Literary Magazine "Russian Globe" №2'02
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Sofya Melikyan - American Debut
Surpasses Expectations
By Gennady Mesh
Everyone in attendance last Sunday at Music in the Loft in DownTown Chicago was
treated to a stellar performance by the gifted young Armenian pianist, Sofya
Melikyan. Sofya's name may be new and unfamiliar to Americans, but she is a
well-known among classical music lovers in Europe. In Spain, the
twenty-three-year old pianist won the first prize at the Marisa Montiel
Sixteenth Piano Competition and the special prize for "Music Gift" in 1997 in
Linares, the first prize at the 13th International Piano Competition in Ibizan
in 1999. At the Armenian Festival "New Names" and the International Festival
BEMUS in Belgrade, Yugoslavia among others, Melikyan's performances were hailed
as brilliant.
Last Sunday she began her recital at the Music in the Loft with
R.Schumann's the "Abegg" Variations (Op.1) and Fantasiestucke (Op.12). These
picturesque pieces depend upon performer's interpretation in order to manifest
themselves clearly. Listening to Melikyan, we in the audience became observers:
the beautiful landscapes with the light of spring and fragrant blossoms. Then
the images changed to frightful dreams, dramatically alive. Her masterful
performance revealed the full nature of Schumann's music with its contrasting
emotional states. "I like R.Schumann very much for his poetic nature. He is
close to me, and I will perform him a lot", she said later after the concert.
In vivid and expressive Chopin mazurkas, she created an atmosphere that
was playful, light, and touching. This she followed by Chopin Sonata No.2 in
B-Flat Minor, well known for its Funeral March, and, as a finale she played the
sharp, bright, full of life Rachmaninov "Musical Moment".
Sofya Melikyan has given her recitals in many prestigious halls in
Moscow, Armenia, Spain, Portugal and Germany. Currently residing in Spain, her
playing has been broadcast to other European countries. During an interview last
Thursday on Chicago Fine Art radio station WFMT '98.7' Sofya not only discussed
her life and recitals but also gave an impromptu performance. In the studio, she
played Rachmaninov and Chopin with great artistry.
Mrs.Fredda Hyman, the founder and Artistic Director of Music in the Loft
said of Melikyan, "She is a very talented pianist and has a good chance to
improve herself in America."
Her next recital will consist of the music of Bach, R.Schumann, Chopin,
Khachaturian, Babadjanian. It will take place in Armenian All Saints Apostolic
Church, 1701 N.Greenwood Rd. in Glenview, June 30 at 8 p.m.
©G.Mesh