In 2004, violinist Ani Aghabekyan graduated from Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory and left for Germany to continue her studies.

Currently, Ani lives in Germany, teaches and gives concerts.

In 2011, she founded the German-Armenian Music Society, which supports Armenian musicians and contributes to the dissemination of Armenian music.

“Every year in Karzue, we organize a series of concerts featuring performances of German and Armenian music by famous musicians of different nationalities,” says Ani Aghabekyan, adding: “In May, the Society organized master violin classes in Yerevan for the first time, bringing together 12 violinists from Armenia, Artsakh, Korea and Germany. The project was a great success and will be ongoing.

We also intend to publish a book that will include the works of Armenian composers in German and Armenian.”

This time, Ani Aghabekyan was in Yerevan to participate in the “Komitas Vardapet” Pan-Armenian Festival.

“I’m very proud to have received the invitation to take part in this festival. I always perform the works of Komitas with great pleasure and pride in Germany. I especially love the song “Krunk” and always perform it whenever there’s an event devoted to Armenia.

My Master’s thesis was devoted to Komitas. I faced many problems because I had touched upon the Armenian Genocide and there were many disputes, but I was able to defend my thesis until the end.

Komitas is of a high value. His eternal presence, heritage and creations are our greatest wealth.”

Lusine Abrahamyan