Luc Baghdassarian: On Music, on Dance, on Being Armenian

Have you collaborated with dancers?

Yes, twice with the dancers of the Swiss company “ADN dialect” we performed Verdi’s Requiem.

What about Armenian dance and music?

My grandfather had many vinyl records, and the first vinyl I heard was of Armenian traditional music, and I was dancing to them. Two days ago, I was in a restaurant, we were enthusiastic, there was a singer and a traditional Armenian instrumental band. If I say I do not like Armenian music, it would be like saying I do not love my mother. It is impossible. All this music is based on absolutely wonderful rhythmic melodies. And yesterday night I saw people dancing traditional dances on the streets and on Cascade, which was another great cultural expression!

I would like to thank you again for yesterday’s concert. I have heard our National Chamber Orchestra for many times, yet yesterday sound was absolutely different, so gentle, elegant, light, transparent and charming with its pianos and pianissimos. Of course, the role of the conductor is very important in gaining such sensibility and gracefulness. Does it come from your personality?

It begins from the absolute love for music. The most important thing to know is that the music is not the goal, the goal is love, to respect the other people and to love all the notes of the score. It is all about human contact, the pretext to communicate with other people. I could not know all the musicians of the orchestra, but with the music you can speak to all of them. If I do not have this contact, I cannot conduct! Before the first rehearsal, I imagine the atmosphere and the character of the piece. The magic of this job is that with hands, body and musicians, we create unique moments!

Yesterday night all the pieces were gorgeous, but for me the Cavatina by Beethoven was a gift that the orchestra has given to me. This music is not possible! Why? Because it is too beautiful. For me this music is the highest level of human creativity, surely, above is God!

I guess you are Armenian only from your father’s side.

Yes! My mother was Swiss, from the French part of Switzerland. My father was born in France; his French name was Charles, but his Armenian name was Vasquen. All the members of my paternal family lived in Lyon in France. After the Genocide, my grandfather had to leave Moush for a camp in Thessalonica. After 10 years, he finally arrived in Lyon.

Yesterday from the stage you announced that although you do not speak Armenian, your heart is Armenian. And what was and still is Armenian in your family?

Komitas! Khachaturian! Aznavour! Aivazovsky! By the way, I loved Aivazovsky’s paintings much before I knew he was Armenian. And, of course, the cuisine. My grandmother has taught my mother to make authentic tolma from Moush, so my Swiss mom used to make the best tolma in the world! And a very special dish from Moush called Mshou kloulik!

What about conducting Armenian music?

Komitas and Khachaturian are the best and most famous composers. Last April 24, I conducted my Swiss orchestra OVS with eight Miniatures by Komitas-Aslamazyan and the audience was touched by this music so simple (in appearance) and perfect! In September I will conduct the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia again, in the Victoria Hall in Geneva. That’s a great pleasure and honor!