Vladimir Spivakov is on stage…. just by hearing these words, one can be guaranteed that there is beauty and high quality in music. Armenia loves and worships Spivakov. His personal charm, creativity and style are unforgettable. Vladimir Spivakov gave a two-day performance in Yerevan with Russia’s National Philharmonic Orchestra and as always, the audience was packed. Besides being the director of the ”Moscow’s Virtuous” orchestra, it has already been a couple of years since Spivakov has been director of this new orchestra too. Vladimir Spivakov is not only a masterly musician, but he is also a great organizer and creates musical culture. His benevolent fund is involved in lending a helping hand to young, talented musicians. ”I want for out children to believe in miracles,” says Spivakov and he loves saying that. He feels at home in Yerevan, although he is surprised to hear all the noise at nights and the loud music heard from the disco clubs. After his concert, without even getting a chance to relax at the hotel, he gets ready for a new concert and says: ”What can I do? I am a cultural soldier”.
-You are welcomed everywhere you travel. However, I think that that warmth is different here in Armenia.
-Yes, that is correct. I am cordially welcomed in all parts of the world, however, Armenia is a special place for me and I have always felt that. I think that one of the characteristics of your nation is to be grateful. Even Armenians living in Buenos-Aires have approached me on the street and said ”Thank you Vladimir”. This does not only refer to Argentina, but also, wherever there are Armenians.
-Your benevolent fund helps young talented musicians and you recently gave a concert presenting Rakhmaninov with young pianist Dennis Matsuyev. It appears that helping has turned into your profession.
-I have helped Dennis a lot, even though he has not received any help from the fund. Generally, I am not a jealous person and am ready to lend a helping hand to all talented youth. I think that if anyone has the opportunity to help somebody else, he or she has to do it. I have always welcomed people who wish to help and I myself help the ”New Names” fund which is supported by Dennis Matsuyev.
-Can you tell whether or not a child is talented or not just by listening to his or her voice?
-Yes, immediately.
-Very often, children are forced to study music. Is that true?
– Of course. You must force a talented person to work. If he is not talented, then it is not worth trying. It is senseless.
– Do the musical jokes, acting approach and brisk movements such as in the polka dance, help society get closer to classical music?
– Life is pretty hard. There are no rules to follow. If children can believe in miracles and if doing that is pleasurable for people in general, then you should not take that opportunity away from them. Listening to my concerts gives the audience the opportunity to be happy and the chance to not worry about the problems in daily life for a while. Each person has his or her problems and carries the cross and it is my job to help them as much as I can. People leave the concert with enlightenment and relaxed. Their eyes shine and they get the desire to create on their own. I want to see that. I consider myself a cultural soldier.
-You played the song ”Krunk” and immediately attracted the audience’s attention. It seems as if we don’t really appreciate what our great artists have left for us, but you help us understand that. Why is it like that?
-It is pretty hard, just like it is hard to prescribe drugs. Everyone must think about himself. For some reason, everyone tends to look towards abroad, when on the contrary, there are so many great musicians and artists here. Perhaps we should be looking deeper, the inspiration is inside us. Look carefully around you and trust yourself. Children need that more than adults do. What Henrik Igityan did by searching and helping young artists was very important. That must be done in all fields.
-Many people leave the Homeland after reaching success.
-Chekhov once said: time is never enough for man. We must look at leaving the Homeland from a different perspective. If the Armenian who has been born in Armenia and has roots there and, most importantly, knows a lot about Armenian culture, that person will stay Armenian wherever he may be. It seems as if he hasn’t really left the Homeland. Garzu was not in Armenia, but he has always remained Armenian.
– Shouldn’t we be afraid of emptiness?
-If this new generation gets a good education, then no, we have no fear of seeing emptiness. The important thing is for children to receive a good education. We must take them to museums and concerts and search for people who still adore the culture created by artists of the previous generation. We must transfer that feeling to the children. Many things depend on just adoring. So, adore.