Magic Flute cast: Julietta Aleksanyan-Pamina, Alina Pahlevanyan-Papagena, Constantine Orbelian-General and Artistic Director of the Armenian National Opera, Hasmik Torosyan-Queen of the Night and Liparit Avetisyan
BY NATALIE TEPERDJIAN
In 2016, when Constantine Orbelian received the call from Armenia asking him to become Artistic Director of the Yerevan Opera House, no one could have imagined what epic changes were on the horizon. Two years on and under the guidance of Maestro Orbelian, this landmark institution has begun to write a new chapter in its history and embarked on its first international tour in 25 years.
For 85 years the Armenian National Opera and Orchestra has played an iconic role in the Armenian narrative. Historically significant opera, ballet, orchestral, dance and other creative performances have been brought to life, and its building in the heart of Yerevan serves as the epicentre of the city’s vibrant street and even political culture. But despite all this, in the last 17 years the Opera has only produced 8 new opera productions, 4 of which never made it far beyond the opening night. Financial constraints, lack of support and political unrest all contributed to this dearth of productivity. But the arrival of Maestro Orbelian has started to change all this.
In his brief time with the Opera, Orbelian, an internationally acclaimed pianist and conductor, has injected new life into the Opera. “I came here to support a national treasure,â€
