Armenian academicians think that Yuri Basmet’s visit to Armenia is not
only important in that Armenian audience will be able to hear the great
musician, but also that Bashmet can now proudly say that he is an
academician in natural and social sciences and a member of the European
Academy’s Armenian branch. The ceremony for the honorable academician
took place on September 22 at the National Academy of Sciences. On the
same day, Bashmet performed at the Aram Khachaturyan Concert Hall (many
of the participants of the concert were invited).
Before Bashmet arrived at the Academy to receive his honorable title
(he arrived one hour late), we found out that not many scientists knew
who Yuri Bashmet was and there were some who thought he was a
violinist. Finally, art critic Karine Khudabashyan made a comment:
“People, don’t get confused. He is an alto singer.”
While talking with the vice president of the National Academy of
Sciences K. Gharagiozyan, we found out that many famous people have
received this title, including Prime Minister of the Republic of
Armenia Andranik Margaryan.
“First of all, having that title makes you famous,” said Mr.
Gharagyozyan. “It gives you an opportunity to travel to different
countries and more.” As to the question of what will the title give the
already famous and internationally known musician Bashmet, Mr.
Gharagozyan replied: “I think that it is an honor to add this title to
his already existing one. There are obligations with every honor.”
After hearing Mr. Gharagyozyan say this, Yuri Bashmet asked a half-serious question:
“Speaking Armenian is not considered one of the obligations, right? It
is a very difficult language.” Yuri Bashmet did not hide the fact that
he loves to receive titles. A couple of days ago he had received a
medal from the president of Ukraine. We did not get the chance to know
what kind of obligations the Ukrainians had placed on Bashmet.
Yuri Bashmet loves basturma
“Armenian housewives have a great imagination and they prepare
delicious food,” said Bashmet when asked about Armenian cousine. “I
love basturma.”
In response to our question of what he thinks about young and famous Armenian composers, Yuri Bashmet said:
“I like Mansuryan, I love Eduard Mirzoyan’s work. I often play some of
his masterpieces. As for young composers, I do not know them but there
probably are famous ones. If they compose interesting songs, I will
listen to them with pleasure.”
Bashmet and Spivakov-Klichko brothers
There was a time when rumors were spreading that V. Spivakov and Y.
Bashmet did not have good relations. “Spivakov and I are not enemies,”
said Bashmet, “but I have great relations with Sati. The relationship
between me and Spivakov has been good for a long time. They even make
jokes about us two in Moscow, saying that we look like the arm wresting
duo the Klichko brothers. One time I had a problem with the editor of
the Russian “Comercant” newspaper and Spivakov helped me out a lot in
solving all issues”.