the note-perfect taste. In the second completely ignoring the keyboard, so avoided. Therefore, let’s start with ladies, Concerto A minor BWV 596 (RV 522), that she simply wanted to correct this that is with an uncommon pianist Julia originally written for two violins and historical injustice. And, of course, to Zilberquit, who performed two Concerti orchestra, the piano part flaunted expand the piano repertoire at the same Grossi for strings of Vivaldi / Bach’s own with ornaments that would honor any time. transcription for piano. Previously, both Paramour – especially in the saddest The soloist and string section of the opuses originally were Concerti Grossi middle part of Largo e spiccato. It is not Armenian State Symphony Orchestra for the organ in Bach’s transcription, and surprising that Bach admired this music, were surprisingly unanimous – talented then underwent secondary “treatment” – its brilliant filigree, which echoes in his young musicians were not alien to being quite in the spirit of the Baroque own concertos. beautiful impulses and romantic era, when composers, poets and writers American pianist native of Russia, approach to music of both the red-haired sinned by quoting their and not only their Julia Zilberquit, a student of Bella Abbot of Venice, and the great Cantor of works, which became only better after Davidovich, is famous for her warm, soft Leipzig. The whole process was led by such “treatment.” sound and romantic interpretation of Dmitry Sitkovetsky, a citizen of the world, Transcriptions of the transcriptions even the most “male” opuses. Her legato a world-famous conductor and violinist were a success. The first one, Concerto is great, she possesses the remarkable (and also the son of Julia’s beloved Grosso BWV 593 (RV 565) D minor, dramatic talent, sharp sense of form teacher – Bella Davidovich), who was set originally composed for two violins and, most interestingly, her performance on the same wave.

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force, which inevitably affects the people involved in art by its allegorical nature (awakening, blossoming, fading and death). No wonder Sitkovetsky felt the meaning of the works of Vivaldi to the bottom, felt his intonation, simplicity and depth, which makes it con-temporary with any epoque, era or century. Do not forget that we are talking about the first four concerts of the collection “The Contest Between Harmony and Invention” inevitably reminiscent of the art of confrontation in the sublunary world. Ladies first – this rule was in acton for the the composition of the chamber section of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, where the very young charming girls clearly were leading. A few young men, however, perfectly blended in: the team sounded like a single “Transcriptions may enliven, extend or mankind and the Universe. Shor’s cycle organism, reverent, pure, pulsing. Never begin a new life of a great or overlooked also consists of four parts, starting in my life I have had an opportunity to composition, – said Dmitry Sitkovetsky but with “Summer” and ending with hear such a perfect bird trills in “Spring”, in his interview to the Maltese Herald “Spring”. Summer in Manhattan is very when the soloist Dmitry Sitkovetsky was magazine. – Now there is certain hot (“my favorite season in new York – joined by the first and second violin stagnation in music – people play the Indian summer”, said Dmitry Sitkovetsky and in the same moment caused some same works, and they do it unexcitingly. at a press conference, meaning, as you insurmountable feeling of happiness, And art is intended to open up new know, to early autumn). As for Shor’s which remained for all four Vivaldi’s colours. I find it boring to play the same melodious music, the author conveyed concerts-seasons – until the last bar line. pieces, that is why I began making his personal impressions of seasonal The orchestra, led by Maestro transcriptions.” Yes, he is unanimous changes, although the idea behind Sitkovetsky, demonstrated refined with Julia in this subject, and that’s his opus is different: if Vivaldi’s violin nobility of manners, exquisite eloquence what is amusing: the violinist Dmitry behaves as a separate solo instrument, and theatricality, attracting skillfully Sitkovetsky created, among other things, Shor has it integrated into the orchestra, executed effects and colorful sound own transcriptions of keyboard works by so the violin is an integral part of it. recording. It was a true Baroque plot, Bach (including a three-part inventions In a refined, emotional, inspired – in a where different voices of events took and Goldberg variations) for string trio, word, masterful performance by Dmitry place simultaneously, entrusted to that is made to reverse the process. Sitkovetsky in two guises – violinist- different instruments; the true Baroque soloist and conductor – Vivaldi’s Meanwhile, the concert was opened beauty of clash, when the soloist and “Seasons” sounded “raw,” as they are, by the Ancient Airs and Dances of orchestra object to each other, and each however one could feel how the time flies. Ottorino Respighi. The fighter for of them only benefits from it. di avangardia this time forgot According to the musician, in the change about Art Nouveau and plunged into of seasons there is a special attractive Lina Goncharsky the arrangement of works for lute of the Italian Renaissance and early Baroque composers. So if you please, here you’ve got the transcriptions again, having in mind that most of the material Respighi borrowed from the Italian musicologist Oscar Chilesotti. Delicate, almost transparent orchestral colours were soothing to ears. Elegant passages reminded the reason why Ottorino Respighi is loved so much by choreographers. From here lays a straight road to the 21st century, proving that music is, as before, is innocent, in spite of external complexity. Actually, two paths led to “Four Seasons of Manhattan” for violin and string orchestra by Alexey Shor: Respighi – closer to him in time, and Vivaldi – closer to him in spirit who looked at the relations between the Rhapsody in true Just for one evening the European capital of culture, Valletta, moved to Rachmaninov’s semantic field. Nikolai Lugansky – a pianist next to impossible in the circumstances of today’s Universe – performed Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini.

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one to one with music. Very strong in 1940, three years before composer’s and subtle interpreter of Rachmaninov death. This complex Suite requires the (and any other – but this evening conductor to be proficient in managing we celebrate the 145th anniversary of different types of movement, since Rachmaninov and attend a special we are talking about a piece with a concert at the Malta International strong choreographic nature (after Music Festival), every time he delivers the premiere of the ballet “Paganini” immaculate music, as if it has just gone the composer dreamed of a new stage out of the composer’s hands – and at the production and used the material from same time very different. This is what an unfinished ballet “The Scythians,” we may call Lugansky’s charm and his sketched in Russia around 1914, for “brand recognition” – it is in the poetics his “Dances”). The most sad was the of the top-notch calibre, in sophisticated 2 nd part of this bitterly farewell – a lightness and non-elementarity. real man’s waltz which was heartfelt In Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on the theme of Paganini, the pianist managed by Sergey Smbatyan and his orchestra to find the perfect balance between to the bottom. America was embracing poetry and passion. He could not but Russia, saxophone played a heartfelt remain serene, sincere (especially when melody similar to Russian songs – well, going through the “Russian” variations) everyone is aware of Rachmaninov’s and devilish; be superemotional, nostalgia; the more surprising is that tearing chords to pieces; and, finally, the 67-year-old composer’s melancholy in the cult 18th variation – be himself: and mental fatigue was understood by exquisite, even scrupulous, touching the young musicians. This is where, and very clear. Where it was required, perhaps, lays the secret of Rachmaninov Lugansky used the ultra-fast pace, but music’s eternal youth, its eternal they too were individual, self-sufficient, modernity, impossible to be referred to far from the desire for speed at any cost. in the past tense. The personal drama of the composer suffering far from his motherland is the Lina Goncharsky only thing that unites 24 variations the Rhapsody; cryptographer Rachmaninov connected it with the Dies Irae (“Day of Wrath”) theme. On the other hand, behind this 13th century sequence, a mandatory part of the funeral mass and a symbol of the Last Judgment, looms Paganini’s own figure, who made a deal very time at Lugansky’s concerts with the Devil and received all kinds of you discover yourself in a perfections. As for Lugansky, he is the new situation – acoustically, artist as mysterious as is irreproachable, recalling at once that our given and in relation to music – a real Saint. Etime does not tolerate high voice and This is why one recalls the final verses that we still have that handful of true of Dies Irae wordings which actually pianists free from all superficial; and symbolize the ascent of the souls to the that fortissimo can be elegant and the divine throne, “the righteous will shine differences between pianissimo quiet, like the sun in the kingdom of their mysterious, tragic and elegiac may be Father”. performed with surgical precision and This evening Lugansky had an will never sound the same. Moreover, excellent partner – resident of the Lugansky’s flexible and long fingers, festival (and my personal favorite, from not inferior to Rachmaninov’s, are not now on and forever) – the Armenian just able to untangle the most intricate State Symphony Orchestra under the cobwebs of notes. They visually change baton of the young genius, Sergey the latitude, longitude and depth Smbatyan. Together, they managed to of keys, ignoring the difficulties of intricately convey all the jazz influences fingering and all sort of other obstacles, in Rachmaninov’s music, arising in his make the plastic soft and pliant, so it late American opuses (although the loses its linear shape and proceeds to Rhapsody was born in Switzerland, in the non-Euclidean space, from where Villa Senar). In particular, the influence the Euclidean dimensions seem rather of Gershwin and his Rhapsody – that funny. one in Blue. Nikolai Lugansky’s performance is The motive of the Dies Irae remained in totally devoid of melodrama – and this is the Symphonic dances – Rachmaninov’s why one who puts trust in him, remains last composition, created in Long Island www.maltavest.com 37 REVIEWS

chaikovsky in this ballet unleashed his imagination, as well as the artistry of colorful sound recording Tand spectacular decorativeness. Importantly, the ballet-extravaganza (this is the term to be used) based on the French fairy tale reflect the very essence of the composer’s personality – the element of Russian soul! The stunning success of the piece in 1890, when the Tsar’s family was present in the hall of the Mariinsky theatre, broke all records with regards to costs: 42 thousand rubles were allocated for the ballet (a quarter of the annual budget of the theaters of St. Petersburg!) The Sleeping beauty Suite from the ballet is an absolutely self-sufficient, fully-fledged symphonic work, created in the editorial office of Ziloti and Juergenson. In the interpretation of Maestro Stadler Tchaikovsky is incredibly bright, cheerful, brilliant and elegant. He managed to “seize” the necessary balance of equilibrium and harmony, because the music of “Sleeping beauty” captivates with its sensual fullness and emotional, amazing magic and fabulousness. The musicians of the orchestra managed to immerse us in the world of romance, bright dreams and beautiful moments. The orchestra sounded very special in the Theme of the Lilac fairy – the culmination of the symphonic suite. One could feel everything: the gentle impetuosity, the powerful cascades of orchestral tutti, and the brilliance of the solemn sound of the winds. Sergey Stadler is a true master. In his comments about his work he is modest and truthful. We cannot but quote Maestro right before the concert: “Conducting is a silent profession…” Tchaikovsky and… THE MYSTERIOUS BACH-ISH LIGHT of Alexei Shor’s works “Sleeping beauty”, the most perfect ballet in history, was a new form for Russian music and choreographic action. Being in the prime of his creative powers, the great composer wrote not just ballet music – under the influence of another genius, Marius Petipa, a completely new concept of the ballet performance was born; the symphonization of music originally intended for dancing made a real revolution…

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Eternal struggle of light and darkness, regardless of time… The strengths of the musicians’ performance were also monolithic sound forte, symphonic coverage of the form, and, at the same time, – the full sounded parties of orchestral voices, subtle specification of individual themes, intonations, melodies… Now, when the festival in Malta has gained momentum, it is obvious that the European Foundation for Support of culture has created a kind of “Maltese miracle” and every evening the audience receives surprise gifts. The program of each concert is effectively combined, and the concerts themselves have “intriguing- enticing” names, for example, in Concerto Extravaganza harmoniously intertwined Baroque world with a modern musical youth, as well as for the special pastime Special attention deserves the Chicken interpretation of the philosophical of those who have already succeeded in Tarantella. Known in ancient Spanish theme of “Seasons” by the composer such a doctrine…”! The main character tradition, Tarantella, the magical dance Alexey Shor. And today’s “Extraordinary of the concert – David Aaron Carpenter that heals patients with tarantism. In Concert” is marked by a tribute to has already succeeded in all the above: Shor’s interpretation this becomes an Tchaikovsky’s immortal creation, but his elegant appearance and fantastic urban folk song “Fried Chicken”… so Alexey Shor’s “Well-tempered chanson” charm, great movements and aristocracy many amazing parallels, analogies and instantly makes us change and move to in harmony with the spirit of the associations!. “Well-tempered chanson” another musical dimension! composition prove that. Let’s add his really amazes both from the point of Alexey Shor became known to the superb acting… view of musical dictionaries of different world by his “Well-tempered chanson”, The composer named his cycle eras, and of the artistic concept of the in fact: he composed this work for his using the word game: “Well-tempered possibilities of the genre itself. friend, violist David Aaron Carpenter. chanson”, i.e. chanson perfect, Beethoven called the Bach’s Well This music represents those who live ennobled, dignified, correctly-sounding Tempered Clavier a “musical Bible”, to sing and those who sing to live… It is (here come into force the analogy with and Casals is inspired by “the difference worth reminding that in Russia the term Bach’s idea to prove the existence of the of impressions produced by different “Russian chanson” appeared only in evenly tempered scale). Kaleidoscope of keys”… Alexey Shor used only minor in the 90s, when this kind of song began genres used – Marsh-Tarantella-Waltz- his cycle. The composer himself believes to sound on stage, radio and TV. The Samba-Madrigal-Tango-Bossa nova – that “music should reflect moods and concept of “Russian chanson” now covers all these become a wide panorama of feelings”, so it seems to us that at times a fairly wide and very different circle of musical images, in our opinion, a real the overall figurative structure of the artists – from Vertinsky and Arkady musical encyclopedia! The composer composition balances on the verge of Severny to Claudia Shulzhenko and Mark plays by naming parts of the cycle, “merry sadness” or “sad fun”. And now Bernes… having great fun! We travel with the we cannot but recall the remarkable The premiere was an amazing success, author in the maze of human feelings and quote of Ernest Theodor Hoffmann: and since then it has been performed passions with a simple idea; chanson is “One, being in a bad mood, I bought everywhere. It was greeted with applause the aesthetic category of the comic, the myself a camisole coloured C-sharp at the Metropolitan Museum and Carnegie pathetic, the tragic, mockingly sarcastic minor, but in order to console myself, I Hall. The cycle was then recorded with and passionate… sewed it to the collar – colour E major…”. the London Philharmonic orchestra. In the first part, the thick, “human” It is not necessary to be a musician to And finally it started travelling and now voice of the viola literally sang to understand the power of tonal paint reached Malta… all of us “Murka”, suddenly, subtly and its embodiment. One can talk for a “Well-tempered chanson” was long- framed ritornelli in the Italian style… long time about the favorite minor and awaited by the MIMF followers, because the intonations of the table song majors of different composers, but still it created a big interest – look at the name “Wait a minute, dear train” in Trans- it seems to us that the essence of this alone! However, what’s in this name? Siberian Waltz are surrounded by work is somewhat different… Often in What’s the connction with Bach?. The gorgeous intonations of Bach’s style… the music of Alexey Shor, through the answer is that Alexey Shor and the world Baroken love – Broken love – a word clear proportions of melodious lines culture co-exist in unbreakable unity and game, meaning “broken love”, sounds and harmonic structures that can be this allows us to find amazing stylistic grotesque and burlesque in the spirit compared with framing colored stained connections, splices, interactions, of the March-style popular songs. In glass, shines warm and mysterious provided by the highest mastery of the the rhythms of dashing Samba dressed Bach’s light, giving the composer a new composer. the most recognizable Jewish melody incentive for creativity… On the title page of his Well Tempered “Seven-forty”, and “Bagels” already Clavier Bach wrote: “For the benefit and wear spectacular clothes of Argentine Tatiana Esaulova use of aspiring to the teaching of musical tango… Translation from Russian www.maltavest.com 39 REVIEWS

Images from the Great Siege

Well, it happened, finally: at the 6th edition of the Malta International Music Festival we attended the world premiere of Alexey Shor’s symphonic cycle “Images from the Great Siege”, dedicated to the heroic defense of the island in 1565, when the unsuccessfully tried to defeat the Knights of St. John.

