By Victoria Vardanyan

YEREVAN, August 26– A joint statement by one of the most famous Armenian musicians, Armenian duduk player Djivan Gasparyan and Turkish folk singer Yavuz Bingol, revealed that a concert scheduled to be given on September 1 in Istanbul, Turkey was cancelled.

According to Hürriyet Daily News, Gasparyan said that the Organizing Committee “Stambul 2010 – Cultural Capital of Europe” did not approve the concert to take place.

“A decision was made to cancel the concert and I’m very sorry for that, but I have not received any explanation,” said Gasparian.

On his turn Bingöl did not make any comments. According to his manager he is busy with tour commitments but Gasparyan noted that Bingöl won’t like tense relationship between Turkish and Armenian people.

He and Bingol previously performed together in 2007-2008. Some of the shows took place in Istanbul on September 1 to promote peace between Armenians and Turks. September 1 is celebrated as World Day of Peace in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

Djivan said that performing with a great artist carried a special meaning for him. “Maybe we don’t speak a common language but through music, we produce a universal language for ourselves with notes.”

Gasparyan who was born in Armenia, has roots in Mush, Eastern Turkey. The master of the Armenian duduk was awarded with the title of “People’s Artist ” of Armenia in 1973. He received four gold UNESCO medals for his great contribution not only to Armenian but to world culture as well. Gasparyan also received WOMEX (World Music Expo) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Yerevan Report

Photo: © gasparyanjivan