Intellectuals pay tribute to memory of Komitas

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Many intellectuals, state officials and lovers of Komitas’ art paid tribute to the memory of the great musicologist on September 26.

They visited the Komitas Park Pantheon, laid flowers on his memorial and listened to his performances. The occasion of the visit was Komitas’ birthday. “Komitas Days” festival launched with this event.

Speaking of Komitas’ activity, Armenian prominent composer Tigran Mansurian highlighted the event. “Today the beginning of the celebrations dedicated to our spiritual father in the music world is heralded. All of us know that this day Komitas turned 145. And today we are again with Komitas in this holy place. Komitas is one of the greatest Armenians,” he said.

“A man that returned us to our identity,” Culture Minister of Armenia Hasmik Poghosyan said about Komitas.

The 145th anniversary of Komitas will be marked by conduction of a number of events. “Komitas Days” festival will be held from September 26 to October 8.

Komitaswas anArmenianpriest,composer,choirleader,singer,music ethnologist, musicpedagogueandmusicologist. Many regard him as the founder of modern Armenianclassical music. Komitas experienced a mental breakdown after witnessing the horrors of 1915Armenian Genocideand is considered a martyr of the genocide.