On September 28, the annual “Gutan 2015” Festival of Ethnographic Songs and Dances of Armenia was held at the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden of Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

This was the topic of Hayern Aysor’s interview with founder of the festival, President of “Mrro” Center for Armenian National Songs and Merited Artist of the Republic of Armenia Arsen Grigoryan (Mrro).

Hayern Aysor: Arsen, what can we understand by saying “Gutan” Festival of Ethnographic Songs and Dances?

Arsen Grigoryan: For years, I had dreamed of creating a festival that would bring the best Armenian ethnographic and traditional ensembles together. The goal of the festival is to maintain and preserve the rich culture of the Armenian nation, that is, ethnographic and traditional songs and dances and transmit them to our people, especially the young generation.

Nobody had taken such an initiative since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia. The “Gutan” Festival of Ethnographic Songs and Dances was first held last year and brought together 11 beginning and well-established ethnographic ensembles.

Hayern Aysor: Why did you choose the word “Gutan” (Plow)?

A. G.: It didn’t take me a long time to choose the name. I chose “Gutan” because it is directly linked to the origin and type of Armenians. We Armenians are a nation of creators and a nation of people who can “squeeze” bread from stone. The word also symbolizes the spiritual connection between the land and heaven. So, I think the word “Gutan” is a preferable name for this kind of a festival and is in line with it.

Hayern Aysor: Have there been any changes made to the festival this year?

A. G.: Of course, there have been certain changes made to the program. Unlike last year, this year there are twice as many choirs and dance ensembles, that is, 13 choirs and dance ensembles. Among the choirs and dance ensembles were the “Akunk”, “Maratuk”, “Karin”, “Sasna Tsrer”, “Msho Havker” (from Gavar), “Tarontsiner”, “Nubar”, “Van”, “Menk Enk Mer Sarere” (from Artsakh), “Gorani”, “Masunk”, “Veradardz” and “Tavros” (from Masis) ensembles.

Whereas the choirs and ensembles were given twenty minutes to perform last year, this year they were given twelve minutes.

I had assigned the choirs and ensembles to perform the songs and dances of any province of Armenia in order to portray the image of the ethnic music of Armenia as a whole. For instance, “Akunk” presented the songs and dances of Dersim, “Karin” Ensemble presented the songs and dances of Erzerum, “Masunk” presented the songs and dances of Javakhk, and the list goes on.

It’s safe to say that this festival is also instructive. Besides entertaining people, we also introduce them to the history of our historic provinces.

During the festival, we have already established a tradition of screening short films presenting the lives and careers of merited Armenian singers, dancers and musicians who have made major contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Armenian national culture. All Armenians need to know them very well.

God willing, we plan to hold the “Gutan” Festival in the provinces as well.

Hayern Aysor: Arsen, the festival was held at the Cascade Complex, which is in the heart of Yerevan. Why did you choose the Cascade Complex?

A. G.: The venue wasn’t chosen by chance. I had initially thought of choosing a place that would be easy for our citizens and tourists to find. This year the Cascade Complex was packed. It was nice to see many Diaspora Armenians, who were expressing their admiration and words of gratitude for having witnessed a celebration of ethnographic songs and dances. I especially noticed the Armenians of Musaler among the audience.

I must say that the 2015 “Gutan” Festival was organized properly. “Ovatsia” Production Center took care of sound and lighting effects and stage design and did a wonderful job.

Hayern Aysor: Was the festival dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial?

A. G.: Of course, it was a tribute and dedication. I would like to say that we don’t wait for dates or anniversaries because our activities are like an oath to the holy martyrs to continue what they started, which was self-sacrifice for the eternity of the nation.

Interview by Gevorg Chichyan