Yerevan has recently been experiencing elaborated projects full of cultural performances and repertoire. The proof of this is the 4th Yerevan International Music Festival, which has begun in September of the current year. The festival has a unique place and role among the people who value the real and high quality music.

– How did you manage to invite famous musicians to Armenia? And, please, talk about the Yerevan International Music Festival.

Eduard Topchjan
The tendency to be integrated in the European Union has become an active process in all the spheres in Armenia and in culture, particularly. The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra plays an active role among the world’s best orchestras, and I think such festivals bring great reputation and recognition to us.

– Who are the participators of the festival?

Eduard Topchjan
First, the orchestra should itself consider the international standards, and consequently, all the musicians here really produce the highest artistic standards. It’s important for us to have such renowned musicians in Armenia, who are ready to perform with our orchestra. Therefore, artists from many countries have an opportunity to communicate by means of music and promote cooperation, mutual understanding and acceptance of productive collaboration. The cooperation initiative was set up by me personally and Alexander Chaushian.

– Do people know about the festival in abroad?

Eduard Topchjan
Yes, of course, and the festival is estimated to attract more and more artists, as being once in Armeniathey make others be informed about such a cultural event. Everybody has a lot to learn from each other’s culture, as it is culture that establishes new communication paths between world known musicians as in case with Julia Fischer (violin) and Isabelle Faust (violin), who has been to Armenia for the first time.

– What did you change in the philharmonic orchestra after you’d been appointed the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the APO?

Eduard Topchjan
Every director is different with his point of view, wish or taste in music. When I came to APO, I met talented young Armenian performers gathered in a team. I had a great desire to make changes in this field and I think to have won the point. Besides having cultural value, the APO has a political significance as well. And it is pleasing that the festival which has already gained high-quality recognition is much more important than the 3rd or 5th rate country. Orchestra is the first ambassador to the world countries.

– How often do you perform?

Eduard Topchjan
We have concerts on each Friday, and we also perform two operas in a year. But the orchestra is always busy with concerts and rehearsals

– Who is your audience both during daily concerts and festival days?

Eduard Topchjan
It’s a rather complicated question. The audience is too different both in the matter of quantity and quality. It is a pity we had lots of empty places in the hall during Isabelle Faust’s concert, and would be happy to have an audience who values the real music, as not everyone can listen to the symphony. It is available for the real connoisseurs of art and music, but, unfortunately, they are few in our society.

– And what about your plans in future?

Eduard Topchjan
We’ll go on with our daily concerts, but besides being presented through concerts in Armenia, the orchestra will also perform in European capitals. We do always work