YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The 12th Aram Khachatryan International Contest is coming to its end, but before that, one of the juries of the Contest, conductor and Managing Director of London “Philharmonia” Orchestra David Whelton gave an interview to “Armenpress”.

-Mr. Whelton, this is Your first visit to Armenia, what are Your impressions?

-Armenia is a very interesting country, I really enjoy my time here, I have brought with me the London rains here. People are very friendly. We visited Churches, it was very interesting, but most of all I am impressed with art galleries and museums, especially with the History and Komitas Museums.

-What did You like most here?

-Frankly, I am very impressed with the state youth orchestra: it’s just perfect, and the musicians are playing very nice. Much depends on the orchestra at every contest, you are very fortunate that your orchestra is so perfect. I think that the building of Yerevan Opera Theatre is also very beautiful and impressing.

-What is Your opinion about Aram Khachatryan Contest participants?

-First of all, I would like to say their professionalism is on a high level. I have participated in numerous contests as a jury member and I can surely state that Aram Khachatryan Contest is a really high-ranking contest. I have also seen a number of conductor contests, and each of them was unique since they were taking place in different cities. The Orchestras also differ, so I think that this Contest is also a special one. In my opinion, the conditions of this Contest are beneficial for the participants.

-What makes this Contest unique?

-I think the Orchestra. It gives this Contest intensity, depth and tremendous enthusiasm. The Orchestra members really enjoy their job, and this is one of the most significant factors for the conductor.

-During those days, what did You learn about the Armenian Culture?

-Of course, I have learned many things. I have visited Komitas Museum-Institute. Armenia is a very musical country. We have many Armenian friends in London: Sergey Smbatyan worked with the “Philharmonia” Orchestra in 2011 within the framework of two very important concerts. Therefore, we have already known how many talented musicians Armenia has. In the morning I have listened the performance of the musicians of Conservatory of Yerevan and I can say they are perfect. Moreover, I am very interested in your national music: it is very difficult in terms of rhythm, but in terms of melody it is perfect.  

-What do You like to see in Yerevan which You haven’t seen yet?

-I would like to visit more museums and art galleries, also to see the Armenian dance. I would like to travel around the country, but, unfortunately, I have to return to London on June 15. I have promised my wife that we will spend our holidays in Armenia. I would like also to add the following: the more musical ties you will have around the world, the more you will enjoy these perfect musical traditions that you have, and we will enjoy them as well. We know great composers with Armenian origins who performing in different stages across the world transfer your traditions, and we are pleased with this.

Interview by Lusine Ghazaryan