November 19, 2011 - 14:11 AMT
Berlin to host premiere of requiem by Tigran Mansurian, Nov 19

On November 19, Berlin will host world premiere of requiem by Tigran Mansurian performed by Munich and Rias Chamber Orchestras, schott-music reported.

The work is dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide.

“During its composition, I was confronted by the problem of differing interpretations of the canonical texts laid down by the Armenian and Roman- Catholic churches. I hope that the interlinking of ancient sacred and secular music of Armenia with the Latin text has created something unexpected and even slightly paradox in my music,”Tigran Mansurian said.

Written in 8 parts the requiem is intended for soprano, baritone, mixed chorus and string orchestra.

Tigran Mansurian was born in 1939. In 1947 his family moved to Soviet Armenia, finally settling in the capital Yerevan in 1956. Mansurian studied at the Yerevan Music Academy and completed his PhD at the Komitas State Conservatory where he later taught contemporary music analysis. Mansurian's compositions range from large scale orchestral works to individual art songs and film scores between 1968 and 1980.

Mainly known to the Armenian audience for his film scores, Tigran Mansurian is more famous abroad for his modern classical pieces.