“We Armenian singers are the ambassadors of our country abroad”

On July 20, Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan granted the Komitas Medal to three Diaspora Armenian opera singers (Hrachuhi Basents, Juliet Galstyan and Varduhi Khachatryan) at the RA Ministry of Diaspora. Hayern Aysor presents its interview with Professor of Vocal Arts of Geneva Conservatory of Music, recipient of awards at the Grand International Competition and several competitions Juliet Galstyan.

Hayern Aysor: Juliet, as I was being previewed to your career, I noticed that you have achieved great heights throughout your career. I would like for you to briefly present the musical career that you have pursued throughout all these years.

Juliet Galstyan: I was born in Yerevan to a family that has been known for notable opera singers, musicians and ballet dancers for decades. My father was Vilen Galstyan, founder of the school of Armenian ballet, a ballet master and one of the famous ballet dancers of Armenia. Besides taking piano lessons, I also took singing lessons with my grandmother, Mariana Harutyunyan. After graduating from Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, I went on to participate in many competitions, winning the first and second places. After winning the First Prize at the Viotti Competition in the Italian city of Vercelli, Italian presses named me the “Queen of Viotti”. I have sung in prestigious opera halls and have had the honor of being and performing with very famous singers on the same stage. I have performed several roles of world famous operas. I have also collaborated with the high-class symphony orchestras of Europe and Russia and with reputable conductors. I am lucky in my world and with my job. Even today, I perform on all stages around the world. I will soon be leaving for the Norwegian city of Bergen where I will be performing Verdi’s Nabucco opera, after which I will give two concerts in Switzerland.

Hayern Aysor: Juliet, you have been awarded with the Komitas Medal of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. Does that make you feel obliged?

J. G.: I am very happy and very grateful to Mrs. Hranush Hakobyan. I consider it a great honor to receive such an award in the Homeland. Of course, this is binding, but I have been singing for 20 years without any expectations. For me, singing is a lifestyle, the blood that flows through my veins, and I can’t imagine my life without it. We Armenian singers are the ambassadors of our countries abroad. With our songs and high level of professionalism, we let the world know who the Armenians are.

Hayern Aysor: Do you always perform the songs and musical adaptations of Komitas during your concerts?

J. G.: I sing in nine languages and always include Komitas’s songs in my concert programs. I also teach the songs of Komitas to my students who cry, even though they don’t understand the lyrics of Komitas.

Hayern Aysor: I congratulate you once again on your high award and wish you more success at all the prestigious concert halls around the world. May you always sing and may the songs of Komitas always be performed!

Karine Avagyan