News
2019 September 08, Sunday 19:00
Naregatsi Art Institute marked its 15th anniversary in Komitas Chamber Music Hall within the framework of a beautiful concert program dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Hovhannes Toumanian and Komitas.
The festive event began with the Lord's Prayer by Father Shahe Hayrapetyan, spiritual pastor of St. Sarkis Church of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.
The jubilee evening was hosted by Anahit Hakobyan and RA Honorary Artist, actor Samvel Baghinyan, who gave special splendor to their beautiful speech combining it with the poetic word.
The event featured the amazing performance of the Naregatsi Orchestra (Artistic Director, RA Honorary Artist Artem Khachatur), singer Lusin Vanes, Levon Karapetyan (piano), Gevorg Kojoyan (tenor), Astghik Khachaturyan (piano), NAI Choir (Conductor Anahit Sargsyan), Paros Chamber Choir (Artistic Director Raffi Mikaelian, Conductor Ruben Karaseferian), Njdeh Folk Dance Group (Artistic Director, RA Honorary Worker of Culture, Gagik Ginosyan, Dance Instructor Abel Matevosyan).
Violinist, conductor, musicologist, NAI Artistic Advisor Daniel Yerazhisht made a speech at the event and presented the song "St. Mesrop" (Lyrics by Siamanto, music by Daniel Yerazhisht), later performed by Gevorg Kojoyan. He mentioned that at the concert devoted to the 1500th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet and the 400th anniversary of printing, which was organized by Komitas in Istanbul Pty-Chat Theater in October 1913, Siamanto recited his poem "St. Mesrop" and was praised by Komitas.
-In 1985, composer Alfred Schnittke wrote in his "Four-part Concerto for Mixed Chorus" on Grikor Narekatsi’s words. He mentioned that he intended to write other music, but something else came out, because the powerful spirit of Narekatsi was present in his room. With this story I would like to point out that the Naregatsi Art Institute deserves the right and is dignified to have the name of St. Gregory of Narek, - added Daniel Yerazhisht.
Naregatsi Art Institute founder Nareg Hartounian expressed his gratitude to the Paros Chamber Choir for being with them since its inception.
- I founded the Naregatsi Art Institute under the spiritual guidance of St. Gregory of Narek in Yerevan in 2004, followed by the next center in Shoushi in 2006. I must remember the very symbolic story when the great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanian honors great Armenian composer Komitas, and the latter says in response: “Dear Hovhannes, I am not the miracle, but the Armenian people are miraculous, because if the people haven't been so amazing, whatever Komitas did he would not have had such a result.'' NAI is a part of the Armenian people, born under the patronage of God. Based on Komitas's words, I must say that if it were not the love and participation of the Armenian people, we would have remained orphaned, our affairs incomplete, our halls empty. This anniversary is the renovation of our covenant. I am grateful to everyone for the gifts, for standing by and supporting the NAI, - said Nareg Hartounian.
Every year after the anniversary event Nareg Hartounian presents NAI logo to any artist, this time with a little deviation from the tradition, the gift was given to the smallest audience in the hall.
The exhibition hall featured the photos of individuals who have been with the NAI for 15 years and have shown their support. The NAI had prepared a surprise for them handing them their photos, which bear warm memories and beautiful emotions.
Every year only the NAI Center in Yerevan hosts at least 15000 spectators from the capital, regions and Diaspora. The message of the arts is transferred due to the direct connection between the artist and the audience.
At the same time, tourists from all over the world are introduced to Armenian culture with its ancient and modern values.
