Incomparable Hasmik Papian to return to her homeland with “Tosca” opera

YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. One of the most famous “Tosca” performers worldwide - singer Hasmik Papian, will return to Armenia to perform her part in “Tosca” opera for the Armenian audience. As “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO), the renowned singer will perform with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia on July 11, in "Aram Khachaturian" concert hall. The Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by APO's artistic director and principal conductor Eduard Topchyan.

It is not the first time that the Armenian audience will attend Hasmik Papian’s performance of “Tosca”. This year, in February, one of the unique masterpieces of the world opera art - Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” opera, was introduced to the Armenian audience. Together with the APO, ​​a number of famous soloists performed in the opera about a tragic love story, including Hovhannes Ayvazyan, David Babayants, as well as Hrant Papian - Hasmik Papian’s brother. Also "Hover" (artistic director and conductor Sona Hovhannisyan) and "Speghani" (artistic director and conductor Sarine Avtandilyan) choirs took part in the event.

"I am shocked. I could never imagine that I would get this kind of reception in Armenia. Well, it is not the first time I am singing in my homeland. But such a reception, such an audience ... This was the biggest discovery for me. It was a shocking phenomenon. It is noteworthy that we presented “Tosca” with the Armenian staff. I have performed “Tosca” part hundreds of times, but I had never presented it with the Armenian staff” - Hasmik Papian mentioned earlier in her interview with "Armenpress" correspondent. “Staging such a difficult opera with three rehearsals, performing it in such a level is truly stunning. Last summer, we were deciding with Eduard Topchyan what to perform, and I immediately recalled “Tosca”, as it had not been presented in Armenia for 50 years. “Tosca” is such an opera, which decorates the repertoire of any theater. Of course, it should be staged. I have had only one concert performance of it. “Tosca” is a drama, it requires performance, as well as space to show and fully express the emotions. Of course, we tried to convey our emotions to the audience, but if there were stage costumes, decorations, if I really jumped down Castel Sant'Angelo, the impression would be different. Hopefully, we will turn to this opera."

“Tosca” is an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. It premiered in Rome on 14 January, 1900, and was a success. It contains depictions of torture, murder and suicide, as well as some of Puccini's best-known lyrical arias, and has inspired memorable performances from many of opera's leading singers.