From October 15 to 19, Merited Artist of the Republic of Armenia Ruben Sahakyan, singer Anahit Sahakyan, as well as dudukists Harutyun Chkolyan and David Melkumyan gave concerts in the cities of Novosibirsk and Kemerovo of the Russian Federation with the support of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

To discuss the concert tours, Hayern Aysor’s correspondent sat down for an interview with Ruben Sahakyan and Anahit Sahakyan.

Hayern Aysor: Before reflecting on the concerts. I would like to know if this was your first collaboration with the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

Anahit Sahakyan: This was the first collaboration for all of us. When we received the invitation, we felt happy, excited and responsible since we were going to perform for Armenians living abroad. Before our departure, we had a meeting with RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

During the meeting, we felt that she had a heartfelt attitude towards Diaspora Armenians. The minister urged us to convey the air and spirit of the nation to our compatriots, and that’s what we did.

Hayern Aysor: What are your impressions of the tours in Russia?

Anahit Sahakyan: The Armenian-populated areas that were selected were the areas where not many national and cultural events are organized. We gave our first concert in Novosibirsk and immediately gave another concert in Kemerovo. We wouldn’t be exaggerating if we said that the day turned into a day of celebration of the nation for our compatriots in Russia. We touched their hearts and souls during our performances and received their warm rounds of applause.

If only you saw how the happily the Russians, Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities were communicating with us and enjoying our performances in the audience.

After the concert, they would approach us with excitement and say that even though they didn’t understand the words, they had loved Armenian songs and that they had even become close to their hearts.

Ruben Sahakyan: The concerts were truly wonderful. There was no problem with organization. Everything was well-planned so that we would feel at ease.

The repertoire included patriotic songs in different genres. My performances and Anahit’s performances were followed by performances by the dudukists, which made the Armenians in the audience feel more like they were in an Armenian environment.

Young dudukists Harutyun Chkolyan and David Melkumyan gave good performances. They had practiced very well.

Both concerts began with my performance of the Armenian song “Barov Ekar, Sirun Krunk” (Welcome, Crane) that touched the audiences. They stood and sang the song “Haiastan, Yerkir Drakhtavayr” (Armenia, Heavenly Land)  and asked for an encore. I also performed my own songs.

Among the guests at the concert in Kemerovo were leaders of various ethnic communities and cultural figures who were listening to the Armenian songs with great interest. The presence of the guests provided us with the opportunity to perform Armenian songs, which are one of the riches of our national culture.

Hayern Aysor: Do the Armenians of Russia still love Armenian songs and music? What did you notice?

Anahit Sahakyan: They were excited and were singing along with us throughout the entire concert, and the tears were killing me. In their eyes I saw longing, and in their souls-the feeling of patriotism.

Words can’t describe how proud I felt as I saw how the children and youth were constantly dancing on stage during our performances. One of the children even approached me and asked me to recite a poem devoted to Armenia, and I generously agreed.

The local talented performers and the “Urartu” Dance Ensemble of Kemerovo also gave beautiful performances.

Based on all this, I must say that the Armenians of Russia try to stay true to their roots and identity, even if it means preserving Armenian songs.

Hayern Aysor: Did you have meetings with the Armenian communities of Novosibirsk and Kemerovo?

Anahit Sahakyan: We weren’t able to meet with the leaders of the Armenian community of Novosibirsk, Artur and Frunz Khachatryans since they were in Armenia at the time, but we have no doubt that they don’t spare any efforts to make sure the community thrives.

We have great impressions of the Armenian community of Kemerovo. It is an active community. The rights and interests of the Armenians of Kemerovo are protected thanks to the active efforts of the community’s leader Argishti Simonyan.

When we met Mr. Simonyan, we understood that he was a patriotic person with dignity and had a heartfelt attitude towards the Armenian community. After the meeting, he gave us certificates of appreciation, for which we are very touched.

Hayern Aysor: Did you visit other Armenian-populated areas?

Ruben Sahakyan: Due to the lack of time, we didn’t manage to visit many places. We visited the Armenian-Russian Cultural Center of Kemerovo where we were introduced to the Center’s activities. Afterwards, we visited the local Armenian church.

We had warm conversations with our compatriots who are heartfelt and organized people and work hard to earn a living.

Interview by Gevorg Chichyan