866 concerts overseas, singing in 27 languages (video)
For 67 consecutive years Hovhannes Chekidjian is the director of the National Academic Choir of Armenia, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. "On September 4, 1961, my order was given, which is still in force," jokes Maestro. 866 concerts overseas, singing in 27 languages. Their singing made strangers understand what the Armenian music is, what Komitas, Yekmalyan mean. "To be Komitas' interpreter, it is meaningless to sing the notes, one should convey his spirit. The conductor should be mature, should have his own style. And perfection endlessly, it seems to run away from us. Monolithic singing is an art. The singer may have a wonderful voice, and he may not sing in a choir. There is a healthy atmosphere in our choir. There have also been days of disappointment. But all my doings have always been connected with Armenia. Each of our concerts should pass an exam. The important thing is the listener, his perception, and the mood of the listener is also related to his mood, and even to weather: sunny or rainy, " said Hovhannes Chekijyan, the choir artistic director and principal conductor. David Terzyan, Capella's director, said that Maestro, despite the age of many contemporary views, also had basic requirements that were mandatory. The most important requirement of his is that everything must be on its place. There have been no tours in Australia, Canada and South America. This is one of the imperfect desires of Chekijyan. The National Academic Choir of Armenia will hold a jubilee concert tomorrow at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. Komitas, Yekmalyan, Tigranyan, Verdi are included in the program. Maestro Chekijian also promised to make surprises in the program.
