It’s hard to imagine, after years of loss and heartache, that a large auditorium could be filled with people who continue to live and breathe the soul of Armenia with hope. In reality, you could fill many. But this soul has taken a harsh beating over the years. In many social circles, it has become taboo to discuss Artsakh, as even mentioning it can trigger harsh debates over the country’s priorities or reopen wounds that have yet to heal. It is definitely the elephant in the room everywhere you go.
Many avoid the subject entirely. Others lean heavily into creating greater divides that dissolve the fabric of trust among millions living alongside one another. But a rare few, with the talent, opportunity and ability, put all they have into creating something that can bring thousands together in strength and conviction. C-Rouge is one of those artists, stepping up at a moment when such creative force is needed. He filled a room with people and brought out the best in them, reminding them of the flame in their souls that must be nurtured with a love of Armenian music.
Serouj Baghdasaryan, widely known by his stage name C-Rouge, is an Armenian music producer, composer and arranger recognized for his cinematic approach and ability to fuse traditional Armenian folk with modern orchestration. Last summer he debuted a large-scale symphonic folk performance in collaboration with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, aiming to awaken the pride and dignity of those who needed it most. He served as the creative force behind “Symphonic Folk,” which transforms Armenia’s rich folk repertoire into large-scale symphonic compositions.
Singing our songs and dancing our dances, the epic sound of Armenia served as a reminder of who we are — even as we see less of that reflection within our homeland.
Hundreds of talented musicians took the stage, performing their hearts out. It was clear Serouj’s intention was to remind us of our strength, reinforced by our roots. Reactions from attendees online led me to anticipate the experience myself. I waited until a new date was announced, and when it was, I booked my tickets immediately — a good thing, as the event sold out a month before the concert.
Hundreds of musicians once again filled the room with an energy that could be felt beyond the walls of Demirchyan Complex. With pounding drums and soulful voices from a choir and solo vocalists, the symphonic folk power awoke our warrior souls and gave us a moment to remember how it felt to be victorious.
With my husband by my side, whose roots extend to Kessab and Musa Ler, we felt an affinity for renditions of songs from Musa Ler. I was also pleasantly surprised by a special guest appearance from an incredible young girls’ choir featured in “Children of Goght.” However, the songs that lifted people to their feet were clearly Shalakho and Kochari, drawing dancers to the front to join the musicians in an unapologetic celebration of heritage and culture.
There is a heavy weight on Armenia right now, and much of the world. There is confusion, hopelessness, doubt-filled acceptance and hatred lurking at every corner. There is also overwhelming love and passion — if you know where to look. When people speak of unity, the sad reality is many no longer understand what they are uniting to do. Unite with whom? How? When political leadership continues to direct vitriol toward half the population, it becomes hard to know how to reignite hope and clarity. Yet the flame endures through cultural leaders who reflect the light of the past onto us, helping us find strength in our future.
Armenia may face one of the longest arcs towards justice in a shifting world increasingly marked by despair. However, remaining in a state of hopelessness stretches that arc further.
For now, I will hold onto the feeling of the ground shaking beneath the dancers’ steps as the performers closed the evening with Kochari, a song and dance that, during my time with the Sayat Nova Dance Company in Boston, inspired me to become part of Armenia decades ago.
I will also carry the pride reflected in the young faces of those who suffered alongside me during the war and remain resilient today. The circumstances have created immense pain, but the Armenian story does not end in tragedy. Instead, I believe the impact of events in Artsakh is creating reverberations across the globe that may ultimately help correct the course of our future. The flame continues to burn as artists take on this mantle with bravery and vision beyond their years.
All photos courtesy of Hayrik Adamyan unless otherwise noted.
