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Armenian Souls

Summary

Concert
  • Saturday April 22nd 2023
  • Royal Chapel
  • 8:30pm | 1h20 without intermission
Homepage Armenian Souls

Cast

Narek Kazazyan Kanun

Astrig Siranossian Cello

Helbert Asatryan Duduk et Shevi

Chœur de l’Église de la Sainte Croix d’Erevan

Shahé Keshishian Conductor

Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal

Under the high patronage of Aline Foriel-Destezet

Stefan Plewniak Conductor

 

Presentation

Armenia, once again threatened by hostile neighbors, needs to feel the friendship and fraternity of France, which was the first to show its support as early as 1896 in response to the Turkish massacres, through the voice of Jean Jaurès. These massacres were renewed and amplified by the genocide of 1915, which resulted in 1.5 million deaths and was vehemently denounced by Anatole France. This concert is part of the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, decided by France in 2019.

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It will bring together Armenian and French musicians for a musical tribute to the Armenian Soul in the Royal Chapel of Versailles. The young virtuoso Narek Kazazyan, a dazzling kanun player, will be the centerpiece of this program, featuring works for this instrument, a symbol of Armenia. There will also be duets with the renowned cellist Astrig Siranossian and flutist Helbert Asatryan. Four works for solo kanun and orchestra will be performed with the Royal Opera Orchestra of Versailles, conducted by Stefan Plewniak. Finally, the Surb Khach Church Choir – Holy Cross of Yerevan, the only professional male choir affiliated with a church in Armenia and led by Shahe Keshishian, will perform the sacred Armenian repertoire spanning seventeen centuries of Christianity, up to the masterpieces of Komitas.

 

As the first Christian Kingdom, Armenia is today a fantastic diaspora, a country fighting for its survival, bearing an exceptional culture: this Christian jewel at the foot of Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark, this land of the biblical paradise, has been inhabited since time immemorial by exceptional musicians. This concert brings their music to life, recorded on CD in the winter of 2022 at the Château de Versailles and the Monastery of the Holy Lance of Geghard in Armenia, in the rock-hewn church: this mythical place of the origins of Armenian Christianity, which holds one of Christ’s most precious relics, was founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator around 320 AD. The Armenian Souls inhabit the stone here like nowhere else: come and be enchanted by their presence at the Royal Chapel of Versailles.

 

Production by Les Productions de l’Opéra Royal

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Programme

Seventeen Centuries of Music in Armenia

Commemorative Concert of the Armenian Genocide

The Royal Chapel of the Château de Versailles

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And also…

CD Armenian Souls

N°109
Travel to the heart of ancient Armenia through an emotional musical fresco that blends together liturgical and folk music, revealing the full richness and diversity of its heritage.
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