Giya Kancheli: Sergey Smbatyan reminded me of Edvard Mirzoyan (video)
“A wonderful orchestra comprised of gifted young musicians… Sergey Smbatyan reminded me of Edvard Mirzoyan,” says composer Giya Kancheli. Yerevan is hosting these days living legend Giya Kancheli, one of the greatest figures in the music world. A festival dedicated to the famous Georgian composer, teacher, People’s Artist of the USSR, will be held in Armenia on June 18-20. “I learnt about the festival from clarinettist Julian Milkis a year ago. I last visited Armenia seven years ago. I am happy to visit your country again. I composed six of my seven symphonies in Dilijan. My first critics were Arno Babajanyan, Edward Mirzoyan, Alexander Harutyunyan and Avet Terteryan,” says Giya Kancheli, who has written music for 70 films and 40 performances. The author is happy to have had the opportunity to work with Sergey Danelia, Robert Sturua, Georgy Tovstonogov and many others. Giya Kancheli’s music is performed by the best orchestras in the world. The composer says music cannot be understood; it can be felt and perceived. “I always compose what I want and feel. This is hard work. But the audience should not feel this torment, people should enjoy the result." On June 19, the Komitas Chamber Music House will host an evening of chamber music. The solo concert will feature accordionist Alexander Sevastian and clarinetist Julian Milkis. The program includes Kancheli’s works written for the theater and cinema. The festival will end on June 20 with the concert at the Aram Khachaturian concert hall. The State Youth Orchestra of Armenia, soloist Alexander Sevastian and the Brass Quintet of the orchestra will present the works by Giya Kancheli, which will be performed in Armenia for the first time.
