March 27, 2010 - 13:26 AMT
Ian Gillan: Armenia my spiritual homeland
Renowned Ian Gillan, soloist of legendary Deep Purple gave a concert with Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in Yerevan on March 26.
"The Orchestra with no experience in playing rock music demonstrated professionalism and I was surprised that musicians knew all songs in the program," Gillan told a news conference on Saturday. "Armenia is my spiritual homeland. It has nothing to do with religion
I just like you, Armenians."
The concert organizers (Mediamax director Ara Tadevosyan and Jon Dee, the Founder and Chairman of the Australian Do Something organization and Rock Aid Armenia project initiator) informed that the Smoke on the Water single recorded 20 years ago as the 1988 earthquake relief, as well as the Yerevan concert will be put on a DVD.
VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said, for his part, "It is an honor for us to be a part of such a project."
The concerts proceeds will be spent on reconstruction of a music school in Gyumri.