VETLANA VELLA, Editor- which happened in the heat of Lina Goncharsky: Definitely, in-chief of the Maltese summer in 1565. This is the battle of tandem is the right conclusion and Herald magazine and LINA Knights against the Janissaries, the there is another reason for it: when I GONCHARSKY, music critic Cross against the Crescent, defenders asked the composer why he decided to Sexchange their opinions on the against the invaders; this is the unite two orchestras, Alexey Shor said event. battle of two orchestras – Maltese that he did not actually mean opposing Svetlana Vella: If to describe the and… Armenian, not Turkish. Well, one of them to the other, although we Great Siege as an episode of Malta’s not quite a battle, but rather tandem, are talking about two sides in arms – history, we would speak of a violent for both of these nations used to have the Maltese and the Turks. That is and mournful chain of events, albeit one enemy in common – and all know a handful of Knights Hospitallers, with a happy ending – for Malta, who I mean… aka Knights of St. John, a couple of

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thousand of the Maltese militia and Emperor of the , The first and the most horrible small units of allied troops, who stood the Knights at first considered it as episode was, of course, a sanguinary before the onslaught of the huge army a kind of transit point, where they battle for the Fort St. Elmo – it is the of the Ottoman Ports. No, Alexey Shor could heal their wounds and then one exactly opposite the Mediterranean didn’t want orchestras to fight with attempt to win back their beloved Conference Centre, where the cycle was each other, on the contrary, he meant Rhodes with their auberges, hospital premiered. Many Christian and Muslim united orchestra just the same in the etc. There was nothing of this sort soldiers were killed. Alas, the fortress Wagnerian sense, because in order to in Malta apart from a dilapidated, surrendered, and the indescribable recreate the pictures of fierce battles, morally obsolete fort of St. Angelo atrocities followed: the Janissaries he needed to double the number of in one of the creeks of Grand Harbor butchered the survivors, nailed musicians. (remember, I pointed it out to you, mutilated bodies to wooden crosses and S.V.: Would you please elaborate on when we strolled in Valletta?). sent this awful “gift” across the creek Wagner? However, in the meantime, Suleiman to the defenders of the Fort St. Angelo, L.G.: I’ve just remembered how decided that the Knights should not used heads instead of cannot balls… Wagner and Berlioz invented – both of set their feet in Malta too. That’s how L.G.: Terrible story, indeed… them on their own – quite bold methods it all started… Fortunately, Alexey Shor spared our of orchestrating, not to mention all sorts L.G.: Yes, I remember our walk, nerves and did not paint all this bloody of cunning tricks. And Wagner, who you’re an amazing storyteller… slaughter. Although it sounded powerful. was anything but a friend to Berlioz, Therefore, during the premiere, I could However, large-scale compositions still recognized the “fantastic courage easily visualize the musical pictures associated with the anniversary in and extraordinary clarity of the most of Alexey Shor, and it was even more memory of fallen heroes require mass risky combinations” that Berlioz used in interesting. Not to mention the fact performance. Let us recall at least his “Fantastic Symphony” and “Harold that we are talking about the program Berlioz’s “Grande Symphonie funèbre et in Italy”. As for Richard of Bayreuth cycle – each part has a title. It is also triomphale” or his “Requiem”, where the himself, the composer was inclined noteworthy that the author approaches orchestra reaches gigantic proportions – to the “double” orchestral sound: historical events from the point of view the symphony orchestra is enlarged bassoons with French horns, trumpets of a 21st century person, as he noted in by several military orchestras… Yes, with trombones, etc. – to perform the his interview. of course, the winds section became melody in octave or unison. Now, in S.V: Yes, it felt so… oversized, but in this situation, everyone Alexey Shor’s cycle “Images from the L.G.: Anyway, what happened next? would need trumpets. Berlioz, by the Great Siege” we have heard a number S.V.: Well, in May 1565 – and way, was a commander of his own big of fine examples of winds playing in that date any Maltese person will musical detachment – he was marching unison. Other ideas for double orchestra reproduce correctly being in any in the head of his column and conducted were quite impressive, too. physical form, – powerful Turkish with the sword. S.V.: Yes, it sounded great. And as fleet under the command of S.V.: With a sword, really? That’s for me, who studied the history of my (or Turgut) Reis, the cunning and an interesting coincidence: in “second motherland” in detail, this treacherous leader of the Berber – where the Fort St. Angelo is cycle made me recall how the Order pirates, anchored at Malta’s shores. situated – there is a chapel of Our of St. John actually settled in Malta… The Grand Master of the Knights was Lady of Damascus where La Valette thanks to a tragic chain of events. certain Jean Parisot de La Valette, donated his hat and a sword as a The Ottoman sultan, Suleiman the fearless and no less cruel person – in token of gratitude for victory over Magnificent, an official enemy of the short, a worthy opponent to Dragut. Turks. By the way, the second name Order, kicked the Knights out from The Order’s military forces were of the city of Birgu – Vittoriosa, that the island of Rhodes in 1522. Having much inferior to the Turkish – but not is Victorious – was granted after the received Malta from Charles V, in morale! Siege.

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But these all happened after. In the meantime, after the Fort St. Elmo was seized, the Turks attacked Fort St. Angelo. The battle was fought on land and at sea, and the main enemy of La Valette, Dragut, lost his life there. His death hit the Turk’s morale, but they didn’t give up and even managed to breach one of the wall of the Fort St. Angelo, however, the fortress was not surrendered thanks to heroism of the Knights and the Maltese as well as the allies who managed to come from Sicily to assist in fighting. And then the Deputy General Hiver intervened (it is a common knowledge that there is no snow in Malta). Early autumn sea storms made the Turks retreat. It happened on September 8, when the Catholics celebrate Nativity of Our Lady, so now you understand La Valette’s ex-voto. It is noteworthy that Malta’s Victory Day is also celebrated on September 8, and in honor of this “double festa” – secular and religious – the local brass bands play triumphal marches in Malta’s S.V.: Sergey Smbatyan is simply Shor once again confirmed that he towns and villages. incredible. I took a comment from is a composer of lyrical talent, since L.G.: It seems that almost every him about this work asking: do you detail has its association with music… even the battle scenes did not prevent think that the Armenians and the You’re talking about St. Angelo and him from creating romantic images Maltese have much in common – I immediately recall a phrase about associated with the battle. And far- Angelotti from Puccini’s “Tosca”… This for example, both nations have from-war episodes like “Young Knight’s is also a very sad story, when I was a always courageously defended Dream,” or “St. Elmo Barcarolle”, child I cried over Aria Kavaradossi “E their freedom? And whether the or “Grand Master’s Ball”… Perhaps lucevan le stelle”. So involuntarily you historical memory of the heroic he poeticized the island defenders’ start thinking about victory for which struggle for freedom able to unite courage, and it’s incredibly touching. the Maltese had to pay a dearest price, people of the XXI century? And he Well, if you think that those events and I even waited for the strings to agreed with me that the Maltese happened nearly 500 years ago, it start performing col legno, that is, by and the Armenians are people with becomes clear that this is a reflection the shaft, like in Berlioz’s “Fantastic strong will and beliefs. “I am of the on the event, not the description of the opinion that the historical fights for Symphony” in order to sound like bone- event; musical pictures of battles, born freedom do develop a subconscious rattling… Fortunately, this Cap was in composer’s imagination. Despite connection between nations,” taken away from us. At the same time in all the “Cannonade”. And despite the Maestro said. “When the Maltese and the orchestral vertical you may hear lots terrible bloodshed associated with the Armenians meet, they feel that of remarkable things – in order to make the Siege, it has a happy ending – the they are bound by common values, the music figurative and let it go beyond invaders retreated, the defenders saved which surprisingly unites completely its borders and become a painting, a their land. This reminds me of the battle tragedy, and an adventure story… different people – regardless of their of David and Goliath, doesn’t it? S.V.: Besides, there is something faith, race, nationality, culture and S.V.: Yes, this is a symbol of victory else which is very interesting: Shor traditions.” over the mighty enemy, the victory became the first composer who L.G.: Indeed, we’ve heard this of the spirit over the brutal force… turned to this episode of Malta’s today – in the fantastic fusion of the two The Knights won, and the winners history. This is despite the fact that orchestras. By the way, after the “Great are usually greeted with music… one Voltaire said, Nothing is better known Siege” cycle they played the pieces than the siege of Malta”. from my favorite “Spartacus” Suite by supposes, it sounds triumphantly. L.G.: I would like to emphasize Khachaturian, and to this phenomenon, L.G.: I also liked that the score of the the excellent work of the conductor, like the phenomenon reading this opus “Great Siege” is deeply touching, but Sergey Smbatyan, who was in charge to the dazzling Sergey Smbatyan, I will yet optimistic. In addition, there are of two orchestras – the Armenian State dedicate a separate review. It touched plenty of lovely melodies one wishes Symphony Orchestra and the Malta me to the bottom of my heart because I to listen to out of any war context, just Philharmonic Orchestra. He worked so remembered a documentary I filmed for for pleasure. And finally, I would like skillfully, so naturally that I have to the 100th anniversary of Aram Ilyich… to remind you that tomorrow we expect quote myself and repeat again that we But this, again, is another story. As for the Maltese premiere of Shor’s Travel are talking about a young genius. the subject of our conversation, Alexey Notebook.

42 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 REVIEWS With the help of divine power Some exquisite overtones were added to the final chords of the Malta International Music Festival: the Khachaturian trio – a chamber ensemble by the grace of God – performed at the historic concert hall of Floriana

he violinist Karen Shakhgaldyan, the cellist Karen Kocharyan and the pianist Armine Grigoryan perform very well together; they Tare a rewarding example of the ensemble mastery imbued with vivid feelings. At the same time, it is not hard to realize how good they are as soloists, because each one of them demonstrates a remarkable musical technique. A quixotic spontaneity of the violin, a stylish softness of the cello, a clear and insightful imagery of the piano – definitely, we could talk at length about the poetic phrasing by Karen Shakhgaldyan, how he lives inside phrases and, what is totally inconceivable, inside notes; about the refined intellectualism of Karen Kocharyan, whose bow draws divine sounds out of the depths of the cello; about the exquisite expression and delicate pianism of Armine Grigoryan; Together with the music by signature sound of the piano trio. talk about them and admire them. Each Khachaturian, the trio named after the The musicians had been contemplating emotion in their music is expressed both composer performed exquisite, witty and the compositions of Khachaturian and comprehensively and vicariously; there is elegant pieces by Alexey Shor. These pieces Shor, and they presented the music, no excessiveness, but only the brightest of music, when put together, formed quite which is quite rare today – natural, expressiveness. an unusual cycle. “This assembling of accessible, sincere and creative. The trio This is the right time to remind pieces is very similar to when children play was playing this music most tactfully and that, among other events, the Malta with Lego, – said Karen Shakhgaldyan with the most serious attitude towards the International Music Festival celebrated shortly before the concert. – My son, for profession, turning even such classical the 115th anniversary of the birth of example, likes to assemble Lego all day hits like the Sabre Dance into a noble Aram Khachaturian. This is why the long, very skillfully and very quickly. musical matter without any glamorous programme included popular classical Something similar happened to us: we flavour. Pure joy was the tuning fork of music: the waltz for the play Masquerade started to play and after a while we saw the the evening – it seemed that both Karens by Mikhail Lermontov, Adagio from the outline of the future structure, and in the and Armine had come together to play ballet Spartacus, fragments from the end it all worked out”. music for their own pleasure and pleasure ballet Gayane by Aram Khachaturian, Indeed, the seven pieces –Adieu, of the audience. Insiders reported that and Nocturne by Arno Babadjanian. Age, Farewell nocturne, King Matt the Karen Kocharyan was playing the cello However, not everything is so simple. First, Luxembourg Garden, Saint Elmo that had been borrowed for the occasion, The sophisticated mastery of the trio barcarolle, and Shubertango – as if because, due to the circumstances, his was transforming every, even quite gained a common leitmotif and similar own instrument had been delayed in the familiar, musical interpretation into features, despite different genres, airport storage room, but it only added fresh ideas, which were incredibly history and geography. The origin of charm to the whole situation. fascinating. The rich instrumentalism of these pieces is also very different: for P.S. The compositions performed by the trio participants, their wisdom and example, Saint Elmo barcarolle was the Khachaturian trio at the concert are airiness were as if shedding light onto first composed as a piano miniature now available on a recently recorded CD everything around, so that the stage and and Shubertango in its previous life was released by Sony. This will definitely be a the audience in the hall, that used to be written for viola and orchestra. However, Platinum collection. a Methodist church, were incorporated a it is almost impossible to believe it, as special work of art. the ‘magnificent seven’ ideally fit the Lina Goncharskaya

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Sindbad the Sailor and the Ascot rider Journeys… At all times attractive they are! How many great masterpieces of literature and art were created under the impression of meeting with something brand new and unexplored.

n the midst of the Festival, The legendary Sindbad the Sailor, the water element in a surprisingly the Armenian State Symphony whose voyages are described in the bright literary work – “Chronicles of Orchestra and Sergey Smbatyan “Thousand and one nights”, inspired my musical life”. Rimsky-Korsakov, had a “sea voyage” to the fabulous another traveller, composer Nikolai an unsurpassed master of musical I“musical extravaganza” of Rimsky- Rimsky-Korsakov, to create the painting, demonstrated in Scheherazade Korsakov, and then, together with the symphonic Suite “Scheherazade”. the exceptional possibilities of pianist Denis Kozhukhin, they had the During his three-year round-the- orchestral colors and the feast of most journey across Europe with Travel world voyage on the clipper “Almaz”, “sultry” harmonies. Eastern exoticism, Notebook by Alexey Shor. he described his acquaintance with in fashion throughout the nineteenth

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century became a favorite theme of the is that Shor lets us meet the famous Russian composers. cities but also the iconic sites. In this The “Scheherazade” perceived sense, we proceed to La Rambla Central sensitively by Armenian musicians was Boulevard, located in the heart of a real visual and sound performance! Barcelona, then go to (Addio); And the musicians, and the audience then admire the palace and park was enthralled by the drama of the ensemble of Luxembourg garden in the narrative. Sergey Smbatyan worked center of Paris. The culminating part of without score and showed off all the cycle comes in Rubicon (inspired by possible sound colors of the orchestra, Ravenna). Idiom “Crossing the Rubicon” all its power and strength! The young means passing the point of no return. conductor managed to pass on the Then follows Sorrow – Sadness and composer’s message so the audience Venice. The final piece of the cycle is could make “an impression about remarkable, created under impression this, definitely, Oriental narrative, of visiting Ascot in Berkshire County. its numerous and diverse fairy-tale The last part is titled Horseman and miracles”!. presents the most dynamic, bright, Talented Russian pianist Denis logically concluding cycle of the musical Kozhukhin, the 1st prize winner of the narration… prestigious competition named after The work was created for a solo Queen Elizabeth, who is known for instrument and orchestra, but it is brilliant interpretations of Schubert not a piano Concerto. The soloist and and Prokofiev, was presenting Alexey orchestra constantly “argue” with each Shor’s Travel Notebook and said that he other; often the main themes literally believes that this cycle is “something “live” in the orchestra, and the piano of interest, because the composer, plays an accompanying role. Shor’s by giving titles to his pieces, takes a music offers a variety of universal good balance of imaging, illustrative, certain responsibility by showing to the intonation lexicon, which he uses which does not preclude the perception interpreter and audience a very specific very skillfully. At the same time, the of the purely emotional side works… image”! Going for a fascinating journey audience are not passive contemplators Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Ravenna, offered by Alexey Shor, please note a or philosophers; each listener Venice, Ascot. These are in Spain, Italy, coherent architectonic works – seven- finds something of his own in this France and England, but Italy leads. fold contrast composite form. surprisingly modest and elegant music. Many famous culture figures were The sequence of the pieces unveils Alexey Shor seeks to convey spirituality, enchanted by this beautiful country: the drama of the changing pictures: but rather the aura of each place, remember Glinka in Milan, Tchaikovsky “Wayfarers Prayer” begins with singing the folding of many factors – people, in Florence, and as for Rome, it became intonations at the low strings. The nature, architectural ensembles; we a promised land, accommodating curtain rises, and our protagonist, feel the taste of national food, the smell almost all the great composers… being in the shade, quietly utters the of exotic plants and – if you like it – of words of prayer. An interesting feature wine… the music of Alexey Shor has that Tatiana Esaulova

www.maltavest.com 45 REVIEWS     n 24th April in the Republic Hall of the Mediterranean Conference Centre performed Lyuba Kazarnovskaya, a famous Russian   Osoprano. Accompanied by the Ensemble “Harmony” she presented popular opera ! and operetta arias, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles’ hits of as well as music of the Maltese composer Alexey Shor. Lyuba Kazarnovskaya is more than an !$!!  opera singer, she is also a pedagogue, musical public figure, a radio and TV show presenter. Her shining career started with the Stanislavsky Musical Theatre ,*6 7353+*66.32&00*9*0 Moscow to continue at the Bolshoi and the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. After her international debut at the Salzburg Festival 8*677*&(-*56+5317-* in 1989, Kazarnovskaya performed on all leading world stages – the Metropolitan, La $ $ Scala, the Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera House, etc.   Lyuba Kazarnovskaya came to Malta as a performer and also as a filmmaker: she is in charge of a documentary on the $ "  festival’s events and participants. Russian TV channels will cover this project. !% “Love changes everything. That’s true. Love for your vocation, your close ones, for life, knowledge and creative work…    aren’t these the things that fill our life with =  !=  purpose?” said Lyuba Kazarnovskaya. = "=  =  !# Love Changes -* 811*5453,5&11*:.00(801.2&7* :.7-&4*5+351&2(*3+   Everything &7/&<<& *&758/&0 7- Concert of Lyuba Kazarnovskaya & Ensemble “Harmony” 32 &785)&; 8,867 &7 -56

