Celebrating Inclusiveness through Art

Well in advance of the opening event, the public learned of the festival through widespread coverage on the internet. Naira Sargsyan gave interviews, both in the framework of TV programs and at the My Way Center in Yerevan, explaining the concept of the festival, and the importance and success of inclusion. The invitation to attend was open and attendance was high. On the first day, designed more for younger performers, there were 30 participants on stage and 100 spectators. The program included a shadow play, students from the LUSE and Zatik Centers performing Nouneh Sargsyan’s fairytale, “The Bald Hedgehog.” On October 4, the festival concluded with a gala concert, featuring 60 participants and 300 spectators, including many prominent public figures.

On the Scene

No second-hand description can replace an eye-witness report. Sona Petrosyan, the My Way co-founder and board member, who is the source of this article, shared her enthusiastic account of the process, from preparations to performances. “The atmosphere at the rehearsals I attended was so warm, and the musicians were very patient and flexible, always ready to help, devoted and enthusiastic. Good for them!” she said. “Overall, it was really a tremendous job,” she continued, “labor-intensive, emotional and overwhelming (in a good way). The idea of uniting so many different centers itself was challenging and the importance of these events cannot be overestimated. Everything that happened on stage was unique, touching, with unprecedented vibe. The mood and spirit of every performance was so intense and contagious, that the whole space, the auditorium and the stage, the performers and the spectators, became onе. There was not a single bitter emotion or feeling of sadness or pity — we all felt only joy, amazement, pride and affection, and gratefulness to all those who took part, joining our special children and youngsters on stage, with such grace, kindness, an open mind and empathy. The sense of gratitude was deep and widespread, for individuals who were working with special people, directly or indirectly, supporting them, advocating their rights and making their lives better. And all our students were happy, performing and being engaged, being accepted and enthusiastically greeted, encouraged and sincerely valued.”

Petrosyan was especially moved by the musical performances, “always full of surprises; every number is a ‘living organism,’ and this spontaneity and authenticity of our students always makes you smile.”

She cited the example of Vardan, a student both at My Way and the State Music College, in “an outstanding ragtime number with famous jazzman Vahagn Hayrapetyan. It was the last number of the concert. Up to that moment, they had used only one keyboard on stage, and Vardan was sitting and waiting for the second one to be brought in for the jazzman. This took some time, so Vardan decided not to wait and started his ragtime. The musician immediately joined him and was improvising standing next to him, playing from the right side, then from the left, it was awesome! The second keyboard was never used! And it came out even better!”

In addition to Vahagn Hayrapetyan, there were a number of top musicians joining the youngsters on stage: Ruben Hakhverdyan, Miqayel Voskanyan and MVF band, Konstantin Abgaryants, Lav Eli rock band, Nemra, Hope For Coffee band, Lidushik, Colors of Music band, Anna Mkhitaryan and Anahit Mkhitaryan, Hayk Petrosyan and David Ghazaryan.