InClassica Presents Evening of Armenian Music with Violinist Sergey Khachatryan
On Sunday 5th September InClassica presented a unique evening in celebration of Armenian musical heritage. Violinist Sergey Khachatryan was joined by Armenian conductor Sergey Smbatyan and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, as they delivered Aram Khachaturian's famed Violin Concerto, alongside Maurice Ravel's orchestration of Modest Mussorgsky's beloved work, 'Pictures at an Exhibition'.
InClassica 2021 is the biggest and most ambitious ever music festival to take place in the Middle East, welcoming a staggering 37 world-renowned soloists, 7 celebrated orchestras and 12 leading conductors to Dubai for a 30-day celebration of sublime musicianship, world-class performance and international collaboration. InClassica is pleased to present the biggest names in classical music today, featuring performers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, for an unrivalled programme of phenomenal concerts taking place at the Dubai Opera and Coca-Cola Arena. The festival features a range of music from distinguished historical European composers, as well as works from the event’s Composer-in-Residence, Alexey Shor.
Last night at InClassica
Pictures at an Exhibition
Dubai Opera
When Aram Khachaturian premiered his Violin Concerto, in November 1940, he was enjoying enormous professional success and expecting the birth of his son. Khachaturian himself reported that the inspiration for the music, deeply rooted in the tradition of his Armenian homeland, came to him without any effort. As an expression of joy, his Violin Concerto is among his most beloved works. Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra played this composition by one of the most important composers of their native country. Under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, the orchestra also rendered Maurice Ravel's orchestration of Modest Mussorgsky's beloved master-piece Pictures at an Exhibition.
Sergey Khachatryan (violin)
- Did it feel particularly special, presenting a work by an Armenian composer with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra? “It is, of course, because [Aram] Khachaturian is an Armenian composer and a lot of the music has roots in Armenian folklore, for instance, and obviously I feel that because I grew up with it and with Khachaturian’s music, so it feels home and more close to myself than perhaps another composer. It’s great that we can present this concerto in different countries, now in Dubai for example, and it’s also important as, in a way, it’s a duty as an Armenian to show our repertoire, which might not be played that often. I mean, maybe Khachaturian’s concerto is played more often than the others, but I think to present it in this way, in an Armenian way, is nice for the audience.”
How was your collaboration with the ASSO? “I have a very good relationship with Sergey and with the young musicians in the orchestra — with whom I have a lot of friendships, even before they were playing in this orchestra — so yes, it’s a very nice feeling.”
How has your experience been with the organisers? “Wonderful. Very straightforward, very helpful, and I have a great assistant. Unfortunately I will not be able to stay long here as I have a concert in Brussels, but it’s a very great organisation.”
Sergey Smbatyan
“It was hugely enjoyable to perform with Sergey Khachatryan, and — of course — particularly when presenting a concert of Armenian music. This is something that is very close to my heart, and I’m very pleased with how the orchestra performed. I hope the audience enjoyed it.”
Quotes From Those in Attendance:
“Fantastic! I’ve always loved Khachaturian’s music after first hearing his ballet ‘Spartacus’, so I’m very glad I came to the concert this evening.” — audience member
“What a fantastic soloist, a great performance!” — audience member
“This was actually my first concert since the start of the pandemic and it felt so nice to see classical music performed live again. I’d like to thank all of the performers for the opportunity.” — audience member
Tonight at InClassica*
Hope from the Heart
Dubai Opera
Daniel Hope is one of the leading violinists of our time. As a truly holistic artist, he goes beyond the boundaries of classical music. Hope's renditions of Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 are so full of energetic personality, enlightenment and deep understanding, that his appearance at the InClassica International Music Festival must be labelled as one of the highlights of the season. As much as Bruch's concerto is the most popular work by the composer, Bedřich Smetana's Vltava (The Moldau) is one of the best known classical compositions there is. And Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 is valued as one of his most important creations. The Slovak State Philharmonic plays these popular master-pieces conducted by Sergey Smbatyan.
- Daniel Hope (violin)
- Sergey Smbatyan
- Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
*Full details (including quotes from performers and attendees) will be available tomorrow. For any enquiries regarding tonight’s performance, please contact us.
Organised by the European Foundation for Support of Culture and SAMIT Event Group, the 2021 Edition of the InClassica International Music Festival is currently underway, with daily concerts taking place until the 26th of September. For more information or to book tickets, please visit the official website at inclassica.com.