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     .27*52&7.32&0 '&00*71&07&(31    REVIEWS

Maxim Vengerov’s debut at the Malta International Music Festival A new circle of the “culture circulation”… In great musicians’ lives one always finds a kind of secret story, which, on the one hand, predicts their fate, and on the other confirms their closest proximity with music.

he great teacher of Maxim food – immediately stopped crying and Vengerov, his spiritual mentor, looked very happy… Mstislav Rostropovich, on one Maxim Vengerov performed the of his early photos seen sleeping famous Violin Concerto for the first Tin his father’s cello case. As for the time when he was only thirteen. Since Maxim Vengerov himself, he listened then, much water has flown under the attentively to Tchaikovsky’s Violin bridges and, as he says, lots of changes Concerto performed by the legendary happened in his mind, hands and body, David Oistrakh at the age of… three especially after he began teaching and months. His parents, the gifted musicians conducting. The violinist began to master themselves, remember how their hungry the profession of the conductor on his baby used to be fed with the spiritual teacher’s advice. Vengerov finds that

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except for the Maestro, he would not be a Smbatyan in conducting reminds an top, and the emotions were rushing out. musician. They often performed together, architect who plans a beautiful and solid The last chord… and the audience burst recorded concerts (in 2004 receiving the construction. into applause, shouts of bravi, and gave Grammy award). Perceiving the most The Swan Lake is a large 4-act ballet, Maestro a lengthy standing ovation. important requirements of his master – with the libretto written presumably by For an encore, the musician has to always take care of the musical idea, the composer himself. On the one hand, performed Alexey Shor’s “Barcarolle”, artistic image and not the technical side – this is a fabulous conflict based on the referring to the subtle allusions with the Vengerov continues his successful career theme of fate and the ancestral curse, Italian painting and the Mediterranean as a soloist and conductor. on the other – a drama with the typical landscapes. This piece with a clear, The Malta Festival is reminiscent of the leitmotif of the relationship of mankind warm, cordial and simple melody has a music Biennale of masterpieces, where and nature; the latter may punish but deep inner emotional potential. It was every evening one can enjoy great works may also protect. a light romantic finale of the wonderful of art and plan your further musical All parts of the Suite were performed concert. interests. Haydn, Vella and Schubert; powerfully, theatrically. Waltz conquered We still await Smetana and Pelēcis; Mozart, Strauss and Wieniawski; the audience with its festive mode, game Haydn, Schubert, Khachaturian and Kancheli, Khachaturian and Vivaldi; of timbres and vivid dynamics. The Shor, and Elgar, Babajanyan, Prokofiev Respighi, Shor and Rachmaninov… conductor achieved a stunning tutti, and Penderecki… Here we have reached Tchaikovsky. provoking a storm of applause from the This is how the Malta festival supports At the Malta festival they dedicated audience between parts of the Suite. In all the noble mission that famous artists a few evenings to his music. Tonight dances the conductor kept an amazingly bring to the great musical world of was a Swan Lake suite and the famous fast pace with good coherence musicians. the planet, and, in parallel with their Violin Concerto in d major, op. 35. It The Violin Concerto was performed fantastically selfless creative activity, the is necessary to pay a tribute to the frenzily, which always characterizes Malta festival also creates a “new circle of Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the genius of the violin art. Vengerov’s blood circulation of culture and human the conductor Mro Sergey Smbatyan – in Interpretation was catchy and long to be relations”… such a tense concert marathon they are remembered. All the main themes of the Tatiana Esaulova simply impeccable! It is known that the first part were filled with great enthusiasm, conductor’s skills and abilities are to and the most difficult cadence once again be judged not by the movements of his proved the perfection of the Maestro’s hands, but by the music the audience performance and further revealed the listen to. Sergey Smbatyan deeply and possibilities of the great Stradivari’s thoughtfully plunges into all the musical instrument in his master’s hands. images and ideas; the audience is The second part was a miniature literally fascinated by the beauty of the canzonetta – echoes of Tchaikovsky’s symphonic architecture… Italian impressions. Here the soloist and Let’s take the liberty to compare music the orchestra found the new colours of the to architecture. In Malta we can do so, with story – light, elegant… The unexpected its architectural beauties uncounted (this and effectively sounded the final attack, small island has 360 churches). Medieval the sudden “storm” of the festive fun. buildings, forts, castles, churches of Both the soloist and the orchestra showed fabulous beauty instil the musicians a feeling of fullness of life and some performing here with the new impressions special spiritual upliftment! and inspiration. The conductor’s way of The brilliant violinist was in great thinking is architectural. We immediately shape as well as mood. This evening recall the genius Goethe who once said the energy was literally boiling on the that “architecture is frozen music.” Sergey stage, the dynamics were reaching the www.maltavest.com 49 REVIEWS

THE WAY youngsters do

Each level of this music interacts with something in the minds of the audience, creates a metamorphosis in it, encourages listening and reading encoded in any melodious phrase information (it is no accident that the author of the music is an outstanding mathematician)

onight, at the Malta International to post his intricate and playful videos It would seem that everything Music festival, with solemnity on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram above-mentioned would forecast the performed the 29 year old in order to pamper his over two million performance bravura, bright and easy – violinist Ray Chen, an Australian SoundCloud subscribers. but came to the contrary. The young Tresident, a native of Taiwan, a favorite of It is necessary to point out that, in violinist was surprisingly thoughtful Armani, a social networks idol… to cut it addition to exciting clips, Chen gives and poetic, he could play ice and flame, short, a very exotic figure in the classic online master classes on the violin and grace, and a subtle sense of the music world. Besides all this he is a technique – hats off to him. For example, architectural details of the whole. His handsome young man with a charming from his video tutorials you can extract posture and stage behavior was serving smile, who spoke at the pre-concert press a lot of useful information about, say music, not boosting his ego – even the conference about his remarkable efforts vibrato and left-handed pizzicato. way he sometimes danced on the spot. in order to dissolve the barriers between Thus, Ray is trying to attract to the He really enjoyed the music, and the classical music, fashion and culture. philharmonic halls the potential season audience enjoyed the relaxation and ease That’s why he would agree to pose for ticket holders of the future, for a large Chen performed passages of any degree Vogue and try on an Armani suit or two. part of its audience in social networks of complexity with. And would not forget at the same time refers to the age group 14–24. In this context, it is worth recalling

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that Ray Chen is a winner of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists and the winner of the very-very prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels (so far the youngest participant in its history, making the Australian Taiwanese an overnight sensation). Ray plays one of the best Stradivarius violins, called “Joachim.” It used to belong to the Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim, who was on friendly terms with Schumann and Brahms, especially the latter… however, they parted because Joachim left his wife, contralto Amalie Schneeweiss, who was Brahms’ favourite. Since time measured by music is a non-linear phenomenon, let’s move away from the usual pattern and start from the end. On encore Ray Chen performed the that Ray chose to perform this evening, more a like-minded friend of the young legendary music of John Williams from opened with a theme vaguely reminiscent violinist – they literally thought the same “Schindler’s List”. And it was so heartfelt, of a motive from the “Schindler’s List.” So way, obviously, to some extent due to the and again, for the second time in this between these pieces of music there was fact that the conductor, orchestra and Chen evening, touched the Jewish strings of my a kind of bridge. However, in Shor’s work belong to the same generation. We can say cosmopolitan soul. And the fact that the the theme changed its dimensions in that Ray has found his ideal conductor – if concert opened with the symphonic poem such a wonderful way that the connection you remember his words, said in a recent “Vltava” by Bedřich Smetana dedicated with the primary source was felt, but interview to the Maltese Herald magazine: to the wonderful river flowing through not read. This is the phenomenon of “The role of the conductor is similar to a the beautiful Czech lands, and it is just a Alexey Shor – the apparent recognition storyteller crafting the environment or coincidence that its flow was described by of melodies touches the listener, but world in which the main character (the the melody based on the folk Italian song to catch allusions is quite difficult. soloist of the concerto) lives in. Each “La Mantovana,” which formed the basis Each level of this music interacts with performance is like the re-telling of King of the hymn of Israel – “Atikva.” Well, to something in the minds of the audience, Arthur, or Hamlet, where the environment cut it short again, for the first time this creates a metamorphosis in it, encourages can either help or hinder the hero. The evening the wonderful Armenian State listening and reading encoded in any perfect conductor knows the minds of Symphony orchestra touched my soul. melodious phrase information (it is no the 60+ people of the orchestra, and can Let’s move to the middle of the accident that the author of the music is anticipate the mind of the soloist too; review now. We must pay tribute to the an outstanding mathematician). creating the perfect path organically and musician’s subtleties – such encore The Armenian State Symphony without force.” was not accidental, for Alexey Shor’s orchestra under the baton of Sergey Seescapes for violin and orchestra, Smbatyan was not just a partner, but Lina Goncharsky

www.maltavest.com 51 REVIEWS Ephemerides and other ephemeral bodies

We can divide all pianists into Grigory Sokolov and everybody else. It is futile and irrelevant to write anything about him, because it is like trying to put an angel on a pinhead or draw a pen over two hemispheres, to the East and to the West, trying to materialise the Odyssey into reality.

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ne can, of course, continue showing off their mastery of verbal gymnastics, outline When he is playing, you either the category of his personal Omusical time, attempt at determining his fall into anabiosis or in a daze, sky coordinates – various Ephemerides and other ephemeral bodies. or anything else. Again, your But who needs all this? The mature Fernando Pessoa wrote, “If state cannot be described in I must dream, why not my own dreams?” It seems Grigory Sokolov would wish everyday words. the same for us: to see our own dreams in his music, about Haydn and Schubert, whose music he was performing in Haydn, a notable wit, used to compose the harmonic vertical to the highest Valletta at the Malta International Music surprisingly mischievous music, mostly degree of transparency – you somehow Festival, in the XVI century castle where in a major key. Rarely being gloomy, even miraculously were able to hear every the Knights of St. John used to have their he was occasionally “blessed” with a bad single note of each chord – he was doing hospital; in the hall accessible only if mood. Both rhythm and melody frown in magic and something else, which does one passes first a huge foyer with former these sonatas, and it is not that easy for a not succumb to any reason, neither hospital bed niches. By the way, next to musician to cope with them on a modern subjective nor objective reality given to us the large hall there is a small one, the instrument. But not for Sokolov – no in the form of sensation. He simply heard former morgue; and round the corner, by matter how deep the composer fell into and captured the music like Schubert, the entrance, stand the Knights of Malta, the minor, the extraordinary sounds and brought it out of the inaudible world. who, apparently, are deep in their own emanating from under the pianist’s But we seem to be drowning in slumbers. hands, seem the only true ones. Muted descriptions, verbal, excessive, and this Sokolov is a maverick pianist, and this half-tones, almost whispering; timbral is absolutely unnecessary sophistication, capacious English word brings a powerful which should not be here, since Sokolov’s variety, which is the known privilege description of him as an individualist words belong only to him and if someone of the old instruments, nonexistent and a dissident. Still, more remains among us is blessed to hear them, it is nowadays; mysticism of détaché and unrevealed, as all you have to do is listen only to have an epiphany. At the same occasional use of the pedal – these to Sokolov playing. time, he is surprisingly straightforward features make the modern piano similar When he is playing, you either fall into in his semantic complexity, in his weird to its predecessor of the Haydn times. anabiosis or in a daze, or anything else. logic and strange meanings. This is During the next four late-period Again, your state cannot be described in yet another Zen story: there is nothing Impromptus (D. 935) by Schubert, who is everyday words. It is incomprehensible daunting; it is all here around us, and another Viennese composer but already how he makes it, and it is not necessary sometimes even next to us. One just a Romantic, and whose music seems to to comprehend it. What for? What does needs to have the right point of view. it matter, after all, what happens to the be appropriate for the modern piano – And his man-made music… notes, sounds, and passages? If he wants although everything is appropriate A series of encores has become a to convey this very message, there is no under Sokolov’s hands, even “Le rappel traditional part of the Sokolov’s recitals; need to know how he did it. des oiseaux” by the harpsichordist they are not the pianist’s sign of favour, Sokolov played three Sonatas of Joseph Rameau performed as an encore – the but in fact the third part of the concert. Haydn and four Impromptus of Franz chemistry of the air suddenly changed There were five encores: Schubert, Schubert in a deliberately set-up semi- in the hall. And the pianist’s hands Rameau, again Schubert, Chopin and darkness. He performed Haydn’s rarities, seemed to have changed: they became Scriabin. The hands again were changing not the last eight sonatas, but the three twice as large, softer and kinder. Sokolov their size, volume and position on the from his mid-period, they are all in a performed Haydn with his fingertips; keyboard. “But these music worlds are minor key: Sonata (Divertimento) No 32 in and Schubert’s music was performed by different,” said Grigory Sokolov to me G minor, Sonata (Divertimento) No 47 in B caressing the keyboard with the whole after the concert. minor and Sonata No 49 in C-sharp minor. palm. Sokolov differentiated tones and According to Tertullian’s statement, Their rarity has its explanation: “Papa” shades of every single thing, he brought one should believe in what – from the point of view of the ancient wisdom – is absurd, and perhaps this is the only thing one should believe in. This paradox is He simply heard and captured fundamentally unsolvable, no matter how deep we try to penetrate under its the music like Schubert, and surface. And do we need it? Probably not. brought it out of the inaudible We only need to listen to Sokolov world. playing. Lina Goncharskaya

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Bravo, maestro Accardo! The Maltese festival goes forward with its mind-blowing abundance of concerts and events to suit any taste! And this island tells us such amazing stories…

Italy, a luxurious land… Let us add some strokes of history. the Maltese knights, the rebellious Inspiration enwraps the whole country, Long-long time ago, Malta was, in a artist Caravaggio used to work on The past imprinted in everything, way, a continuation of Sicily (there is a the island five centuries ago; he And an ardent pilgrim from hypothesis that the island was connected decorated local cathedrals, palaces the snowy lands to Sicily with an isthmus). We cannot and town residences… The scrupulous Hurries to see the great creation… even name all the rulers of Malta! The romantic Neapolitan Salvatore Accardo new golden age of Malta began with the enlivened the Maltese festival with his From Ode to Italy by N. Gogol Knights of St. John, having made it one of performance. the key chess pieces on the chessboard The whole Mediterranean history is a ith regard to the concert of of world culture. And it is so significant vivid example of constant interrelation a new celebrity – the Italian and, obviously, no coincidence, that and synthesis of cultures originated from violinist Salvatore Accardo, today’s Malta and its beautiful Valletta different traditions: Malta, Italy, Spain… how can we not mention is the European Capital of Culture!. The famous Spanish pianist and Wthe great footprint of Italian art on this The topic of Italy in Malta is definitely composer Isaac Albeniz observed very wonderful island?. inexhaustible! Commissioned by wisely that “Spain has not delivered

