“The Armenian Genocide: Breaking the Silence”. I do not know how much the lives of 1.5 million people are worth

Ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Aysor.am presents a special project whose purpose is to feature the cultural projects being carried out now.

Today’s interview features composer Ara Gevorgyan speaking about his new composition he wrote ahead of the anniversary.

- Mr. Gevorgyan, what are the projects you have been working on ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide? We also know that you’ve written a new composition.

- You may be familiar with my composition "Adana", which years ago was performed in 20 languages by 20 singers. Towards the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide, I have decided to release a CD with the song performed in 15 languages to symbolize 15 nations singing about 1915. To be honest, I am now in search of sponsors for this project.

Perhaps I'm to blame for not having filed a proposal in time and that it was not included in government programs. It is my wish that those 15 artists are invited to Armenia to perform the song at the Genocide Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd. I also suggested that these singers visit the 15 countries and perform the song “Adana” in every country in their native languages.

All the concerts could be organized by local Armenian communities and embassies, so there is no particular difficulty. I think we would have impressive concerts aimed at promoting the recognition of the Armenian genocide. In 2005, we had a similar experience with a concert featuring 6 singers, and I can recall that it was covered by the world's leading media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Channel One Russia, Euronews, as well as Turkish television channels. We also released a CD with the song performed in 10 languages and it was disseminated free of charge to various institutions, the Ministries of Culture and Diaspora, the National Library, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, the Armenian National Committee of America, etc. Now this time, financial investments are needed to make the CD a reality.

Also, I have a new project called "Black April." Ahead of the centennial, I wrote a new song, which was recorded in Armenian and English. The English lyrics are by Daniel Decker, a very important fact in the sense that our pain is being voiced by foreigners. I think such expression is regarded by the world as more truthful and objective. When I presented the music of this song to my beloved Hovhannes Tchekidjian, he liked it very much and asked for the notes. When maestro received the notes, we agreed that the song would be performed by the State Academic Choir of Armenia. The same arrangements were made with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and my beloved Edward Topchian. I want to thank these two great maestros, all choir members and symphonic orchestra musicians, the management who gladly performed the whole work at the highest level.

As for the Armenian lyrics of the song, we had started working on them with Aramayis Sahakyan. Unfortunately, our beloved poet is no longer with us, and we continued writing the Armenian lyrics with Henrik Anasian, an American-Armenian composer, but his lyrics were so straightforward and poignant that many advised us to soften them. As a result, the final lyrics were written by Levon Blbulyan. The title of the Armenian lyrics is "We exist and we will exist ", while in English the song is called "Remember".

I should note that the Ministry of Diaspora held the "My Armenia" Pan-Armenian Festival featuring choirs from around 15 countries. I suggested to Ms. Hakobyan that the song be performed by the joint choir. The Minister welcomed the idea and the Armenian version "We exist and we will exist" was performed in Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall jointly by 15 choirs with conductor Hovhannes Tchekidjian.

Also, the idea occurred to me that a music video should be shot featuring these choirs, nearly 500 people. With the help of Samvel Haroyan from the Ministry of Diaspora, the transportation of choir members to the Genocide Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd was organized, where the first round of the shooting took place. Soon, the second round will be carried out in collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Academic Choir of Armenia.

In connection with this project, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Diaspora, the Public Television Company of Armenia, the National Cinema Center of Armenia, chief operator Arthur Gharayan, Mushegh Mkhitaryan, Levon Mkrtchyan, Yura Gharibyan, Arthur Tadevosyan and all those, who have contributed and I hope will continue contributing to the second round of shooting. Furthermore, jointly with NewArena company we carry out video shootings featuring choirs in different countries. The shootings will eventually be included in a music video.



- Mr. Gevorgyan, it appears that towards the Centenary you are presenting several projects simultaneously. In your opinion, is this another way of fighting for recognition?

I have mentioned many times that it is very important that Genocide is discussed in parliaments, in the circles of historians and at scientific conferences. At the same time, I think the language of culture is of great importance as well. Why? Because regular society, majority of people in the world are not aware of the Armenian Genocide, historical reality and the best way to inform them is the language of culture. It is available and accessible to everyone. Afterwards, people who are informed of what happened can learn more about the truth from books. That's why I always urge cultural figures to act. Even songs about the Genocide that are very popular in Armenia, such as "Cilicia", "To See Ani and Then to Die ", etc., must be translated into English.

- Beyond cultural projects, what is your position as a citizen? Ahead of the 100th anniversary, what steps do you expect to be taken by Armenia and Turkey?

I, as a citizen and a father of two children, have always been a proponent of peace. I would rather all issues be settled peacefully. Human life is most valuable. I am a demander but I could be satisfied with Turkey's guilty plea, apology, recognition and condemnation. As for demanding compensation from Turkey ... I'm not sure. I guess it's necessary as well. I do not know how much a human life or the lives of 1.5 million people are worth …

So for me, the material aspect is not that important. What is really essential to me is for our trampled dignity to be restored. Apology and condemnation is necessary to eliminate the recurrence of similar atrocities.

As for Turkey's steps, I think the situation will change over time. Today, questions arise in Turkish society too. I think the fact that Turkey is constantly being named and shamed has to eventually contribute to their willingness to resolve this issue and close the subject. I also think that the right thing for them to do would be to recognize, admit and indemnify, rather than to continue to bear the burden.

The project was prepared with the assistance of the Information and Analytical Center of the Armenian Government Staff.