armenpress: HILLIARD ENSEMBLE TO GIVE CONCERTS IN ARMENIA

&nbsp&nbsp YEREVAN, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS:
Vem Radio, an Armenia-based classical FM channel, said it has invited the world renowned Hilliard Ensemble (UK) to perform two exclusive concerts in Armenia in honor of the 1700th anniversary of the founding of the Holy See of the Armenian Church, the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin (the place where Christ descended).

&nbsp&nbsp According to Armenian tradition, the patron saint of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the Illuminator, had a vision of Christ descending from heaven with a design for the Mother Cathedral of the Armenian Church.

&nbsp&nbsp The Hilliard Ensemble (David James, Rogers Covey-Crump, Steven Harrold, Gordon Jones) is one of the world’s finest vocal chamber groups, and is among the most prestigious choirs in the fields of both early and new music. Its distinctive style and highly developed musicianship engage the listener as much in medieval and renaissance repertoire as in works especially written for the group by living composers.

&nbsp&nbsp The concerts are expected to be the highlight of this Jubilee Year, with the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of the Armenian Church, the President, Prime Minister, local and international dignitaries in attendance. On November 1, 2003, the Ensemble will sing at the Small Hall of the Yerevan Philharmonic, and their performance at St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral on November 2 will be live broadcast on Public TV. The ensemble will perform Armenian spiritual music and European classical music.

&nbsp&nbsp Vem Radio has been collaborating with the Hilliard Ensemble on sharakans (Armenian sacred music) for the past 3 months. This unique Armenian spiritual music, dating from the 5th to 15th century, is considered one of the jewels of Armenian culture. With this project, which also includes recording sharakans by the Hilliard Ensemble, Vem hopes to introduce wider international recognition of the singular beauty and depth of Armenian spiritual music.

&nbsp&nbsp The general sponsor of the event is Tufenkian Company). The corporate goals of Tufenkian Company do not start and end with making a profit. The Tufenkian Enterprises’ philosophy has a spiritual, cultural and charitable component.