OPERA THEATRE IN THE ARMY

From 15 to 17 October, supported by the Foundation for Assistance to the Opera and the Ministry of Defense, soloists and symphony orchestra gave concerts in the border military units of Tavoush region. It was the initiative of the Opera Directorate and the group “Tigran Davtyan and co.” Concerts were led by the artistic director and chief conductor of the Opera house, Karen Durgaryan. Although these were the first concerts of artists in the army, but they intend to continue this tradition.

– The soldier does his duty, giving us a safe and secure home, so we decided to perform our duty to the soldier. Our goal was to inspire a soldier, to present them the Armenian and world classical music. Song, music, and art in general is a powerful tool that leaves a positive impact on the inner world of man, i.e. art is also a weapon, you only need to use it properly.

So we with our “weapon” went to inspire soldier standing on the border, to raise even more his fighting spirit, and say – your rear is strong, guys!

I think that the Opera theatre perfectly fulfilled his “combat mission” and came back impressed. We saw a powerful army, powerful commanders, standing at the post powerful soldiers. Oh, if all the structures of our country were like the army!

We would like to say words of gratitude to the Defense Ministry and the personnel of the military units, where we visited, for their warm welcome.

TIGRAN DAVTYAN
Opera theatre administrator

For me it was so unexpected that our performances in military units were accepted with enthusiasm. Surprisingly, since I did not expect that classical music will cause such an interest among the soldiers. After all, I too was once a soldier!
Seeing such a hunger in relation to classical music, a desire appeared to visit once again military units with concerts. I’ll tell also that in all the regiments after singing the “Song of a fighter,” hall applauded on feet and for a very long time, which indicates that the Armenian soldier is in need of classic performance.

GRIGOR ABRAHAMYAN
Soloist, winner of the Youth Award of the President of the Republic of Armenia

Prepared by ALICE ALAVERDYAN