MONTEVIDEO–Uruguay–A series of celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the Uruguay based Radio Armenia went underway Monday–with a inaugural concert by the Uruguay National Philharmonic Orchestra at the Montevideo Auditorium.
The Orchestra performed works by famous Armenian composer Aram Khachatourian–under the direction of conductor Federico Garcia Vigil.
Present at the gathering were Montevideo mayor Mariano Arana–as well as the US and Russian ambassadors to Uruguay.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Radio Armenia director Araksi Roupenian–who presented an appreciation plaque to Vigil.
The Orchestra began its repertoire with a rendition of Khachatourian’s Masquerade Waltz–following which soloist Carmelo Delosandos presented the composer’s violin symphony concerto.
In the second portion of the program–soloist Julian Bello presented Khachatourian’s piano concerto.
The capacity crowd at the large auditorium cheered the orchestra with standing ovations.
During an interview following the concert on Radio Armenia–Vigil expressed that Khachatourian’s works contain happy and sad momen’s–adding that his orchestra was pleased to perform those works on the radio program’s 65th anniversary.
"When Aram Khachatourian personally conducted the Uruguay Philharmonic Orchestra in 1975–he had left several notations on the albums–and I composed the program based on Khachatourian’s notes," explained Vigil.
An academic program is scheduled for Friday as part of the ongoing celebration of Radio Armenia.