YEREVAN, JUNE 9, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. A concert-evening party dedicated to the 80th jubilee anniversary of the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia (SPOA) took place at the "Aram Khachatrian" concert hall on June 8. The RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues, Composers' Union of Armenia, Chamber Music House, SPOA Artistic Head and Principal Conductor of 1981-1985 Valeri Gergiyev, SPOA Artistic Head and Principal Conductor of 1987-1989 Vahagn Papian, heads of the Arno Babajanian International Charity Fund, the Artistic Head and Principal Conductor of the "Novaya Rusia" State Symphonic Orchestra Yuri Bashmet, Principal Conductor of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia Vladimir Spivakov, Ambassdor of the Republic of Armenia to Russia Armen Smbatian sent messages of congratulation to the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia. The SPOA addressed his speech of gratitude to the Friends' Union, particularly to the Board of Trustees (Chairwoman Bella Kocharian), for the assistance shown during the recent years. The SPOA addressed speech of gratitude to the Armenian General Benevolent Union as well, for being the general sponsor of the SPOA during the last 15 years. "Remaining faithful to its fostered principle of assisting national supremacies during the most difficult period of time for the newly independent Republic of Armenia, the AGBU and union Chairwoman Mrs. Luiz Manukian Simon lent a helping hand to the orchestra what became decisive and literally excluded orchestra's merited musicians' being spread all over the world. Even more, owing to that assistance, the orchestra has had possibility during the last 15 years to increase its performing level, having perfect perfomances not only in Armenia, but also in many and many countries of the world, presenting with honour the Armenian classic music art," is mentioned in the SPOA speech of gratitude. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the SPOA, Hovhannes Chekijian, Gegham Grigorian, Irina Zakian, Juliet Galstian, Narek Hakhnazarian who was recognized the winner of the Aram Khachatrian Cellists' International Competition taken place few days ago, performed evening music greetings. The orchestra headed by SPOA Artistic Head and Principal Conductor Eduard Topchian performed famous classic works. In 1924, Composer Alexander Spendiarian moved to Yerevan from Russia headed in the 2nd part of his author's concert a 18-person orchestra formed of Conservatory teachers and students, proving just by it the possibility of creating in Armenia a symphonic orchestra completed with local personnels. On March 20, 1925, Conservatory Rector, aesthete Arshak Adamian headed the first concert of the orchestra established just by his efforts, formed of teachers and students. Alexander Spendiarian's words that "the time will come when our, still modest, pupils' orchestra will bear proudly the honourary name "State Orchestra of Armenia" became reality during years. After Alexander Spendiarian (1926-1927), the orchestra was headed by Konstantin Sarajian (1941-1945), Mikayel Maluntsian (1945-1960, 1966-1967), Ohan Durian (1960-1965, 1973), David Khanjian (1974-1981), Valeri Gergiyev (1981-1985), Loris Chgnavorian (1989-1998, 1999-2000). The orchestra has been headed by Eduard Topchian since 2000. Aram Khachatrian headed performances of the orchestra on different occasions. Arno Babajanian, Tatevik Sazandarian, Zaruhi Dolukhanian, Gohar Gasparian performed with the orchestra. Izabel Bayrakdarian, Sergey Babayan, Alexey Lyubimov, Renato Bruzo, Alexander Treger and other famous names performed with the orchestra during the last years.

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