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anything more Spanish than Carmen”. radio. No one taught him how to hold The romantic theme was continued by But the premiere of this opera, full of the instrument, how to use the bow, Flight of a Falcon, a piece for violin and amazingly vivid and memorable music and, most importantly, how to make orchestra by Alexey Shor. “This piece and genius dramaturgical findings, was sounds. At the age of 13 Accardo gave allows me demonstrating abilities of a total failure, and the reason for that his first performance of the Caprices by my instrument”, noted Maestro Accardo was an early death of the 36-year old Paganini… at the press-conference held the day composer Georges Bizet, who had died Now Maestro has two favourite before. “In addition to this, I associate only several months before the triumphal instruments: Hart ex Francescatti this composition with the Eurovision procession of his immortal creation on (Stradivari, 1727) and l’Uccello di theme song”. the major theatre stages of the world. Fuoco (the Firebird) ex Saint-Exupéry We can add that the theme song Tchaikovsky believed that the music of (Stradivari, 1718). So beautiful are the jingle of the European contest is from Te this masterpiece was a great reflection names of these instruments, they have Deum by Charpentier, a XVIIth century of the musical aspirations of the whole not only a distinctive sound, but a soul composer. Every musician has his own epoch. And what epithets received this as well. Today Malta listened to the best- vision of a composition… “wonderful music with a mixture of loved violin of the Maestro – Hart. Falcon is sacral for Malta. In different motifs from Provence and Spain” – it is The romantic-idealist is acutely aware cultural traditions, a falcon or eagle full of contrast and dynamism and it is of the tragic fracture of existence, and is considered a symbol of victory. Let perfect in its dramaturgical development. at the same time he is striving to rise us go back to the Knights of St. John: The Armenian State Symphony to Harmony and Love, to merge with King Charles V, who wanted to have the Orchestra confidently used all their Nature and Cosmos. This is how the Order established in Malta, resolved the abilities this evening; the potential of great master Salvatore Accardo appeared issue related to their independence. In these young musicians is unique and in front of us. Here, on the island, he is exchange for that, the Knights had to pay their temperament is worth so much! standing on the stage as if contemplating an annual fee of a single Maltese falcon, The conductor managed to show the the depths of the sea, the Cosmos, the which they were to send to the King’s whole palette of the orchestral score. The universe, everything close and distant, representative, the Viceroy of Sicily. musicians were playing in unity within final and infinite… By the way, today People have always admired birds… an overwhelming whirlpool of feelings the sea in Malta was very rough: vivid Ancient Romans used to tell fortunes by and emotions. colours of incoming waves, strong wind the flight of birds and their singing. And Prelude, which opens Carmen- gusts and bright sunrays precisely the French composer Olivier Messiaen, Suite, was performed (as intended by reflected the emotions of Mendelssohn’s who dedicated his compositions to this Bizet) as a culmination of the dramatic Violin Concerto, in which the composer topic, once exclaimed, “Time with all performance. The orchestra and the brilliantly revealed both lyricism of a its sadness and sorrows is an abyss. By conductor were simply enjoying the song and, at the same time, fantastical contrast, birds are our desire for light, splendor of harmonious elegance and scherzo images; we can hear simplicity stars, rainbows and wordless jubilation melodious timbral richness, making and sincerity of his language. to the glory of life”. the audience immerse themselves in the Salvatore Accardo genuinely sensed The main idea of the Flight of a Falcon, fantastical spectacle, where the main the form of this composition. At first in our opinion, is orientation skywards. characters are Love and Death. Together glance, the Maestro’s violin has an The theme of a Falcon is born from with the characters of everyone’s absolutely estranged and transparent and formed by the timbral orchestral favourite opera, we found ourselves in sound, but, at the same time, we hear colours. The leitmotif of the Flight is the world of dreaminess or light lyrics its full-blooded cheerful breath. The bright and memorable; it sounds in the (the wonderful flute solo); then we main task of a musician, according to orchestra and then it is played by the suddenly felt hatred, shiver and deceit; the Maestro, is “to show music as it is, violin. Fairytale heroic intonations are we whirled in a crazy tempo of the without misinterpreting the text and constantly highlighted, as a reminder mesmerizing Gypsy dance… without adjusting it to our desires”. of the Knights of St. John. An interesting Then the Maltese festival was The image of Accardo – unbelievably orchestration, the major/minor play and enwrapped by the mystery and enigma classical, buttoned-up, impressive – is a restless melodious fabric are worth taking us into distant worlds. And as remarkably elegant and reserved. His face noting, like “free hovering and the you might guess, Maestro Accardo is serious and focused. The musician’s ability to reach the heavens”… became the romantic hero of the evening. motto is “patience and humbleness Maestro Accardo played Caprice no. 24 Everybody was eagerly awaiting his towards music and composers…” At as an encore… appearance on the stage. the same time the musician plays very A long ovation… It is amazing, but already at the expressively. Accardo works on every Broken strings… age of three he could play the violin phrase meticulously, like a jeweler who and pulled heartstrings of our soul… and he played tunes he heard on the is making his best creation. Tatiana Esaulova

The romantic-idealist is acutely aware of the tragic fracture of existence, and at the same time he is striving to rise to Harmony and Love, to merge with Nature and Cosmos. www.maltavest.com 55 REVIEWS

Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Shor and Chagall for the unenlightened and the most SOPHISTICATED... As is known, any artist creates a special reality in their art, which is definitely full of original ideas; it is being experienced with special emotions and it shines with inimitable colours. Deeply personal and, at the same time, eternal topics become archetypes associated with a certain epoch and style of art.

chaikovsky, Elgar, Shor… One Musin), austere conductor’s gestures, it is generally understood, of Father day before closing, the Malta and total engagement. In the first Lorenzo, one of the main characters International Music Festival composition – Romeo and Juliet Fantasy who played an important role in the presented to the public a Overture – it was already possible to see life of the two young lovers – was Tsymphonic opus for cello and orchestra. that the conductor confidently led the performed thoughtfully, profoundly, The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra orchestra… and with great feelings. The musicians was conducted by the talented conductor According to Tchaikovsky, managed to communicate the confusion Tigran Akhnazaryan – brother of the Shakespeare’s famous tragedy was of the “lonely soul aspiring to heaven”. famous cellist Narek Akhnazaryan – who the “great genius drama”. A lot of The main themes of the exposition were has a great conducting experience as an descriptive music was performed at the performed artistically and passionately, art director of several Russian orchestras Malta Music Festival, but Romeo and as well as the gem of the symphonic and as an invited maestro. The excellent Juliet Fantasy Overture became a real lyricism of Tchaikovsky – the theme education (Tigran Akhnazaryan had an apex of the festival concert biennale. of love that was characterized by internship at the Saint-Petersburg State The slow-paced choral introduction – Rimsky-Korsakov in the following way: Conservatory with the legendary Ilja the image of the Medieval times or, as “It is so inspiring! Such undefinable

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beauty, such vibrant passion!” The vehement development sounded with unbelievable bitterness, impulsively and dramatically. The conductor and the orchestra did their best, having demonstrated the integrity of dramatic development and the intense struggle of Love and Death images… The Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 85 was performed in one breath by the famous cellist Narek Akhnazaryan. Sir Edward William Elgar conquered the audience with the austerity of narration and deeply shattered feelings. The semantic arch – the English composer’s devotion to the traditions of Tchaikovsky, Dvořák and Grieg – was tracing the dramatic line of the whole evening. The cello recitative is, in its way, the voice of the author telling us about the tragedies of World War I. The inherently romantic image of the soloist was restrained, and the performance was it is accessible to any listener, and his Lament precisely corresponds to the full of determination and power! The background does not play any difference: spirit of a composition for cello. It is second serene part was played with from the most unenlightened to the most distinguished by passionate statements, a great technical skill; it was obvious sophisticated… And this is its value; expressive intonations, and, at the same that between the conductor and it is imbedded in this simplicity and time, subdued lyrical breathing. soloists there is an intense cohesion minimalism. And I would compare it Narek Akhnazaryan associates and absolute connection. The further with minimalism in art…”. It took some Melancholy with the early works of dramatic development was spiralling time for minimalism in painting to make Marc Chagall. “There is something up and we saw new colours in the solo a statement as a separate art movement. unfathomable in them, universal…” image and a unique inspiration in the The laconic and simple forms of the The minimalism of Alexey Shor, in spirit of Florestan by Schumann. In the new movement sparked the interest of our opinion, is manifested in the tender Concerto finale the performers managed the public. It seems that the simple and quiet melody charged with lyricism that to illuminate both the deep tragedy and natural forms cannot mean anything is deeply understood by the performer. “I the noble grandeur… apart from themselves, but every person do not do anything different but express Alexey Shor… It was the idea of sees them differently. The main objective my thoughts in this language, like all Narek Akhnazaryan to combine the is to create the right feeling generated by those people who were around me in my three pieces for cello and orchestra: the pictures. The three pieces by Shor, childhood”, wrote Marc Chagall. Lament – Melancholy – Lonely Sail into three different sentiments. Visual artists Lonely Sail is in a different tonality; this a mini cycle. According to the cellist, use the full power of colours to bring this is a piece of landscape contemplation, “this is amazing melodious music, effect, and the composer has different quiet tranquility, and elevated feelings. which is, unfortunately, quite a rare means of expression – tonality and The calm sea is like a sheet of glass… thing nowadays … It is important that orchestral colours. How one can fail to recall the paintings of the famous , baptized as Hovhannes Aivazian? The composer used his favourite form of recurrent dynamic development in the pieces of this cycle. They are excellently orchestrated; we hear the soft velvety voice of the orchestra. The solo always adds new colours to the image of the performer… The encore demonstrated the excellent technique of the musician, his finest pianissimo and transparent sound. The audience was applauding! And in the evening, the square of Valletta, the European Capital of Culture, was lit up with myriads of festive lights; and the bay was sparkling with the fantastic fireworks show! Tatiana Esaulova www.maltavest.com 57 REVIEWS

Captivating reading of sound VI Malta International Music Festival in Valetta, the European Capital of Culture, is over.

nd finally, Andreas appears in a fresh role of a composer of objects, which find their way into the Ottensamer – übersolist, the battle scenes, in Verdiana he is the author consciousness so outlandishly, that this principal clarinetist of the of a fantasy with operatic themes, very game takes your breath away. Berlin Philharmonic, came witty and spectacular, as if following For some subtle and probably Aupon the stage. Ottensamer, an Austro- the logic of a theatre performance. This picturesque reasons, Alexey Shor usually Hungarian with the looks of a top model, language is amazingly attractive and attaches titles to his compositions: some the favourite of Calvin Klein, is very irresistible, as the musical memory of them immerse deeply into the classical handsome and attractive; however, constantly identifies familiar tunes and territory, for example, Schubertango as soon as he touched his instrument, marvels their ingenious transformations (performed twice during the festival, by all this receded into the background (the composer decided to combine music the Cosmopolitan Trio Vienna and the and we all began listening with rapt by Verdi with the Latin American context Khachaturian trio) or today’s Verdiana. attention. The fascinating musician was by adding features of samba, bosa The transformed melodies from Un ballo performing Verdiana by the Maltese nova, and tango). The familiar and the in maschera and the wittiest variations of composer Alexey Shor, having proven unfamiliar are attracted and bounced the Duke of Mantua’s aria about women again that his manner of connecting off from each other, they even transform who are “fickle like a feather in the wind” sounds is characterized by strong vocal into a cohesive unity, still remaining in (La donna è mobile) were performed by intonations, whose full sound remains different dimensions. Herein lies the Andreas Ottensamer and the orchestra audible even in the quietest dynamics. skillful technique of Alexey Shor, his intriguingly, generously, and like one At this point it should be noted that if mastery is in the synthesis and analysis musical organism. On top of it, the in the Images from the Great Siege Shor of reflected and repeatedly reflected amazing technique of the clarinetist was

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surprising, as he was performing even There are several reasons why we take into account that Chaconne for the longest melodic monologues in one Prokofiev’s response to the saddest string orchestra is the last part of the breath. tale by Shakespeare – fragments Polish Requiem finished in 2005). In the Gershwin piece performed as from Romeo and Juliet Suite – was And now about the culmination of an encore – the clarinetists’ response to included into the programme of the VI Malta International Music Festival. the famous glissando from the Rhapsody final concert. The main reason is the Having discussed something, Andreas in Blue – Andreas started an amusing young age of the musicians from the Ottensamer and Sergey Smbatyan exchange with a colleague from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra; left the stage and the orchestra burst orchestra: they both somehow played it highlighted the feelings of two young into Lezginka from the Gayane ballet, the blues vibrato, as if the clarinet lovers from Verona. Who else but they a real impetuous national dance had suddenly transformed into the are able to feel the power of young love radiating the energy of the Armenian saxophone. The first prelude of the first and passion, who else but they can be soul. The audience was absorbing the classic of American music, who became dismayed by parents’ insensitivity – fast moving playful music, becoming its main hope and supporting pillar, because the generation gap is eternal infected with an irrepressible zest for sounded esthetically powerful and it and never changing, whether we look life from Khachaturian’s music and the was full of that “melancholy passion”, at the quarelling families of Verona or performers, having forgotten that the which jazz fans of the beginning of the the Capulets and the Montagues around orchestra was playing (for the first time twentieth century were longing for. The us. The performance by the orchestra in twenty days) without a conductor. rounded sound of Ottensamer easily fit was natural and captivating: the music And this lovely prank together with the into the elusive swerves and skipping by Prokofiev, presented in a symphonic fervent shamanism demonstrated once rhythms, reminding about the legendary volume to the last note, as if moved to the again the mastery of young musicians jazz arpeggio of Benny Goodman, and here and now, telling a virtuous tale of from the Armenian State Symphony the orchestra accompanied him as a love in the twenty-first century. Orchestra. reliable storyteller. The next part of the concert made us Drawing conclusions, it is necessary to It could be not by chance that Gershwin and the orchestra plunge away from say that there is good reason why Alexey was performed after Shor, because in both the logic of pure reason: when we were Shor was selected the resident composer cases we speak about composers whose listening to the excellent performance of the festival: Malta has received a history started in the and of Chaconne in memoria Giovanni Paolo musician whose melodies will become now develops all over the world; they are II by Krzysztof Penderecki (by the way, part of the local lingo. The same is true self-made men who fell in love with music, in the presence of the author and his about the Armenian State Symphony their melodies fascinate audiences on wife Elżbieta), we were partly rising Orchestra under the direction of the both sides of the Atlantic, and musicians from the sinful land to the Utopian young genius and real musical strategist of different levels are happy to perform height. Penderecki’s world of sounds Sergey Smbatyan, who kept surprising their tunes. These composers are able was fantastically credible – the hymn us practically every evening by his to speak with the audience in their own in praise of beautification of the Pope, exceptional understanding of scores dialect and have a good command of both who used to write poetry, sing, play of all times and places, as well as his popular language and legacy of their as a young man in an amateur theatre incomprehensible ability to fit into any predecessors; with no effort they combine and who had left to the world numerous musical plot. highbrow music with the right amount passages about love, became a logical Well, to be continued. of a sunny disposition and any music continuation of the programme, leaving genres, whether it is bosa nova or tango. aside any sad associations (especially, if Lina Goncharskaya

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Unforgettable Armenian Cultural Days in sunny Malta Malta hosted Armenian Cultural Days from April 18 to 30. The event was organized by the European Foundation for the Support of Culture endorsed by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Malta, the Culture Ministry of Armenia, Arts Council Malta and the Valletta-2018 Foundation.

