October 7, 2014

Arakelyan and Poghosyan, a Dynamic Duo

Here, in North America, when one attends a concert where the featured artist is a saxophonist, one expects an evening devoted mostly to jazz, in the more edgy style popularized by the likes of Charlie Parker or Stan Getz. The Toronto audience at the AGBU concert on the evening of Friday, September 26th, were privileged to witness the burgeoning stardom of an equally energizing virtuoso saxophonist, Hayrapet Arakelyan, whose softer sound paid homage to the original designer of his instrument, Adolphe Sax. The young Mr. Arakelyan, who was born in Armenia, in 1991, thrilled the audience with the mastery of his technique and sensitive interpretation of the pieces he performed; the brilliant piano accompaniment throughout the evening by Lolita Poghosyan complimented and enriched the experience.

Saxophone Concert

The program was full and varied. The first half was devoted to concert pieces that spanned a period from about the mid-nineteenth century to the beginning of this century, specifically written for the saxophone by European composers. The compositions displayed the sonorous diversity and opulent sounds of the saxophone. Mr. Arakelyan’s control of and rapport with his instruments allowed for a perfectly fluid performance; he alternated only between the alto and soprano saxophones because, as he mentioned, those were the only two he was allowed to carry with him on the plane from Germany.

During the second half of the concert, Mr. Arakelyan splendidly performed Schumann’s Three Romances, demonstrating how naturally and easily the piece lent itself to the saxophone. The instrument’s versatility was further highlighted when Mr. Arakelyan ended the evening’s program with a superb rendition of François Borne’s, Fantaisie brilliante sur Carmen, based on themes from the opera Carmen, by Bizet. In between, the spectators were treated to a beautifully moving rendition of works by Arutunian, Khatchadourian and Komitas. The variety of expressions and the depth of emotions in the Armenian music resonated deeply with the audience.

Despite his age, Mr. Arakelyan has won multiple awards and competitions, has performed around the world and studied with renowned musicians.  A recipient of the AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship, he continues his musical studies in Germany. Ms. Poghosyan, an award winning pianist and teacher, impresses with her intuitive and animate accompaniment. They perform so harmoniously together that they are truly a dynamic duo on stage. They both deservedly received a prolonged standing ovation at the end of their concert in Toronto.

Supporting such artists benefit all Armenians, for wherever and in whatever circle they travel, they bring honour to Armenians everywhere. More than that, their art exhilarates and inspires; on the evening of September 26th, Arakelyan and Poghosyan did just that. The lucky audience at the AGBU can attest to the fact.

isa basmajian