13 June 2014

06/06/2014 / – The European Music Festival is one of the most important musical events in the capital for the last decade. The concert of AGBU Sofia Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Bedros Papazian, entered with great success in this year’s program of the Festival. The concert was held on 6th June in “Bulgaria” hall. By tradition, it was organized with the official partnership of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Sofia Municipality and performed by the Armenian General Benevolent Union “Parekordzakan” – Sofia, chaired by Mrs. Sonia Bedrosian.

Two young talents, pianist Sarkis Zakarian (UK) and violinist Dimitar Ivanov (Germany) travelled especially to Bulgaria from their respective countries for this performance.

This time the Maestro Papazian, who is also the music director of the orchestra sought his inspiration in the performance’s title – “Classic and Romantic”.

Works from the Classical and Romantic periods sounded in a masterly interpretation by the two soloists. In the first part of the concert, Mozart’s Overture “Idomeneo” was followed by his Piano Concerto № 27, KV 595 which reached the audience thanks to the masterful execution of Sarkis Zakarian. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, Mr. Zakarian is among the most famous Bulgarian musicians in recent years, winner of numerous awards at international competitions and performer at prestigious concert venues such as Wigmore hall, Purcell Room and St. Martin-in-the Fields.

In the second half, the popular “Sad Waltz” by Jan Sibelius, as well as one of the most beautiful violin concertos of the 19th century – Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by F. Mendelssohn – Bartholdy, wonderfully performed by Dimitar Ivanov. At the end of the concert, once again following the brilliant abilities of the violinist, the audience was able to enjoy the “Spring” part of the famous tango cycle “Seasons of Buenos Aires” (Estaciones Porteñas) by Astor Piazzolla.

Wild applause of the audience accompanied each of the two musicians off the stage, thus expressing the public’s admiration for their talent.

Finally, it is worth to mention that the European Music Festival is held in support of the candidature of Sofia and the South-West Region of Bulgaria for the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and in this way, we, as Armenians, add our contribution to the cultural history of the country.

Anahid AZHDERYAN