Commemorating 100 years since the Armenian Genocide

Known as the great crime by the Armenian people, the Armenian Genocide refers to a tragic period in Armenian history when the Ottoman rulers systematically exterminated hundreds of thousands of the ethic Armenia people.

Armenian Genocide

This terrible event in Armenian history is commemorated every year; however, this year represents the centenary of this appalling event.

World War 1
As the First World War was coming to an end the Ottoman rulers of the Armenian homeland began a systematic process of killing all able bodied male ethnic Armenians by forced labour and massacre. They then began deporting all woman and children to the Syrian border via forced death marches. The elderly and infirm were also forced to leave the country via a similar process.

Death Toll
It is estimated that anywhere between 1 million and 1.5 million Armenian’s lost their lives during the Ottoman ruler’s genocide. However, it was not just the Armenian people who were targeted during the genocide; other Christian ethic groups were targeted for annihilation as well.

This event is recognised by historians as one of the first modern genocides as the killings were organised and targeted in order to exterminate the Armenian people. After the Holocaust, this event is the second most studied case of genocide. In fact, the term genocide was first used to describe these events.

Arrest
Officially, the genocide is described as starting in April 1915 when the Ottoman rulers arrested over two hundred Armenia community leaders and intellectuals in the Ottoman capital of Constantinople. After this event the military forced Armenian nationals out of their homes and denied them basic human needs and led into the desert. Massacres were common regardless of age or gender and rape was frequently reported.

Genocide
To this day, Turkey who succeeded the Ottoman Empire refutes claims that genocide occurred despite 22 countries across the world officially recognising the events as genocide. 

National Identity
The tragic events in Armenian history are well documented in the many Museums dedicated to the memories of the hundreds of thousands lost. The centenary will be well marked across the country and will never be forgotten by a people who had to battle to maintain their national identity.

The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra

Did you know that Armenia have a philharmonic orchestra?  Considered by many to be the one of the principal orchestras of the former Soviet Union, The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (or the APO - a non-commercial state organisation) is dedicated to the promotion and performance of a wide-range of music that appeals to connoisseurs, regular visitors, tourists and young Armenians, alike.

The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra

History

Founded in 1924 by Arshak Adamian and Alexander Spendiaryan, the APO has been directed by a number of Principal Conductors, including: A. Adamyan, S. Charekyan, M. Teryan, D. Khandjian, V. Papyan and L. Tjeknavorian.  In 2000, Maestro Eduard Topchjan was appointed as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the orchestra and he has guided this great institution through the first 13 years of the current millennium with dynamism.

Home

Based in Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, the orchestra resides and performs at The Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall - a building designed by Alexander Tamanian.  Considered to be a 'jewel in the crown' of architecture in this historic capital city, as well as being architecturally stunning, this building boasts comfortable seating for an incredible 1300 patrons.

Performers

Many well-established and promising Armenian talents have appeared alongside the APO in the aforementioned building.  However, having performed the majority of the classical repertoire, it is not surprising that many of the world's leading artists have consented to grace the stage with this orchestra.  The impressive list of artists include: David Oistrach, Emil Gilels, Sergei Nakariakov, Guiseppe Giacomini, Isabelle Faust, Julia Fischer, Gidon Kramer and Placido Domingo. 

Festivals

As well as regular performances, every autumn since 2006, the APO has hosted the Yerevan International Music Festival.  This coming year, 2014, will see the 8th edition of this festival, which will be artistically directed by Eduard Topchjan and Alexander Chaushian under the benefaction of Armenia's First Lady (Mrs. Rita Sargsyan).   The festival is not only an opportunity to have internationally-acclaimed soloists perform in concerts, but also an opportunity to have them impart master-classes to young, upcoming Armenian musicians.  Not to be missed!

Tours

Since 1989, in order to transport its talents to a wider audience, The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra has toured frequently.  A plethora of Armenian soloists have appeared with the APO on these widespread tours to the USA, a large amount of Europe, Iran, Turkey, Russia and the UAE.  Although, the last two years have seen the tours cancelled - firstly, in 2012, due to the unfortunate earthquake in Japan and, secondly, in 2013, due to the huge economic crisis in Spain.  Nonetheless, this has not deterred the orchestra  and, in 2014, they are planning a massive tour across much of Europe including Spain, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, Austria and Slovakia to observe the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.  Let's hope that this year sees the tour's success, as it will be a treat for those lucky enough to secure tickets.