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hile domestic political Gifted children from Malta and spans over numerous days and provides passions ran high in scholarship holders of “Art and Culture” a wonderful occasion for the public to Armenia, cultural figures Armenian Foundation gave a concert. enjoy a large variety of events which are demonstrated Armenia’s Armenian dance ensemble “ARAXE” catered for everyone to appreciate. Wcenturies-old cultural heritage to the from Marseilles presented Armenian With events being held at the Sacra Maltese and guests. dances combining traditional Armenian Infermeria Hall and Pjazza Teatru Rjal as Cultural events in Malta started with a national dances with elements of modern well as a concert with the participation concert dedicated to the 115th anniversary choreography. of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, of the birth of the world famous The best Eurovision participants from to name a few – the audience can truly Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. Armenia and Malta, among them Hayko appreciate the wonderful combination of Violin Concerto was performed by the and Dalita, performed with the support of the respective cultures which are being violinist, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, PSB broadcaster. represented. The programme includes rector of the Kazakh National University World famous Khachaturian musical concerts, performances and of Arts Aiman Mussakhajayeva. She was Trio (Armine Grigoryan – piano, film screenings, performed by talented accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Karen Shahgaldyan – violin, Karen children, musicians and artists both from Orchestra, conductor – Honored Artist of Kocharyan – cello) performed during the Armenia and Malta which will aid in their Armenia Sergey Smbatyan. Days. creative development and furthermore The concert of famous Armenian Armenian Cultural Days in Malta help to bring to the fore their love for pianist Nareh Arghamanyan and the ended with a concert titled THE MAGIC creativity and culture. Our youth are at Maltese musicians took place. They CELLO that was held in Republic Hall of the heart of our cultural strategy, and presented the performance of famous the Mediterranean Conference Center. through cultural projects they are being contemporary Armenian composer Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia provided with a sound foundation to Tigran Mansurian, Aram Khachaturian Narek Hakhnazaryan, the winner of the nurture their creative development. and famous Maltese composers. International Tchaikovsky Competition, Culture helps to bridge and connect Films of Armenian filmmakers – was accompanied by the Armenian State countries through their diversity, and Honored Art Worker of the Russian Symphony Orchestra and conductor of this project is a wonderful opportunity Federation and People’s Artist of Armenia the Sakhalin Symphony Orchestra Tigran to explore diverse cultures and forms Artavazd Peleshyan, People’s Artist of the Hakhnazaryan. of art. It aims to showcase different Republic of Armenia Michael Poghosyan traditions and customs and also helps to and young director Narek Safaryan – strengthen the important role of cultural were screened. connections. Exhibitions dedicated to the great I would like to thank all the Armenian composers – Komitas and participants and organisers of this project Aram Khachaturian, as well as “The for their hard work and dedication – I Cross Stones” and “The Mystery of wish everyone a great celebration of Stones” exhibitions took place. culture. The premiere of the symphony cycle for the two orchestras “Images of the Great Siege” by the Maltese composer Aleksey Shor, which is dedicated to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, took place. The Dr Owen Bonnici symphony cycle was performed by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Government Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. – The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta The concert took place in the framework are a great opportunity to promote of the Malta International Music Festival. diversity in our cultures. The programme

Victoria Baghdasarian Armenia’s Ambassador to Italy and Malta — The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta testifies a qualitatively new level of the Armenian-Maltese relations, built on centuries-old ties of friendship. It is noteworthy that we hold this significant event in Valetta, the European capital of culture of 2018, in the year when we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Malta. The first evidence of the presence of Armenians in Malta dates back to the 14th century after the fall of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, when Armenian www.maltavest.com 61 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

have the pleasure to welcome the special Armenian Cultural Days in Malta. The year of 2018 will remain memorable as a unique example of our shared cultural interests. The Ministry of Culture of Armenia places a strategic priority on culture and creativity as the key outward expression of our identity and basis for those wishing to engage with Armenian centuries-old history. The fact that the Maltese society is holding these kind of multiple events on the cultural days of Armenia is a serious measure of the sustained and growing interest in Armenian culture. We can confidently say that these are developing and strengthening year knights settled in Malta. Over time, I would like to thank all the organizers by year. The evidence is hosting the cardinal changes have taken place in the and participants of the Armenian Cultural Armenian Cultural Days held in the lives of our countries and peoples, but Days in Malta, and wish all the guests Cultural Capital of Europe 2018 – the mutual cordiality and sincerity of the bright and memorable impressions. Hope Valletta, which is quite different in its peoples of Armenia and Malta, imbued that this event will bring our peoples kind. with simple human sympathy, remained closer to each other and open a new page Within the program of the Armenian unaltered. in the Armenian-Maltese relations. Cultural Days a number of cultural In the last quarter of а century, events are planned: more than 9 considerable progress has been registered concerts, 4 exhibitions and 3 film in the development of our cultural screenings. relations. Committed to traditional values​​ I would also like to thank Arts and national identities, our peoples have Council Malta, European Foundation always been open and deeply interested for Support of Culture and its team for in interpenetrating cultures. We can have enthusiasm and support, Armenian much in common: this is openness and State Symphony Orchestra, Komitas goodwill, sociability and emotionality, museum-institute, Aram Khachaturian and, of course, a receptivity to everything house-museum. This special program new. would be impossible without our Тhe Armenian greatest painter Martiros amazing artists and our hosting Sarian said: “Art can humanize, bring all Armen Amiryan partners. the marvelous discoveries of science and Armenia’s Minister of Culture Once again I welcome you and wish a technology to people.” — Dear friends, this is the first time I successful realization of the program.

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Araks Poghosyan, Rosa Hayrapetyan, Ani Adikyan, Rima Mirzoyan

“We managed to find a common language very quickly, and we worked together easily”

At the end of January Strauss’ The Life of a Hero and the Piano very interesting. From all the countries Concerto No 1 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. that I have been to, Malta will remain in 12 musicians from memory for a long time. the Armenian State — Did you experience any language problems while working? How Rima Mirzoyan Symphony Orchestra quickly did you manage to establish — I would like to add that despite were invited to communication? the fact that this is only my second trip to Malta, everything here is already Malta to perform familiar. I have my favorite streets, cafes, together with the Araks Poghosyan shops. It will be sad to leave Malta. Most — Surprisingly, we did not, although of all I liked Ghajn Tuffieha beach, as well Malta Philharmonic the Maltese orchestra has musicians as the and an Orchestra. from different places and different impressive view of the Grand Harbor! nationalities. We managed to find a n an interview with The Maltese common language very quickly, and we — What can you say about the local Herald, the Armenian musicians tell worked together easily. The musicians cuisine? What did you try, what did you about interesting experiment and of the orchestra are very sociable, like? share their impressions about Malta. friendly, not to mention that they are I professionals. Rima Mirzoyan — Tell us about your performance — This is your second visit to Malta. — I have noticed that the local cuisine with the Maltese orchestra. What did What sites did you manage to see? is very close to the Italian, as they you play? have many different types of pasta. I especially liked dish made from rabbit, Ani Adikyan fish dishes, for example, those with tuna. Rosa Hayrapetyan — During our last visit, we visited We also tried pastizz — traditional pies — We arrived in Malta at the end of Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. The made of puff pastry. I hope this is not our January. We gave one concert as a part city is very beautiful and mysterious, last visit to the island, so we will have of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. and is very impressive. This time we time to make new discoveries during our In particular, we performed Richard went to Gozo by ferry, it was exciting and next trip.

www.maltavest.com 63 Anna Ter-Hovakimyan: Critics and musicologists hail performance of Symphony Orchestra in Malta Director of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Anna Ter- Hovakimyan about an unprecedented performance of the Armenian orchestra in Malta in the framework of the Malta International Music Festival and the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta.

t was Armenian State Symphony Despite the fact that the orchestra to perform at the highest level, and this Orchestra’s first performance often gives concerts, and there have was preceded by a two-month work. in Malta in the framework of been recently no less than 70 concerts a I would also like to point out the the Malta International Music year, this time it was an unprecedented joint performance of the Armenian IFestival. I very much appreciate the uninterrupted seventeen-day State Symphony Orchestra and the support and activities of the European performance by the State Symphony Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on the Foundation for the Support of Culture. Orchestra. same stage, when the two orchestras The Foundation organized the festival The fans of classical music, critics and performed the symphonic cycle “Images at a very high level, and was very musicologists, hailed the performance from the Great Siege” by the composer- careful about even small and seemingly of the Symphony Orchestra. resident of the Malta International minor problems. The Armenian State In Malta, the Armenian State Music Festival Alexey Shor. Symphony Orchestra was a resident- Symphony Orchestra performed a new I think that the Armenian Cultural orchestra at the Malta International concert program and with a new soloist Days in Malta will give an impetus for Music Festival, and this was a great every day, and this was due to huge the further development and deepening test for us. preparatory work. The orchestra managed of the Armenian-Maltese cultural ties.

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Sergey Smbatyan: “I am proud that Armenia has people who are ready to fulfil complicated tasks” Within the framework of the annual Malta International Music Festival and the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Serg Smbatyan pleased the Maltese audiences and guests with unforgettable musical compositions of world famous composers for 15 days in a row. The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, which was the orchestra-resident of the festival, performed the symphonic cycle “Images from the Great Siege” by the composer- resident of the Malta International Music Festival Alexey Shor together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor Sergey Smbatyan shared his impressions.

he VI Malta International Music Festival and the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta are assessed immensely positively, as the understanding of cultural ties seems to me a proof that we are able Tto represent our rich culture to the world. Valletta, which is a cultural capital of Europe, is a very important platform for Armenia’s self-expression in cultural terms. The culture of Armenia with such people as Peleshyan, Mansurian, Khachaturian Trio, Narek Hakhnazaryan has the right to be ambitious. It is very important that the Armenian Cultural Days were held in conjunction with the Malta International Music Festival, which is the largest in Europe in terms of the participation of super talented people. The performances of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra in Malta were a success, which was highly appreciated by the listener, and most importantly, I know a few orchestras who could work at such a pace, not because they are not capable of it, but because there is no willingness to do so. I am proud that we have people in Armenia who are ready for such complicated tasks. This is not an end in itself, or a desire to prove something to someone, it is just about our interest. Each concert was held together with a talented musician who is insanely talented and communicating with him is a real pleasure. Two orchestras on one stage during the performance of the symphonic cycle “Images from the Great Siege” sounds synthetically scary, but in reality, it is one big orchestra where musicians of two orchestras play. It is not easy to work with the two orchestras, and something done with enormous efforts is perceived with absolutely different emotions.

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Giya Kancheli: “When speaking about Armenia, I remember Dilijan and my Armenian friends” Georgian composer Giya Kancheli, the author of seven symphonies and numerous orchestral and chamber works, is easily recognized by listeners. He is the author of music for famous Soviet films “Mimino” and “Kin-dza-dza” as well as a few dozen other movies and performances. In 1991, Giya Kancheli moved from the to Berlin. In 1995 he moved to Antwerp, Belgium, at the invitation of the Royal Flanders Philharmonic Orchestra where he lives up to now. Kancheli’s works are performed all over the world.

iya Kancheli says he will be others. Six famous symphonies of the tude to the conductor of the Armenian happy to visit Armenia again. maestro were composed in the house in State Symphony Orchestra Sergey Sm- Kancheli is tied to Armenia Dilijan, where his friends-composers of- batyan for hosting a three-day festival by Dilijan and six famous ten gathered. dedicated to his music: “I wrote six Gsymphonies. Kancheli visited Yerevan The program of the concert in Malta symphonies in Armenia, each took 2.5 last year. He did not expect that he would contained Kancheli’s works composed years, and if we multiply six by 2.5, we again visit Armenia, a country to which during different years: the opus “Chia- will get the number of years I spent in he is linked by his memories and close roscuro” for violin and string orchestra, Armenia. When I was in Armenia, I had friends. and the cycle “Letters to Friends” for the an opportunity to visit Dilijan, but I did “I am glad that I am alive and that I viola and chamber orchestra. not want to, because Dilijan remained happened to come to this city, which “I composed this music for films and in my memory as a flourishing garden, I had visited many times and where I plays, and the addressees of these letters and I did not want to be disappointed have many friends. I think this is my last are directors, composers, artists – all my visit. I mean the state of health, if God old friends. It seems to me that the public to see how the buildings of the House gives me this chance, and I will get there should know about this,” he explained. of Creativity, where used to live, have again, I will be happy,” said Kancheli. “However, I composed ‘Chiaroscuro’ for changed. I wanted to leave in my memo- The friends of Georgian composer are myself, not for someone. 14 letters is a ry the old Dilijan. Speaking of Armenia, outstanding Armenian musicians – Avet certain genre, dedicated to friends.” I remember my Armenian friends who Terteryan, Edward Mirzoyan, Lazar Speaking about his visit to Armenia, are no longer alive, and I remember my Saryan, Alexander Harutyunyan and Kancheli expressed his special grati- work in Dilijan.”

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The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta opened at Republic Hall of Mediterranean Conference Centre with a concert dedicated to the 115th anniversary of Aram Khachaturian. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra led by conductor Sergei Smbatyan performed works of Aram Khachaturian. Famous Kazakh violinist Aiman Musakhodzhaeva, one of the most famous performers of Khachaturian’s concert, presented a vivid, masterly and fascinating interpretation of Violin Concerto. Armine Grigoryan, director of the House-Museum of Khachaturian, pianist, professor at the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas, laureate of numerous international competitions, member of Khachaturian Trio Armine Grigoryan. Armine Grigoryan: “Music passes on from heart to heart, from soul to soul”

ne of the highlights of the “International Language of Music” which is declared the European Capital Armenian Cultural Days in exhibition comprised of the photos from of Culture this year. Malta was the opening of a archive and permanent exhibition of The title of “International Language photo exhibition dedicated to the House-Museum of Khachaturian is of Music” exhibition corresponds to the Othe outstanding Armenian composer a key event this year which marks the spirit of the festival, since music does not Aram Khachaturian. The exhibition 115th anniversary of Aram Khachaturian. need translation, music passes on from materials were prepared by the House- This year is doubly jubilee for us, as we heart to heart, from soul to soul. Museum of Khachaturian in Yerevan. The celebrate the 40th anniversary of the As to the Malta International Festival, exposition presented rare photos which founding of the House-Museum. It is very this large-scale event has become annual have become rarities. Presidents, famous important that this year the museum and traditional holiday, and this is proved state and public figures, Hollywood stars was able to show its exposition in such a by the names of world stars participating and fellow musicians... beautiful country as Malta and Valetta, in the event.

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Sigmund Mifsud: “Armenia is a beautiful country, but what struck me the most is its people”

– As I know you have already visited In addition to what I’ve said, I also – What do you feel when you listen to Armenia. What has impressed you found Armenians to be particularly Armenian music? most? proud of their culture and their Armenia’s location and its history – Armenia is a beautiful country, but rich history, and keen to share their have made it a cultural crossroad, what struck me the most is its people. heritage with the world. After all, bridging east and west, and music I found Armenians to be very helpful although the present republic only is perhaps its most notable cultural and hospitable, making me feel right at achieved independence recently, export. Komitas’ music – as well as the home. They’re honest and direct – what Armenia is an ancient country – the folk songs he compiled – is not only you see is what you get – and you can rest first in the world to adopt Christianity a testament to a rich and distinctive assured that you’ll be well-fed if you’re as a state religion in 301AD. The musical tradition, but also highlights ever a guest at an Armenian home. Maltese can easily relate to this. the influences that many cultures – What should the Maltese know After all, Malta’s own history spans have brought over the centuries. As about Armenians and Armenian millennia, and our heritage is one of someone who has spent much of his culture? the things we are most proud of. life in an orchestra, as a musician and

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as an executive chairman, I am always I feel that there is a lot of value and the opposite is also true. The main interested how classical music can that can be gained from collaborating difference, I feel, is in the way the music incorporate native musical traditions, through music, as it is truly a universal is experienced. Popular music naturally and Khachaturian’s music is a brilliant language. Such collaborations not tends to be based on more direct tunes, example of this. By adapting traditional only bring together different musical which are easier to relate to. On the Armenian melodies in symphonic cultures to create something new; they other hand, classical music offers more and other classical works, he not only can also help different peoples find depth: initially less accessible, but in enriched the classical repertoire, but common ground. the end, it can offer a more rewarding also helped ensure many people around – What do you think is the difference experience. the world were exposed to Armenian between classical music and popular – What music do you like to listen to, music. music? in addition to the classical music? – How do you think is it possible The distinction between the two is While there’s a lot I could mention, to solve political conflicts through not always clear cut – after all, classical I have to place Miles Davis above culture? music has influenced popular music, everything else. www.maltavest.com 69 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

Maurice Vassallo: “My aim is to establish an Armenian Cultural Centre in Malta”

Maurice Vassallo is the Project Manager of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Maurice Vassallo’s family has Armenian roots. In this interview, Maurice Vassallo talks about his family’s origins and deep, long-standing interest in Armenian culture.

– Can you tell about your family background? Where is your family from? – Presently I’m trying to locate the origins of my family, to find out where my ancestors used to live in Armenia. What I do know is that during the genocide they left Western Armenia and went to North Africa. From there they went to Italy and later moved to Malta. I have discovered that my grandfather was 7-8 years old when he settled here. My grandfather, whose name was Pascal Eminyan, married a Maltese girl, whose name was Maria and they had 7 children – my mother and 6 brothers. Besides we found out during the 1970’s when one member of our family had visited us from Venezuela and he showed us a family tree, according to which our first ancestor’s name was Artin Eminyan. I managed to locate some people in Vanadzor who have the same surname, but we haven’t established as yet that they have any relationship with our family.

