Georgi Azatov is the artistic director of Kaluga’s chamber orchestra. His orchestra is already in Armenia and is preparing to perform in front of the Armenian audience for the first time ever. The concert is organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora, and Russia-based businessman Ruben Vardanyan has covered all expenses for the orchestra in Armenia. “Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent sat down for an interview with Georgi Azatov before the orchestra’s rehearsal.

“Hayern Aysor”: Unfortunately, Mr. Azatov, people in Armenia don’t know about you and your orchestra. Of course, that requires propaganda and contacts.

Georgi Azatov: You’re definitely right. Our orchestra is popular in Kaluga and other areas in Russia, but not in Armenia. The reason why is because we haven’t given concerts in Armenia and haven’t had any contacts with Armenia’s orchestras. However, I hope our first concert in Armenia will provide us with the opportunity to establish close ties and cooperation.

“Hayern Aysor”: What makes your orchestra’s concert interesting? Why did you want to give a concert in Armenia?

G. A.: It’s no secret that Armenia is the homeland of the duduk. Today, the duduk is an internationally recognized musical instrument, is played by musicians of different orchestras is heard in Hollywood films. This musical instrument offers many opportunities, and we can create interesting programs. We decided to expand the opportunities of the duduk to a certain extent and use it particularly in classical music. Our program will include performances of classic songs from the Soviet era and the works by prominent international composers. We’ll be performing their music through the duduk. We’re the first to take such a step.

“Hayern Aysor”: I tend to disagree. This is not the first attempt. Just the fact that Avet Terteryan used the duduk in one of his symphonies is proof that the duduk has been used in symphonies for a long time already.

G. A.: I know Avet Terteryan’s symphony, but the notable Armenian composer had composed the music especially for the duduk. We’re performing the music composed for another musical instrument through the duduk. This is something new, and it’s a step that our orchestra has dared to take.

“Hayern Aysor”: Won’t there be performances of works by composers that have become traditional for us Armenians?

G. A.: Unfortunately, the Russians know almost nothing about Komitas and Alexander Spendiaryan. They were great composers and established rich traditions, but they have been somewhat forgotten. Our program includes their songs. I must say that it’s a great responsibility to perform in the homeland of the duduk. It’s a big test. I know Armenia has wonderful masters of the duduk, and we would love to receive their feedback. We implemented this program with talented dudukist Ashot Ghazaryan, who was one of the organizers and helped make the program complete.

“Hayern Aysor”: Why hasn’t the orchestra had close ties with Armenia?

G. A.: I was born in Tbilisi. Like many Georgian-Armenians, I received a Russian education and gradually became detached from Armenian language and culture. Later, I got accepted to Saratov Conservatory and pursued my career in Saratov. Over the past years, I have been invited to give performances in Kaluga with the help of and by the proposals of the Armenian community of Kaluga. I don’t speak in Armenian, but Armenian music lives inside of me. As they say, I feel it in my nerves. I must say that I’m visiting Armenia for the second time. I visited Armenia once when I was a teen. I haven’t become familiar with Yerevan yet, but I feel that we have a wonderful homeland.

“Hayern Aysor”: Well, I wish you success and hope Armenian music lovers will listen to your performances with pleasure.

G. A.: Let’s hope.

Interview by Levon Mutafyan