YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS. The 12th Aram Khachatryan International Contest is coming to its end. Many prominent conductors are jury members of the Contest. This time Greek conductor Michalis Economou gave an interview to “Armenpress”.

-Mr. Economou, what are Your impressions from visiting Armenia?

-I am very happy that I had a chance to visit Armenia. It is a very beautiful country. I am happy to see people are smiling and happy. There are many similarities between Armenians and Greeks. I think we have the same values and traditions. Our cultures are also similar, and I become more convinced on that especially when listening the national music.

-Did You learn something new about Armenia during Your visit?

-We visited museums which are simply perfect, I was very impressed and made a lot of discoveries which I never thought about. But I cannot forget the visit to the grave of great composer Aram Khachatryan. It was a unique moment in my life.

-What did You like most in the Armenian culture?

-I like that everyone, for instance, the State Youth Orchestra, came out from the same school bearing the musical traditions of Oistrakh and Kogan. The Orchestra is really unique.

-Many musicians from the former Soviet countries feel themselves unappreciated, do not find their place and a suitable platform for their career. What is Your opinion on this issue, what should motivate them to continue their work?

-It is really an important issue. They must understand that art and music are above from all crisis, wars and disasters. It doesn’t only apply to the post-Soviet states. Many countries of the world face huge challenges, but our love towards the art gives us motivation to continue our job. Musicians must continue serving the art, it seems it is the greatest diamond in the world. What we cannot get from people, we get from art.

-What is the biggest challenge that conductors face these days?

-The art of Conducting has achieved high levels, it has a competing school, which did not exist when I was a student. Now the Orchestras are few, and the conductors are many. Everything depends on luck.

-What would You say about the 12th Aram Khachatryan International Contest? Can You compare it with other contests?

-It is a good beginning for the participants. If the winners will be clever and successful enough, they will have a good career. Many famous musicians and other perfect people are invited as jury members of this Contest, it is incredible. I hope it will be continuous.

-What are Your impressions by the participants?

-They are endowed with great talent, and everyone comes from different schools such as European, Russian, Asian, but I think that each of them is unique. The important thing is that not to sorrow when not being awarded. We must also encourage them. Musicians must learn more and not to listen to everyone’s opinion.

Interview by Lusine Ghazaryan