The Armenian Studies Program web page is sponsored by a grant from
The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable
Foundation, Fresno.
The Armenian Studies
Program and Department of Music invited pianist Nazeli Atayan to perform in
concert on Friday, November 14, in
the Wahlberg Recital Hall at
Atayan performed a first
half program that included works from Bach (1685-1750), von Weber
(1786-1826),
and Liszt (1811-1886).
Carl Maria von Weber was a
German pianist who was a significant conductor of the Romantic movement.
Liszt’s
Tarantella is an
Italian dance that is a favorite in many regions of the country. Composed by
Liszt, who was a talented and prolific
composer,
She brought great energy to
the works, yet never overpowering the piano. Her many years of experience were
clearly visible
in the restrained yet powerful strokes of the key.
The second half featured the
works of Armenian composers Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935),
Aram Khatchaturian
(1903-1978), and Arno Babajanian (1921-1983).
“Three Dances” by Komitas
presented the authentic musical legacy of
the Armenians, arranged by Komitas.
“Unabi,” “Marali,” and Shushiki,” were performed with vitality and passion,
typical of Atayan’s
musical style.
Babajanian’s and Alexander
Haroutinian’s “Armenian Rhapsody,” was a fitting conclusion to the concert,
bringing much applause
to the performer. Naira Shasuvarian accompanied Atayan
on piano for this final piece.
Atayan was born in
Atayan started her studies at the Komitas
Conservatory in
