YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The 80th birthday anniversary of the well-known Armenian composer–People’s Artist of the USSR and Republic of Armenia–winner of the state prizes of the USSR and of the Republic of Armenia–Professor Alexander Harutiunian–will be marked on September 23. On this occasion–on September 13 the Ministry of Culture–Youth Affairs and Sports organized a festival titled "Alexander Harutiunian-80"–that will last until October 4. The festival began with the presentation of Alexander Harutiunian’s book "Memoirs" held at the House of Journalists.
In the book–which is published in Russian and Armenian–Alexander Harutiunian talks about himself and time–about his development as a composer and his meetings with renowned workers of culture of the 20th century. The editor of the book–Armen Budaghian pointed out that both in his music and in his book Harutiunian could maintain an impeccable sense of proportion–taste and form. According to composer Edward Mirzoyan–"the most important thing is that all that is told in the book is true." The musicologist Araksy Sarian pointed out that memorials have now become a fashionable genre–but Alexander Harutiunian’s "Memoirs" stands out against the others–as it is the memoirs of a man of art. Sarian said that in his work–the author introduces himself not only as a composer and public figure–but also as a head of a family and excellent husband.
The book was to be published with the government’s sponsorship and with the composer’s funds.
As part of the festival–a jubilee concert and meeting with the composer will be held at the House of Composers on September 24. On September 29 and October 1–symphony concerts will be held at the Aram Khachatrian concert hall with the participation of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia. On October 4–a chamber concert will be held at the Komitas House of Chamber Music with the participation of the State Chamber Orchestra of Armenia. The Armenian National Television and Radio will organize series of programs dealing with this festival.