Armenian composer Ara Gevorgian with his orchestra and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra perform on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus
Saturday 20 November 2010, Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Lefkosia, 19:00
Sunday 21 November 2010, Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Lefkosia, 18:00
Composer: Ara Gevorgian
Conductor: Karen Durgaryan
With the participation of 12 musicians & 3 dancers
Local Armenian Sipan Dance Ensemble
Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
Organization:
The Armenian Representative Office in collaboration with
the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation
Sponsors: Ministry of Education and Culture – Cultural Services, FBME Bank Ltd
Official Carrier: Austrian Airlines
Tickets: €10, available at:
the Armenian Representative Office – 22 454540 (from 15 October)
Strovolos Municipal Theatre – 22 313010 (from 17 November)
Information: 22 454540, 22 463144
Composer Ara Gevorgian was born in Yerevan in 1960. He is the son of Valya Samvelyan Valya – a famous singer of Armenian folk and popular songs. From 1987-1989 he studied to become conductor at the Armenian Pedagogical Institute and was the leader of the local pop orchestra. Over the years he was awarded several prizes: in 2004 he was awarded the title of Honorary Actor of the Republic of Armenia by President Robert Kocharian, in 2006 he was awarded a prize for his contribution to the development of Armenian instrumental music and participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Cultural Year of Armenia in the Russian Federation, hosted at the Moscow Kremlin Music Hall in the presence of the presidents of Armenia and Russia Robert Kocharyan and Vladimir Putin respectively and the famous singer Charles Aznavour. He was awarded the “Mikhail Lomonosow” medal of honour from the government of Russia. The composer has co-operated with famous Armenian and foreign musicians and participated in a series of festivals. He performed in different countries such as Russia, USA, France, Canada, Australia, Lebanon, Syria etc
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, conductor Karen Durgaryan graduated from the Yerevan State Conservatory in 1996. In 1995 he was appointed Associate Conductor of the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra and was the Resident Conductor of the Yerevan Symphony Orchestra. In 1996 he became the Music Director of “Britten and Armenia” International Music Festival in Yerevan and since 1997 he has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Yerevan State Music Chamber Theater. In March 2001, Durgaryan assumed the position of Principal Conductor of the Armenian National State Opera and Ballet Theatre. He has collaborated with various orchestras around the world such as: the Symphony Orchestra of Cagliari Lyric Theater (Italy), the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, the Sao Carlos National Opera Company Choir in Lisbon, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the 11thInternational Musical Olympus Festival, the Silantiev State Academic Orchestra in the Moscow Kremlin Grand Hall and the Orchestra of Carlo Felice Theatre in Genoa. He has appeared in prestigious concert halls such as the Thessaloniki Opera, the Ataturk Culture Centre of Istanbul, the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, the London Coliseum etc.
In the year 2000 the Armenian Cultural and Educational Association Hamazkayin Cyprus formed the SIPAN Dance Ensemble composed of 45 members, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. SIPAN performs annually and takes part in various local and international festivals around the island. Mrs. Janna Tahmizian, a well known dancer and choreographer from Armenia, with her huge contribution and dedication, made young Cypriot Armenian boys and girls embrace this beautiful side of the rich Armenian culture despite present day difficulties. She was able to bring the ensemble to its present formidable level, through a great deal of sacrifice and consistent hard work. Mrs. Tahmizian presently teaches at the State Institute of Dance of Yerevan and also works as Assistant Stage Director and Choreographer at the Yerevan State Opera. Hamazakayin owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Cyprus government for its contribution and help in keeping the Armenian culture alive through the Ministry of Education and Culture. By this opportunity, SIPAN would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the great support of the Armenian Representative in Parliament Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian and to all other organizations and individuals, who have encouraged the Ensemble to continue its existence.