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– Have you ever been to Armenia? came – during the 1918-1920s, and the – I can’t say precisely, but I remember What do you know about this country third influx of Armenians was after the my grandfather. He was always involved in general? breakup of the Soviet Union. So, we can in the business as well as trade. I think – No, I have never been to Armenia. mark three phases. that business thinking is quite common This is one of the things I have to do. The descendants of the first wave, as a among the Armenians. I know that Armenia first adopted rule, know little about their roots and the Christianity as a state religion, and history of their family. Too much time has – What about your family? Are Armenians have ancient culture. passed, and it’s quite difficult to find out your children interested in Armenian I’m trying to discover food, wines, something. culture? drinks, which Armenia is famous What about me, I keep in touch with – I have 5 daughters. Yes, they for, as well. Konstantin Ishkhanov, the President of show interest, since I have brought – What can you tell about Armenians the European Foundation for Support up the subject. So, they look forward in Malta? Do you keep in touch with of Culture. My aim is to establish an to the possibility of visiting Armenia. them? Armenian Cultural Centre in Malta and I hope they will do it soon. They are – Actually, first Armenians came to to promote more business co-operation Malta during the period of the knights, between Armenia and Malta. very interested to attend the events and that was the first settlement. The – Can you define a typical for organized during the Armenian Cultural next settlement was when my family Armenians? days in Malt

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Aiman Mussakhajayeva: “I have many Armenian friends, but I’ve never been to Armenia”

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The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta started with a concert dedicated to the 115th anniversary of the world famous Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. Violin Concerto was performed by the violinist, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts Aiman Mussakhajayeva. She was accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor – Honored Artist of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan.

fter the concert, violinist and the trip did not take place because of was invited to a special music school to Aiman Mussakhajayeva said it my busy schedule.” listen to children, and I had the honor to was her first performance with Violinist noted that she always had play for him. I played three parts of his conductor Sergey Smbatyan, the desire to record Violin Concerto in D Concert. He listened to me with pleasure, Aand their cooperation was very pleasant. minor by Aram Khachaturian, and this then called and said: “Girl, do you have She believes that Khachaturian’s music idea is still alive: “Despite the proposals notes? I said yes. He took the notes of his unites people, while his melodies stand from different orchestras to record the violin concerto and wrote: ‘Aiman, you out by richness of themes and fill the concert, I think that it will be better will be a great violinist! But, remember souls by their raciness. to record Armenian music with the that you need work, patience and “I was very happy to discover the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra”. tolerance to achieve success’. Of course, I conductor of Sergey Smbatyan. He is a The meeting with Aram Khachaturian read the words about work and patience, great conductor who understands the left an indelible imprint on I understood them, but not the words soloists easily, and this creates light and Mussakhajayeva, and she always talks about tolerance. I realized the meaning free atmosphere,” she said. “I have many about the meeting with love: “When of this word years later, I understand Armenian friends both in Armenia and I play Aram Khachaturian’s Violin that many things must be treated with abroad, I am in a constant contact with Concerto, I feel an upsurge, I feel happy, tolerance.” them, we often meet at different festivals because I remember an important According to Mussakhajayeva, Aram and we perform together. However, moment of my life. I was 12 when Aram Khachaturian’s music gives her strength unfortunately, I have never been to Ilyich came to Almaty to stage Spartacus wherever she plays it: “His works always Armenia, but I always wanted to visit, ballet in the opera house. Khachaturian resonate in the listener’s soul.”

www.maltavest.com 73 Nareh Arghamanyan: “It was very interesting to work with musicians of Malta Philharmonic Orchestra”

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Nareh Arghamanyan, an Armenian pianist living in Austria, is laureate of 20 international competitions Malta hosted two concerts of pianist Nareh Arghamanyan during the Armenian Cultural Days. One was dedicated to modern Armenian composer Tigran Mansurian. Nareh performed with the musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Marcelline Agius, Nadia Debono and Peter Flanagan. During the second concert the pianist performed the works of Maltese composers Alexey Shor, Carl Fiorini and Joseph Vella.

ccording to Nareh musicians is to promote his music, and by the orchestra, it was a world premiere. Arghamanyan, the Armenian make it close to the European audience.” “Travel Notebook” was first written Cultural Days Malta were According to the pianist, the Maltese for the piano, later - for the piano and held at the highest level: “The audience was delighted with the works orchestra. For me it is a great honor and Aorganizers did a great job, and I want of Manusrian: “This is very important for a great responsibility to perform not to thank the European Foundation for me, since Mansourian is a great composer the works of Armenian composers only, the Support of Culture. A great work for me”. thereby spreading the Armenian culture was done, thanks to which the Maltese It was very important for the pianist to in Malta, but to perform the works of the were able to get acquainted with the perform the works of Maltese composers Maltese composer, thus becoming a part Armenian art. This was a kind of small in Malta, she added. of the Maltese culture. I spare no effort presentation of Armenia, which, being “It was not the first time that I so that the Maltese composers could find a small country, has its place in the performed the works of Maltese their place in the history of music, and world art. I am overwhelmed by the composers. Last year I performed “Travel therefore I perform the works of Alexey feeling of joy and pride realizing that Notebook”, the work of the Maltese Shor, Carl Fiorini, Joseph Vella,” Nareh the works of Armenian composers are composer Alexey Shor. I was accompanied Arghamanyan said. being promoted in Malta.” She also noted that it was a great honor for her to play the works of contemporary Armenian composer Tigran Mansurian. I am overwhelmed by the feeling “It was very interesting to collaborate with the musicians of the Malta of joy and pride realizing that the Philharmonic Orchestra, they did their best to play Mansurian’s works in the works of Armenian composers best possible way. It seems that Tigran Mansurian left a huge musical heritage are being promoted in Malta. to the world. The task of Armenian www.maltavest.com 75 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

Alan Chircop: “I liked Armenia, I felt like it’s my second home” – When did you visit Armenia? What Vegetables, fruits are not poisoned by musicians, I saw that the Armenians are was your first impression? chemicals, as we are used to. Meat, fresh very proud of talented kids and they give – I was in Armenia in 2016. First of all, fish, everything is amazing. Of course, I tremendous support to them. So, I think I was very impressed by the hospitality should say about Ararat cognac. Now I this is the key to why you have so many of Armenian people. The serenity that I also have this cognac at my house, it is good musicians. Another thing that I felt in Yerevan was a tremendous joy. I something incredible. would like to stress is that you promote really felt like my second home. – As far as I know, you visited the traditional instruments of your – What sites did you visit during Komitas Museum-Institute. Your country and lead the young performers your trip? Can you describe your opinion about Komitas and his music, to the high level of professionalism, as feelings? did it touch your heart? we can see when they come to Malta. – I must say that the nature in – I have heard of Komitas before, but – Armenian musicians from the Armenia is very beautiful and during when I visited Komitas Museum and got State Symphony Orchestra performed the trip, I was full of serenity and familiarized with his life, I got the better in Malta with the Maltese orchestra. harmony… I was lucky to see Ararat on understanding of his music. You know, Is it possible that once we can see the the way to the temple of Garni. Also, I Komitas is something new, a discovery Maltese musicians in Armenia? visited Geghard monastery which is for us, his music is very unique, gentle, – Two years ago I was very happy carved out of the cliff rocks. I really crystal. We do not know about him to initiate something that later led perceived the spirit of this sacred place, as much as we do know about Aram to the signing of a Memorandum of and it is my treasure that I bought from Khachaturian. Understanding between two countries. my visit to Armenia. – Being a conductor, what can Now we are very happy to collaborate – Did you taste Armenian you say about Armenians’ attitude and to exchange experience. Of traditional food? towards young musicians? course, our aim is to consolidate our – When I spoke to my friends about – I was amazed by the attitude collaboration and to have our musicians Armenia, I told them how nature is towards gifted children. When I was perform in Armenia. I will also have preserved and everything is so natural conducting and accompanying the “New concerts as a conductor in Yerevan with that you feel the real taste of food. Names” International Festival of young the Armenian State Symphony Orches

76 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 Pianist, conductor, director of Opera and Ballet National Academic Theater after Alexander Spendiaryan, chairman of the jury of piano competition at Malta International Music Festival.

Constantine Orbelian: “Armenia is ready to share its cultural heritage with the whole world”

am very happy that the recognizable all over the world. This to Malta during these difficult days Armenian Cultural Days is absolutely important and everyone for Christians, is now in Malta to get were held in Malta, and needs this, the people who live in Malta acquainted with the country that helped I very much hope that need it as well. her relatives. “Icultural days will be organized and There is an interesting history in When you start taking interest held in many other countries. Wherever relations between the Maltese and the in history, chronicles, movies, you the Armenian Cultural Days are held, Armenians … There is a well-known always find something new. Our this is a very good initiative. The more story about 4,000 Armenians from people are so bright and talented, that people know the history of Armenia, Smyrna who arrived in Malta in 1922 I have recently discovered for myself the unique musical heritage, films, after the Armenian Genocide in . unbelievable things. As you know, our everything that is done in the field of art Subsequently, many of them left the most important export from Armenia is in our small country, as well as positive island and found refuge in European “brain” and culture, and we are ready things that the Armenian people countries. My Greek friend, whose to share our cultural heritage with the created, the more our heritage will be ancestors also moved from Smyrna whole world.”

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“We are very proud to participate in the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta” 30 April on the stage of the Mediterranean conference centre in collaboration with the State Symphony orchestra of Armenia performed brothers Tigran and Narek Hakhnazaryan. Before the concert, they shared their impressions of the Malta International Music Festival with our correspondent. Narek Hakhnazaryan – It is an amazing idea to combine Armenian culture, which, unfortunately, Armenian cellist these two events. It was this format that is not well known. made the festival differ from the others. – Traditional Armenian musical – Share your opinion about the The Armenian Cultural Days spiced up instruments were presented within festival. How do you like the idea of “the classic recipe”. Thus, the Maltese the framework of the festival and the combining a festival of classical music and people who came here from all over Armenian Cultural Days. What do you with the Armenian Cultural Days in the world could not only enjoy European think about the popularization of folk Malta? classical music, but also the national instruments in general? Is it really

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interesting for those who are interested listen to the selected works of Aram internal climate, their moods and I could in classical music? Khachaturian from his ballets Spartacus feel it from the very first minute when I – Of course, we need to promote and Gayane. “Adagio”, “Lezginka”, went out of the plane. Everywhere I was traditional musical instruments. It is “Dance with Sabers” are absolute accompanied by a warm atmosphere, always interesting. Of course, to speak masterpieces of world classical music, which was transferred to me and all frankly, our instruments are close to our and they characterize the temperament, participants of the Malta International heart, but they can be incomprehensible strength and spirit of the Armenian Music Festival and the Armenian to others. But, there is an example of a people in a subtle and correct way. Cultural Days in Malta. I am very proud duduk. to participate in the Armenian Cultural Today, absolutely everyone knows this Days in Malta, and in general, everything instrument. Moreover, at the moment Tigran Akhnazaryan that is connected with my native Armenia duduk is the most common instrument Conductor makes me feel proud and happy. I live in in Hollywood. However, I must say that, — Despite the fact that I did not have Sakhalin, but in fact I do not spend much unfortunately, not everyone who listens time to walk in Malta and see all the time there because I am touring the to duduk knows that this is an Armenian sights, I can only note that I live on world. I often try to visit Armenia. I work instrument. However, in 2005 duduk Sakhalin island, and I know perfectly closely with the Armenian Philharmonic music was recognized as a masterpiece well what an island looks like, what Orchestra, the State Chamber Orchestra of of UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural atmosphere and lifestyle it has. Armenia and it was my first experience to Heritage, and since then people have Yesterday the sea was calm, today it work with the Armenian State Symphony become more aware of this instrument, is raging, and all this is very close and Orchestra in Malta, especially since the and this process continues. familiar to me. At the same time, I can Armenian State Symphony Orchestra – What music would you advise say for sure that the locals are friendly, was created before our eyes and we were the Maltese should listen in order and the atmosphere is warm. Everywhere happy to see the achievements of Sergey to understand what the Armenian the inhabitants of the islands are Smbatyan and the orchestra. I am very classical music is? always warm in their relations and very proud that cultural figures of such a level It may sound trite, but they must hospitable. The islanders have their own represent Armenia in Malta. www.maltavest.com 79 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

Participants of Eurovision Song Contest performed on open-air stage in Valletta

On a Friday afternoon, April 20, passers-by from the main pedestrian street of Valletta merrily moved towards the building of the Royal Opera House. It was from there under the open sky bounded by rows of ancient columns that the cheerful and light rhythms played by Armenian and Maltese artists were heard.

he singers – participants of the Eurovision music Hayko (Hayko Hakobyan) contest – came out to delight audience. Armenia was Singer, composer represented by romantic and lyrical Hayko and bright — During my stay in Malta, I did not manage to see all the Dalita, who invited everyone to her homeland with beauties of this wonderful country because of the very busy T“Welcome to Armenia” song. schedule. I was pleasantly surprised by the architecture. I envy The winner of the Junior Eurovision 2015 from Malta Destiny the Maltese when I see how they preserved the old architecture, Chukunyere touched hearts with her “The Sound of Silence”. and the new buildings are in harmony with the ancient ones. Christabelle Borg, who will represent Malta at Eurovision This shows how the Maltese respect their historical heritage. 2018, also appeared on stage with her “Taboo”. I was also impressed by the building where I performed The absolute sincerity of the performers and the lively and during the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta. They managed warm reaction of listeners erased all boundaries between the to preserve what remained after the bombing and turned the stage and the audience for about an hour, charging the entire ruins into a mix of old and modern. The Maltese audience, as space with positive energy. well as tourists, warmly accepted my songs, which was very

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important for me, because it was my first performance in Malta. I hope that once I will give a solo concert here. Giving a concert during the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta was a pleasure, as it provided an opportunity to show the Armenian culture in different ways. The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta lasted around two weeks, and the Maltese audience, as well as guests, could hear the works of Aram Khachaturian, Komitas and Tigran Mansurian. Art and culture unite all nations, and it is very pleased that many people in Malta opened Armenia during these days.

Dalita Avanesyan Singer, composer — The Armenian Cultural Days were held at a high level. The organizers of the event worked brilliantly. After my performance in Valletta, I had positive and wonderful impressions, and, of course, the warmest memories that I took with me to Yerevan. The trip to Malta within the Armenian Cultural Days met all expectations. I am grateful to all the organizers on behalf of Konstantin Ishkhanov for the warm welcome and hosting such a program. It was my second trip to beautiful Malta. This time my visit was rather short, but it did not stop me from seeing new places in Valletta and St Julian’s. I want to note once again, that I was convinced of hospitality, kindness and courteousness of the locals.

After my performance in Valletta, I had positive and wonderful impressions, and, of course, the warmest memories that I took with me to Yerevan.

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Artistic director of Araxe, the Armenian ensemble of the Union of Armenian Youth of France Pascal Chamassian: “Araxe ensemble – Ambassador of Armenian culture in Europe – will return to Malta” Malta hosted the Armenian Cultural Days from April 18 to 30. The event was organized by the European Foundation for the Support of Culture endorsed by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Malta, the Culture Ministry of Armenia, Arts Council Malta and the Valletta-2018 Foundation.

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rmenian dance ensemble dance art to the Maltese audience, we infected them with the rhythms of our Araxe performed in Valetta. chose a rich program which included mountainous country and the richness We are very happy and proud national and folk dances. I am very of our souls. that we presented our dance glad that the Maltese audience and Araxe ensemble of the Union of Aprogram within the framework of the even tourists from different countries Armenian Youth of France is the best Armenian Cultural Days in Malta, who were present at our performance ambassador of the Armenian culture especially during the year when Valletta embraced the Armenian dances. in Europe. Our goal is to preserve was declared the cultural capital of It was very pleasant that the energy the Armenian culture not only for Europe. of the dancers was transferred to the ourselves, but for the whole world. The dance group came to Malta from audience, and beautiful Armenian music Presenting our culture during the Marseille, and this invitation was very attracted even passers-by. Our dances Armenian Cultural Days in Malta was important for us, as the ensemble and Armenian music attracted not the another step to achieve this goal. from the Diaspora was included in Armenians of Malta, but the Maltese and I know that the Armenian community the program of the Armenian Cultural tourists, so we achieved our goal. We of Malta is small, however, we will Days. gave the international audience all the definitely return here once again to unite In order to introduce the Armenian attraction of the Armenian dance, and them around the Armenian dance art.

