Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra will become Equivalent to New York Philharmonic: Opinion

After chess victories comes the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra’s victory, said the APO’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Eduard Topchjan at a press conference in Yerevan today.

“It might seem like a utopia now, but our orchestra will become equal to the New York Philharmonic,” he said.

APO has begun the year with new programs, Topchyan continued, adding though that there have been some changes for the worse: several high-ranking musicians with pivotal roles in the orchestra left APO.

“We lost a few good musicians, which is normal: they offer good conditions abroad. But I hope that the [out]flow of good musicians will stop due to state and sponsorship support,” he said.

The APO’s principal conductor affirmed that he doesn’t intend to leave the orchestra. According to his contract, once a week per month each year, he has to leave for Spain, but this won’t interfere with his work with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra.

As usual, so too in 2012, the APO will perform every Friday. Also planned are a few tours and concert performances.

“After Japan agrees, we will go on a huge Asia tour, which I consider very important. Asia has a great role now for classical music,” he said.

The APO’s new website will launch in February with its official launch on Feb. 11–12.