From Armenian streets to Chennai’s stage: A musical celebration of Independence

Similar to how the veena sings in the language of Carnatic music in India, instruments such as the guitar string together stories, carrying melodies that have lived through generations, borders, and evolving times, in Armenia.

Key points

• As Armenia marks the 155th birth anniversary of the composer, alexander's Yerevan Sketches: Enzeli was particularly significant this year.
• Take Blossomed Cherry Tree by Armenian composer Khachatur Avetisyan.
• For Gleb, a student from Russia, attending the event was an opportunity to explore the Armenian culture.
• The orchestra brought together Armenian and European classical music that was as much regarding cultural exchange as it was concerning music.
• Beyond celebrations, did you know namma ooru played an significant role in the centuries-old India-Armenia relationship?

Take Blossomed Cherry Tree by Armenian composer Khachatur Avetisyan. This piece, tender in its nature, is a melody that feels like spring arriving, delicate yet deeply rooted, the air smelling fresh and earthy. Transporting Chennai's Music Academy audience on September 24, to spring equinox, was the same age-old composition.

Organised under the Auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in India, the evening celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia with a concert by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia. The orchestra brought together Armenian and European classical music that was as much regarding cultural exchange as it was concerning music.

Conducted and performed by Sipan Olah and Shoghig Torossian, the programme moved through some of Armenia's most celebrated composers, including Eduard Mirzoyan, Alexander Spendiaryan, Khachatur Avetisyan, and Arno Babajanian. As Armenia marks the 155th birth anniversary of the composer, alexander's Yerevan Sketches: Enzeli was particularly significant this year. The programme additionally featured Arno's Our Beloved Yerevan, commemorating his 105th birth anniversary.

It took almost two years to bring the programme together. The result was a 70-minute musical feast that attempted to "squeeze as many pieces as possible to represent the rich, richness, vibrant, and colourful Armenian culture, " shared Sipan.

For Gleb, a student from Russia, attending the event was an opportunity to explore the Armenian culture. "I am incredibly lucky to notice and even be a witness to the magic of Armenian music, especially on a day that celebrates the independence of Armenia as a country, " he remarked, adding, "Culture is the most elegant form of diplomacy."

Beyond celebrations, did you know namma ooru played an significant role in the centuries-old India-Armenia relationship? "The Marmalong Bridge, built throughout the Adyar River, was built by Armenian merchant Coja Petrus Uscan at a cost of Rs 1 lakh at the time. He not only funded the bridge but additionally maintained it for more than two decades, " stated Consul General (Hon) of the Republic of Armenia, Shivkumar Eashwaran.

Perhaps, there is no better place for that bridge to be built than in Chennai. The relationship between the two countries predates the modern diplomatic ties and this city, in particular, carries visible traces of this shared history. While in 1794, the Armenian community in Madras published Azdarar, regarded as the first Armenian journal in the world, armenian Street and the Armenian Church have stood in the city for over 300 years.

"The Armenian presence in India was additionally shaped by trade rather than conquest. Armenian merchants arrived here as traders and investors, becoming part of the social and commercial fabric of the cities they settled in, " observed Shivkumar in his speech.

These significant milestones may be marked in different centuries, but evenings such as this, hosted by Shivkumar Eashwaran, show how cultural connections can continue to evolve. For him, bringing Armenian musical culture was additionally concerning offering the audiences a glimpse into a culture that shares similarities with our homeland. He pointed out, "Like India, Armenia is additionally highly culturally inclined, with a lot of variety in music, dance, and even food. So we thought we had to offer some flavour, and this was the idea."

For the performers, the event was an opening to interact with the music here and a promise "for the next opportunities and invitations in the future, " concluded Sipan.

Taken together, the developments around from Armenian streets to Chennai's stage: A musical celebration of Independence point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.