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WOMADELAIDE 2001
program highlights
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Djivan Gasparyan (Armenia) |
| Unquestionably one of
Armenia’s greatest musicians, Djivan Gasparyan is master of the duduk,
an ancient, unique reed instrument carved from apricot wood that has a
soft, warm timbre not unlike a lyric male voice. After more than
50 years performing the duduk, Djivan is recognised as the instrument’s
custodian and its champion, restoring its centrality within the consciousness
of the Armenian people. Now 70, he continues to explore new avenues
for duduk music. Djivan first brought the instrument to the West
through collaborations with artists such as Lionel Ritchie, Peter Gabriel
(The Last Temptation of Christ), Canadian producer Michael Brook and the
Kronos Quartet. His recording “I will not be Sad in This World”
(1989) dedicated to the victims of the Armenian earthquake, received worldwide
recognition. Djivan has the unique distinction of being the only musician
in his country to be given the honorary title of People’s Artist of Armenia
in 1973. He is also an accomplished composer and singer, and has toured
extensively throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the USA, performing
traditional Armenian folk songs Back home in his role as Professor
at the Yerevan Conservatory, he has prepared over 70 duduk musicians for
professional performance. For Womadelaide 2001 he will be accompanied
by Armen Ghazaryan and Vasgyen Makaryan. |
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