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Voice & Harp

Trio84 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

– What did you discover about There was wonderful sweet bread with and I was always interested in knowing Armenia during your visit? butter, honey and nuts for breakfast that such amazing people, I have lots of was delicious, and the meat was also respect and admiration for them and Clare Ghigo great. what they have passed through. – I was impressed by the kindness of – What place (sight) did you like most the people and how beautiful the country and can recommend to your friends? Gillian Zammit is filled with mountains. — I think that Armenia is a very old Clare Ghigo Britt Arend diverse country from the little that I have — Our trip was short so sadly I only seen of it. Staring from the capital which – I was happy and surprised to notice wandered around Yerevan. However, I is a cosmopolitan vibrant city and up to how friendly and helpful were all the would really recommend the city and I beautiful mountains and countryside – Armenians whom we met. They were would love to visit the countryside, too. I think that there is something for very welcoming, always very polite and everyone. willing to give a hand. It was such a Britt Arend – Could you tell your opinion about pleasure and made us feel very well and — Unfortunately we had no time at Armenian music and musicians? comfortable. all to go sightseeing, and I really regret it. Just saw some bits of the city when Gillian Zammit Gillian Zammit we passed in the car… I had a small — The Armenian musicians that I – I realized that Yerevan is one of the walk in the center and liked the area have met were very welcoming and were oldest inhabited cities in the world. around the Opera house. What I really always eager to work together. – What impressed you most in would love to visit is the countryside Armenia? around Yerevan, and the churches Clare Ghigo Clare Ghigo there, I saw pictures and it looks — I am lucky enough to have sung amazing. I have to go back! both modern music by Alexey Shor and — I was impressed by the beautiful Armenian traditional folk music and people and their love for art and music. Gillian Zammit songs collected by Komitas. I can say that Britt Arend — Unfortunately we were only 2 days I know the Armenians have a lot to be there and had to perform so we did not — The kindness of people impressed proud of and I hope that I get to explore have much time to go sightseeing, but me. It was a big contrast to many other more their music and country. the Opera house and The Cascade were countries I had visited before. definitely a highlight. Britt Arend Gillian Zammit – How can you describe Armenia? — I had the pleasure to work several — The people were extremely friendly Tell 2 reasons to visit this country… times with Maestro Sergey Smbatyan, and really went out of their way to make Clare Ghigo and he is a fantastic conductor! He has us feel at home and comfortable during this sparkle of life and passion that — Armenia is a special country full our stay. really makes him special added to a of culture, very welcoming people and – Did you taste Armenian traditional strong character and charisma. I love panoramic views. food? What did you like? playing under his direction and hope For me the most special thing is their that the MPO will have many more language. It’s fascinating. It is artistic in Clare Ghigo collaborations with him! I also met itself. — Frankly speaking, tomatoes. Fruits during our concerts here in Malta some It is like an elaborate mosaic, and and vegetables in Armenia have a special musicians from the ASSO and they were sounds extremely beautiful. great taste. not only talented but very friendly and Britt Arend Britt Arend devoted musicians. And last but not least I have to — We were invited for lunch when we — Welcoming and touching the heart. mention that my teacher at the Royal arrived, and then to dinner after our I think there are hundreds reasons to Conservatorium of Brussels, from whom concert, in both cases we ate traditional visit Armenia! First of all the wonderful Armenian food and everything was people living there, secondly, the I have learned so much and who will absolutely delicious, I loved it! Can’t beautiful countryside and historical always hold a special place in my heart, remember any name unfortunately! places, the important classical music is the famous Armenian harpist Susanna traditions, and the great history of Mildonian. Through her and her amazing Gillian Zammit Armenians. I read many books about personality, I definitely already had a — Yes, everything was really delicious! Armenians and especially the genocide crush on Armenians.

I think there are hundreds reasons to visit Armenia! First of all the wonderful people living there, secondly, the beautiful countryside and historical places, the important classical music traditions, and the great history of Armenians.

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The gifted children from “Culture and Art” Foundation of Armenia performed in the Parliament of Malta on April 25th. Meri Musinyan (canon), Gevorg Stepanyan (duduk) and Vahram Hovhannisyan (vocals) played Armenian folk songs. The gifted children from Armenia performed in the Parliament of Malta

on. Anġlu Farrugia M.P., performed “Qele-Qele” by Komitas, by emotional, professional performance Speaker of the House of an Armenian composer and folklorist. and personal charisma of young Representatives warmly Dudukist Gevorg Stepanyan performed performers that created a mood of joy and welcomed the young “Hovern enkan” by V.Hovsepyan. Helen celebration. Hmusicians, praising their talents and Harutyunyan presented “Yerevan Jan” wishing them further creative growth of Levon Malkhasyan, famous Armenian and success in their profession. Despite jazzman. In turn, the pianist Daphne Elen Harutyunyan their tender age, the artists surprised Delikata played Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano the audience with their beautiful, Musical Moment No.4 in E minor and – Please share your impressions harmonious and skillful performances. a special guest of the concert, young about your trip to Malta… Young musicians from Armenia and but already famous pianist Dmitry It is my first visit to Malta, and I like Malta performed in the church of St. Ishkhanov – “Widmung” by Schumann it here very much. We have already Augustine and MCC of Malta / Liszt. Famous Maltese composer Alexey visited an old city of Mdina and walked A concert of talented young musicians Shor attended the concert. He was around Valetta. In Mdina the view from from Armenia and Malta took place in pleasantly surprised when the musicians the observation deck was particularly the church of St. Augustine in Valletta on performed his works among others. He memorable: the island was in your palms. April 27. Those gathered in a cozy room was especially impressed to hear how But, I liked Valletta much more, it seems immediately plunged into atmosphere his music sounded on qanun, Armenian to be more comfortable for living. of mystery and privacy typical for traditional instrument. As for our performances, I liked the old churches and set out to meet with On April 28 gifted children also concert in the church of St. Augustine art. Beautiful and diverse music, the performed in the Mediterranean most. I first played in such an atmosphere, masterpieces of world classics, folk songs Conference Center of Malta. They the acoustics was amazing. and even jazz were heard. presented a new program in the historical — You played the works of the Scholarship holders of the “Culture complex built by the Maltese knights in Maltese composer Alexey Shor. What and Art” foundation qanonist Mery 1574. Vocalist Raisa Marie Micallef and do you feel when you play his music? Musinyan, signer Vahram Hovhannisyan pianist Lizzie Anne Faure joined the — I did not know about Alexey Shore and pianist Elen Harutyunyan musicians. The audience was admired before, I got acquainted with his works

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when I started preparing for the festival Most of all I liked violinist Ray Chen. Musinian played his work on qanun. and the Armenian Cultural Days in Malta. He played very well and with energy. The maestro was so amazed that he even I want to say that this music is close to I even came up and introduced myself. said jokingly: “Did I really write this?” It me, I understand it and I feel it. Different sounded beautifully, and it was original. images always come to my mind during It is a pleasure that the maestro liked the the performance. Gevorg Stepanyan performance. By the way, the composer told me Duduk that he heard experienced musicians — Please share your impressions playing his works many times, but my about your trip to Malta… Raisa Marie Micallef performance was special. I am very — I liked Malta’s nature very much. Vocal pleased to hear these words from the There is sea all around and unusual — Have you heard the Armenian maestro himself. plants. I tried fish salads for the first time. traditional instruments before? What As to our performances, the concert was your impression? in St. Augustine’s Church was most — Yes, I have heard qanun and duduk Mery Musinyan memorable. It is the second time that I before, they are simply amazing. I’m Qanun am playing in the church and I cannot really inspired by these instruments and — Please share your impressions say why, but I really like to play in I’m glad that I got to know them because about your trip to Malta… such a place. There is a special smell, in Malta we don’t have this kind of — It is my second visit to Malta. I do like atmosphere, duduk sounds differently. instruments. Valetta. The city is unusual, it looks like Just as Vahram, I liked the violinist a fairy tale. Ray Chen most. I have not heard of him I really liked the festival of classical before. And, I met and became friends Daphne Delicata music, and I was especially impressed with Dmitry Ishkhanov. He is a very good Piano by the performance of Maxim Vengerov. pianist, I hope, we will see each other — Have you heard the Armenian I would like to get acquainted with him. more often. traditional instruments before? What The most unusual was the was your impression? acquaintance with the composer Alexey Susanna Mkrtchyan — No, I haven’t heard them before and Shor. I performed his works on qanun. He Head of the group for me it was really nice to have heard really liked it, and he thanked me, noting — It is the first time that children are traditional instruments from another that his works had never been played on participating in such an event, and this country which is not very common here qanun. It was very nice. is a big responsibility for them. I want to in Malta. The festival gave me an opportunity say that the proposal to come to Malta Duduk has a really rich and beautiful to get to know young musicians. We with concerts within the framework of sound, qanun is melodic, playful. I like exchanged contacts, and I hope that we the Armenian Cultural Days was very them both. will meet again many times. unexpected, and, of course, a pleasant one. We are very pleased with how it all Lizzie Anne Faure Vahram Hovhannisyan went. It was a wonderful festival and well Piano Vocal organized. The children were also given — Have you heard the Armenian — Please share your impressions an opportunity to attend the evening traditional instruments before? What about your trip to Malta… concerts of famous musicians. They were was your impression? — It is my first trip outside Armenia and very excited. — Personally, I have never heard I am very happy to visit Malta. I do like I also wanted to add that we are very Armenian music before and the first the seacoast and old Valetta. The very glad to get to know Alexey Shor. We impression I had – oh, it’s beautiful, fact that I am on the island is impressive. even managed to surprise him. Mary fantastic! All musicians from Armenia are amazing. Mery with her qanun, Gevorg with duduk. The experience of playing with them is a pleasure. Armenian instruments sound very rich and unusual. Listening to this music, I definitely would like to come to Armenia.

Alexey Shor Composer — I’m absolutely excited about the performances of the children. If there were more concerts, I would definitely come. They are absolutely amazing and charming young musicians, they perform excellently. It’s a pleasure to watch and listen. I think that they have a great future. I would like them to remain as happy and in love with music as they are now. www.maltavest.com 87 ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA

Albert Marshall: “The most important lesson the Maltese should learn about the Armenians is the fierce love this nation has for its national heritage”

My visit was unforgettable: the most I believe that the building of artistic striking experiences were my visit at and cultural bridges between us is the the Komitas Museum, the Armenian most effective way forward to get to know Genocide Museum and the caves and each other better, to make sense of the the monasteries in the mountains – differences between our life styles and experiences that taught me volumes our worldviews. about the cultural soul of the country. What can Armenians learn from us I didn’t have much time to relish Maltese? Well, perhaps it’s a learning the Armenian cuisine during my short curve for all big countries to notice how visit but the welcoming sumptuous a small island-state like Malta whose dinner so generously set up by the only natural resource is its people, Minister provided me with a taste of the who don’t surpass the half-a-million traditionally cooked meats typical of the mark, can develop into one of the Armenian cuisine – a culinary delight healthies economies in the European difficult to forget. Union: a peace-loving nation who has – What should the Maltese know managed to become independent and about Armenians and Armenian then to free itself from the shackles of culture? colonization without bloodbaths and — I feel that the biggest and most war mongering. important lesson the Maltese should learn – How can you assess the Armenian- about the Armenians is the fierce love Maltese relations and what should be this nation has for its national heritage done to develop cooperation? and patrimony. Malta prides itself of a – I restrict my response to relate to the magnificent history and an outstanding cultural sector. On the basis and in the – As I know you have already visited cultural heritage. spirit of the cultural MoU that we have Armenia. What can you tell about your However, whereas Armenians cherish between us, we should strive to have trip? Did you try traditional Armenian their heritage so passionately, we in Malta more Armenian Cultural Days in Malta dishes? tend to marginalize the uniqueness of and the reciprocity from the Maltese side – A few years back, I was invited our cultural treasures some of which are of such an important cultural event in to visit Yerevan by the Armenian internationally ranked as world heritage. Armenia: cultural and artistic exchanges Minister of Culture. Upon my arrival, We should learn to look up at the are the ideal platform to promote mutual I was immediately struck by the warm way Armenia celebrates its artistic and understanding between nations through hospitality of whoever I made contact cultural pride and identity, and emulate their respective creatives and their work. with. What struck me too, was the strong the way how Armenians articulate their Mutual participation in reciprocal civic and patriotic sense among the heritage in terms of cultural and artistic Cultural Festivals is also an effective people I met. The team from the Ministry manifestations. way of establishing strong and meaning were exceptionally gracious and went out – What can unite the Armenians and contact between us. The use of film, of their way to welcome me. the Maltese? What can we learn from television and the electronic media My mission was to pave the way to each other? should be better exploited by both sides draw up a Cultural Memorandum of As a cultural practitioner, I cannot to serve as communication platforms Understanding between Arts Council identify culture as the ideal platform between the two countries. Malta on behalf of Malta’s Minister for for the unification of Armenians and So much to do… I hope that the Culture, and Armenia, with the aim Maltese: through arts and culture, we respective governments of our countries to establish closer relations between should seek to build bridges between the strengthen their belief that culture and the Maltese and the Armenian cultural two countries whose historical narratives the arts may serve as a strong vehicle to sectors, seeking to facilitate artistic have never intertwined due to the enhance employment and tourism, and exchanges and a better cultural geographical, cultural and sociopolitical to generate wealth, both material and understanding between the two realities that account for a natural spiritual, for the benefit and wellbeing of countries. separation between us. both countries.

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ARMENIAN DAYS IN MALTA Works of Komitas – a symbol of Armenian national identity – performed for the first time in Malta On April 22 Mediterranean Conference Center in Malta hosted a unique event. For the first time, the music of Komitas – renowned Armenian priest and composer, who dedicated his life to the search, revival and transcription of folk songs – was heard in Sacra Infermeria Hall in Valletta.

t is also remarkable that the guests of the island were familiarized SipanOlah Armenian pieces were performed with the biography and activities of the Singer (tenor), conductor, artistic di- by the Maltese choir under the musicologist. rector of the London-based Komitas direction of Sipan Olah, artistic The welcoming speech was delivered choir Idirector of the Komitas Choir in by the director of Yerevan-based London. Komitas Museum-Institute Nikolay – How did your cooperation with the In parallel with the concert, the Kostandyan. The program of the event Maltese artists start? opening of “Komitas: Life in Photos” provoked public and media interest in – I am leading the Komitas Choir exhibition was held. Residents and the Armenian folk music. in London, and I am in Malta at the

