Latvian Radio Choir performed the concert version of the Komitas Divine Liturgy

20 September, 2019

On September 20, the Latvian Radio Choir along with Armenian soloists Hovhannes Nersisyan and Armen Badalyan, conducted by Sigvards Klava, performed the concert version of the Komitas Divine Liturgy in the St. John’s Church, the oldest in Riga.

The event and the forthcoming recording of the Liturgy, initiated and organized by the Armenian Embassy in Latvia (residence in Vilnius) with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, OrganiQ and the Balasanyan Family Foundation, was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the great composer and priest, as well as to the 28th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence.

In his opening remarks, Armenian Ambassador to Latvia Tigran Mkrtchyan noted that it was the first time in history that a non-Armenian mixed choir, namely the Latvian Radio Choir, would perform and then record the full Liturgy of Komitas, adding that the concert will be followed by the forthcoming recording of the Divine Liturgy by the world-renowned Delos Music, which will be passed to millions of people for enjoyment and assessment.

Presenting the background of the concert and recording, Ambassador Mkrtchyan noted that preparatory works lasted for about three years adding that composer Vache Sharafyan had managed to transcribe Komitas masterpiece, originally designated for a performance by a male choir, into a mixed choir performance, which may further enhance the interest of the musical world towards Komitas.

Speaking about the life and work of Komitas, the Ambassador mentioned that Komitas had completed his Holy Liturgy a few weeks before April 24th 1915 adding that this day saw the first arrests of Armenian intellectuals, including Komitas, which heralded the full scale genocide of the Armenian people in the Ottoman Turkey.

In his remarks, the Ambassador also thanked the Armenian soloists and the Latvian Radio Choir, noting that conductor Sigvards Kļava approached Komitas music with incredible devotion. Ambassador Mkrtchyan mentioned, that Mr. Kļava and his choir are making an indelible mark in the history of Latvian-Armenian cultural ties adding that we will forever be grateful to them for this noble work.

The Deputy Minister of Culture of Latvia Dace Vilsone also gave welcome remarks mentioning the importance of Komitas contribution to the world music and highlighting the role of a number of events dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Komitas held in Latvia in getting the Latvians more closely acquainted with the art of Komitas.

She also stressed that in addition to the 150th birth anniversary of Komitas, UNESCO is also celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Hovhannes Tumanyan, adding that the Latvian reader is looking forward to the presentation of the Latvian translation of his fairy tales, which is organized and implemented by the Armenian Embassy in Latvia with the support of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

The concert took place in a chockfull hall and was warmly welcomed by the audience. Ahead of the concert, the Latvian press presented the peculiarities and exclusivity of this event in a rather extensive way.

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