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invitation of the Maltese cultural not enough singers, and our leader Sipan of Komitas? Can you describe your figures. Once I was approached by Olah got worried. So, I suggested singing feeling when you are singing it? representatives of the Ministry of Culture myself. I have a similar experience, since – I have never heard of Komitas of Malta who suggested creating a choir I sing in a church choir in Vienna during before this experience, so it was a very of Maltese singers, who will have to the Liturgy. I was the only Armenian in good thing to take this opportunity and perform the works of Komitas. I agreed, the choir. participate in the project. of course. It was later revealed that this During the rehearsals, I translated So ,when I first time heard the concert is being prepared within the the lyrics, if necessary, and helped composer’s name I went to YouTube to framework of the Armenian Cultural the Maltese with the pronunciation. listen to his works. Those songs, you Days in Malta. It was very difficult for them, but they know, they were very nice. This music We invited the best singers. There was succeeded. I’m very proud of the way the sounds like Celtic music, it is very very little time. In just two weeks and choir was singing at the concert. relaxing. It makes you feel peaceful, during four rehearsals we had to manage For the Maltese artists, Komitas’ music harmonious, connected with nature. to prepare a full program in a language was perceived as something magical, and I don’t really understand Armenian they had not even heard of. they constantly talked about it. One of language, but there are some words that – How much time did it take to teach the singers liked song “Garuna” so much are similar to ours. For example, “vard” them to sing in Armenian? that she said that, without understanding which means “rose”. Besides, I like the – Fortunately, I already had experience the words, she feels this melody and the word “garun” which means “spring”. of working with foreign artists and emotions that Komitas wanted to convey. I will highly consider learning a few overcoming the problems related to the Andriana Yordanova pieces from Komitas sharing his musical Armenian language. This time it was Opera singer (soprano) art amongst the Maltese”. relatively easier, since the Maltese speak – I’m Bulgarian. I came from Varna, three languages – English, Maltese and Gabriel Farrugia and I have been living and working in Italian. In other words, it is easier for Student at the University of Malta Malta for 18 years. When I was offered them to perceive and pronounce words in Musical Director and composer at St. to take part in this project, I agreed with other languages. Augustine Church Valletta pleasure. So, during one rehearsal we overcame – What do you think about the music Everything in the music of Komitas is the problems with pronunciation. During of Komitas? Can you describe your touching. We know that Komitas collected the second rehearsal, I explained the feeling when you are singing it? folk songs and transcribed them, so that system of Armenian folk music. It took – I have never heard of Komitas before they became classical. The same process even more time. At the third and fourth so it is pleasure for me to get acquainted later happened in Bulgaria, Czech rehearsals, we tried to be as close to the with his music. It is, you know very Republic, and Poland. That is, classical original sound as possible. Now I can say melodic, gentle. And despite that it was composers turned to folk music and they that in such a short time we did almost written long ago it sounds like it was received inspiration from folk music. impossible thing. written these days. For me, Armenian folk melodies are After the concert, we were approached Being a composer of sacred music, I close in sound to the Bulgarian ones, by Armenians sitting in the hall. They felt attached to his music. It sounds like which is my native music, so I perform said that they could hear Armenian words it is in anticipation of the polyphony we them with a special feeling. in the songs we were singing, and this write today. There are some Armenian Of all the works, I would point out was the biggest appraisal of our work. words that sound similar to the Maltese “Surb, surb”. It is like a prayer. Incredibly – Which work, do you think the language. I like the phrase “im chinar touching, penetrating and light. Maltese artists liked most? yar”. Komitas is a multi-genre composer, and Astrid Cacciatore If there is another opportunity to we have chosen 10 different songs. They Student at Malta School of Music perform the songs of Komitas, I will do it perceived each song in their own way, – What do you think about the music with great pleasure. but for the singers who sing in the church choir, the church songs were closer to their heart. This is understandable, since Malta is a Catholic and very religious country. GayaneMirzoyan Musician, musicologist – I’m a musician, I live in Austria. My second profession is a musicologist, I have a quartet. Despite the fact that I am a very busy person, I agreed to come to Malta to help with organization of the Armenian Cultural Days, and it was a pleasure. I am always ready to participate in such projects, as I feel responsible for the events dedicated to the Armenian culture. First, only Maltese had to sing in the choir, but it turned out that there were www.maltavest.com 91 EVENTS

Fireworks show in the sky over Malta

The Malta International Fireworks Festival, a delight for guests and citizens of the sunny island of Malta, was held for the seventeenth time this year. The very first festival was organized in May 2004 to commemorate Malta’s entry to the European Union. This tradition has strengthened since then, and every time spectators are surprised by something unusual.

his year’s festival was most 27, in , where participants pyrotechnic show. Spectators were outstanding. The chosen theme from Malta and Italy – Martarello S.r.l enjoying fireworks synchronized with for this edition, ‘Where Fire and (Italy) and St. Mary Fireworks Factory live singing and music played by an Culture Meet’, highlights the fact (Ħal Għaxaq, Malta) –presented a orchestra. Tthat Valletta is the European Capital of flamboyant show to the accompaniment They were performing music written Culture in 2018. of the local band Madonna ta’ Pompei, specially for the festival from a floating The opening of the festival took which was performing on the central stage in the majestic , place on Saturday, April 21, in Xagħra, stage. Valletta. Gozo. Just imagine a clear starry night, On a side note, it should be noted DVDs with the spectacular shows impressive landscapes and millions of that St. Mary fireworks Factory was the are available for connoisseurs and bright fireworks designed by Phoenix winner of the Fireworks Festival in 2010 collectors. They can be purchased from Fireworks Ltd (United Kingdom) and Rozzi and 2016. the organisers of the Fireworks Festival – Fireworks (USA)! It was possible to enjoy The grand finale took place on Monday, the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta another fireworks show on Friday, April April 30, and it was not like any other Tourism Authority.

92 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 EVENTS ПЕРЕВОДЫ С/НА: • Английский • Русский • Украинский • Белорусский • Казахский • Армянский • Узбекский • Польский T: +356Tel:9963 +356996324652465 • Итальянский • Немецкий E-mail:E-mail:po [email protected]@gmail .com • Французский • Нидерландский th 55thFloo Floor,r, Dr aDragonaragonaraBus iBusinessnessCent rCentre,e, • Норвежский • Фарси • Дари DDragonararagonaraRo Road,ad, Pac Paceville,eville, St.Ju St.lia Julian’sn’s • Пушту • Китайский и другие языки

Переводы с/на: Английский, русский, украинский, белорусский, казахский, армянский, узбекский, польский, итальянский, немецкий, французский, нидерландский, норвежский, фарси, дари, пушту, китайский язык и другие языки

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ithout their 24/7 close of bright, complex, flawlessly assembled attention, assistance and ingredients. My role in this firework support, this powerful of taste, as I call it for a joke, is to be mechanism, and we can Big Mama for our assistants and their Wcall it “festival organism”, would not guests. We had to solve lots of problems, have been able to function at its 120%! sometimes we faced real challenges and stress tests, when I myself and the whole team had to respond to difficult situations. But when we are together, we are strong! Do I want to repeat it all again? Definitely, yes! The festival, of course, gave us a very memorable experience, and the icing on the cake was meeting all those amazing artists and guests! There were some funny episodes: once Valeria Kotova at night we were outdoors moving a piano — The effective organization of the from one place to another accompanied festival, among other factors, made this by one guard, and we were singing event a real musical triumph! The most Russian songs. Probably, it looked like interesting and exciting moment, in my we were committing a crime! And a opinion, comes seconds before the artist colleague of mine had this incident: the steps onto the stage, when the success of road to Saint Julian’s was closed and she the whole concert depends, to a certain had lunch to be urgently delivered to our degree, on my efforts. I am talking about guests in Valletta, and in all that mayhem the attitude, concentration, atmosphere, Elizaveta Zdanovich she caught a taxi across town and then organization. And when the show ends — The Malta International Music Festival she spilled all the sauces and dressings for the public, for us it must go on… and is a delicious cake consisting of a bunch on her clothes and inside the taxi. it does go on!

96 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 MIMF-2018

Anastasia Kuzmina Yana Korejba Valeria Taran — I worked as an assistant in the — It was a great pleasure to take part — At this moment my feelings and emotions can be described with one press-center of the Foundation and in organization of the music festival. I met talented musicians who perform phrase: the MIMF ended several weeks I helped with organization of press- classical music. I was an assistant and ago, but I still live with this amazing conferences that were held every day. aide to the violinist and conductor, sensation of belonging to the wonderful It was nice meeting all the participants moment. To be honest, I do not know a man of great vision and wisdom of this process: journalists, speakers, who I should thank for this unique Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the sincere and opportunity to become a ‘player’ of the musicians. I was also responsible for open pianist Julia Zilberquit, the great team, meet all these talented people communication with the media in Malta: outstanding violinist and conductor and fall in love with Armenia. from marketing e-mailing to making Maxim Vengerov, the excellent Polish I was a small rivet of a huge machine, calls in order to invite them to a press- composer Krzysztof Penderecki and his which united the whole planet! I had conference. wife Elzbieta Penderecka – she herself the honour to work with the amazing In addition to this, I was lucky to organizes music festivals in Poland. musicians from the Armenian State be an assistant to the famous Russian I had a chance not only to attend Symphony Orchestra, the most talented TV host and pianist Irina Nikitina concerts, but I also saw them during family of Carpenters from New York, the (Kultura TV channel, “Enigma” rehearsals and behind the scenes. Russian conductor Sergei Stadler, the It was so nice that all musicians Italian violinist Salvatore Accardo. programme). I helped at the shooting of were thrilled with Malta. And for me What does the festival mean for each her programme with Maxim Vengerov, it was an interesting experience. I one of us and for Malta, which hosted I was at the concert and we together received unforgettable impressions from the MIMF? 18 concerts so different visited Gozo, an island in the Maltese communicating with the unique artists. from one another, composers, soloists, archipelago. I am grateful to everyone who was conductors, assistants, aides, project I liked taking part in the festival: the involved in organization of the festival. I leaders, organizers, drivers, shooting teams, sound engineers, journalists… All sunny weather, classical music and nice can say, we really did it! these people came to this small island people… to organize this event, to give people a chance to plunge into the atmosphere of classical music, and to become part of everything that has been happening. Would it all work out, if at least one rivet had fallen out of this complex And when the show ends for mechanism? I doubt it. Was it possible that it could have happened? Absolutely the public, for us it must go on… out of the question! Am I happy to have been part of the MIMF? Insanely! Do I and it does go on! miss it? You bet! The truth is, I cannot highlight just one event or one day of the festival in order to describe it. Every moment was special and unforgettable. I can say only one thing: I hope it will be continued!

www.maltavest.com 97 MIMF-2018 Media about the Festival it was really great; I do not even know Alexey Shor was especially beautiful. what will happen to us in the now I am leaving the island with his Travel slightly empty reality. I have a feeling Notebook, which has found its solid place that these days something is happening on my “music shelf”. in Malta that used to happen in Paris I would like to express my sincere led by Diaghilev. Because here they gratitude to the European Foundation have their own Diaghilev, and his ideas for Support of Culture and its President are so attractive that he manages to Konstantin Ishikhanov for turning the captivate the most significant musicians Malta International Music Festival into of our century: iconic composers from reality and for the opportunity to cover Giya Kancheli to Krzysztof Penderecki, this large-scale and memorable event. iconic pianists from Grigory Sokolov to Nikolai Lugansky, violinists, vocalists, and clarinetists (for example, we can recall Andreas Ottensamer, the principal Maria Chamberlain clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, who looks like a top model and whose Head of press-centre, VI Malta Inter- mischievous performance concluded the national Music Festival festival). — Two crazy weeks filled with This year I have been lucky to visit masterpieces performed by the the festival, really unique due to its world stars of classical music. rich programme. For 18 days every Unbelievable atmosphere full of creative evening there were performances in the communication, new ideas and musical historical halls of Valletta and Floriana discoveries. Sea, Music, Malta will forever remain synonyms for me. by the world renowned musicians of different generations: Grigory Sokolov, Maxim Vengerov, Nikolay Lugansky, Denis Kozhukhin, Ray Chen and many others. I am proud to point out my fellow Claire Jackson countrymen among them — the cellist Freelance arts journalist Narek Akhnazaryan and the piano trio — I very much enjoyed the level of named after Khachaturian. Every concert musicianship on offer at the MIMF and was an emotional experience, and some its piano competition, particularly the of them got imprinted onto my mind and finals, where the participants were of an my soul. unusually high standard. Every concert I Maybe with a little bit of indiscretion, I attended was thoughtfully programmed, express my admiration with the resident and the soloists were world-class - e.g. of the festival — the Armenian State Sokolov! Symphony Orchestra under the direction In terms of press organisation, of Segey Smbatyan. This orchestra there was some confusion over my represented our country in the best way accommodation, and on the first day I and it was so nice to hear enthusiastic waited several hours before being able Lina Goncharskaya reviews about them throughout the whole to go to bed. I also had to move rooms at Music critic, festival. midnight one evening. Lilit and Maria did Editor-in-Chief of Culbyt.com I would like to highlight the excellent everything they could to fix the problem (Israel) organization of the days of Armenian and I was very grateful for their support. – My impressions from the festival? culture, during which choir music by the The interviews were all well organised, as Lots of positive emotions, definitely more great Komitas was performed for the first was the transport to the concerts. than there is water in the Mediterranean. time in Malta, as well as chamber music Often with such press trips, there is an Here you develop a totally different by the living classic, Maestro Tigran opportunity to interview cultural figures perception of time. Three weeks of Mansuryan. from the host country, usually organised press-conferences, concerts, reviews — Music by the resident composer by the local tourist board. This would

98 Maltese Herald • No 5 (13) May 2018 MIMF-2018

have been helpful, particularly given that In terms of press organisation, do not know the language, were singing Valetta is the European Capital of Culture there was some confusion over my very harmoniously and beautifully. 2018. Otherwise, an excellent event, with accommodation, and on the first day I This can happen only at festivals, along wonderful musicians and team. waited several hours before being able with the joint concert of the Maltese and to go to bed. I also had to move rooms at Armenian orchestras and the premiere midnight one evening. Lilit and Maria did performance of the symphonic cycle everything they could to fix the problem about the Great Siege of Malta by the and I was very grateful for their support. resident composer of the festival Alexey The interviews were all well organised, as Shor. For this, credit undoubtedly goes to was the transport to the concerts. Maestro Sergey Smbatyan. Often with such press trips, there is an Here I come to another festival opportunity to interview cultural figures phenomenon – performance of music from the host country, usually organised by Alexey Shor. We have seen again that by the local tourist board. This would one needs to be very thoughtful and have been helpful, particularly given serious towards music of this composer, that Valetta is the European Capital of revealing hidden associated feelings in Culture 2018. it. Sometimes it seems to a performer Otherwise, an excellent event, with that in front of him there is a quite simple wonderful musicians and team. musical text that can be performed almost at sight. In fact it turned out to be what Salvatore Accardo spoke about: John Blanch only when he heard accompaniment Director & Founder J. Blanch by the orchestra, he realized what the productions meaning of the Flight of a Falcon was. I — This year festival it was amazing. Such a myself extremely enjoyed performance high level of artists. Being able to interview of Alexey Shor’s music by Khachaturian all musicians about Hhor’s music also help Trio. They demonstrated how touching us to understand more about his approach this music is and how it describes those to the music. Looking forward to showing events the composer speaks about. Look the final results of the film. carefully, Shor has a lot of visual images: it can be a battle, a sea, his travel diary; he always needs a visual picture to create a music composition. This is Shor’s creed, his alter ego. Why? Because he thinks mathematically, he needs some formula Yossi Tavor to transfer art into a different dimension. In this case visual dimension should be journalist, music critic, Radio Orpheus transformed into audio dimension. host My eternal gratitude goes to the — This festival combined two concepts. On the one hand, really great names: four Armenian State Symphony Orchestra great violinists of different generations –- and its chief conductor Sergey Smbatyan. Aiman Mussakhajayeva, Maxim Vengerov, They both undertook what seems an Ray Chen, Salvatore Accardo; outstanding impossible task to play every day with pianists of different generations – Nikolai new programmes, different soloists, Lugansky, Denis Kozhukhin and, of and absolutely unfamiliar music. They course, the unique pianist Grigory accomplished this task excellently. Anna Babushyan Sokolov. If you add to these three bright We can say with certainty that Sergey Mediamax Company, new stars –Narek Hakhnazaryan, Anreas Smbatyan and his musicians have a Yerevan, Armenia Ottensamer and David-Aaron Carpenter – great future. Sergey Smbatyan has done This year festival it was amazing. you will get an insight what is happening tremendously impressive work. Such a high level of artists. Being able at concert halls all over the world! It is worth highlighting one more to interview all musicians about Hhor’s On the other hand, music compositions event: the Malta International Piano music also help us to understand were performed, which could not Competition was held these days; about more about his approach to the music. have existed without a festival format: seventy people arrived in Malta, thirty- Looking forward to showing the final concerts where music of two Titans of the nine of them played in the second round, results of the film. twentieth and twenty-first centuries – and only six took part in the finals. The I very much enjoyed the level of Giya Kancheli and Krzysztof Penderecki – strongest was selected out of these six – musicianship on offer at the MIMF and was performed in the presence of them Anna Ulaieva – I hope, we will hear her its piano competition, particularly the both. The Days of Armenian Culture, name again. It seems this competition finals, where the participants were of an where together with famous Armenian has serious prospects. Anyway, its unusually high standard. Every concert I composers of the twentieth century finalists received a chance to perform on attended was thoughtfully programmed, we listened to the marvelous music by the big concert stage. and the soloists were world-class – e.g. Komitas performed by the Maltese choir; it I think, both the festival and the piano Sokolov! was very interesting, because people, who competition have been a success! www.maltavest.com 99