Artur Avanesov Performs at Other Minds Festival 27

4 min read

In November, American University of Armenia (AUA) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Assistant Professor Artur Avanesov performed his compositions at Other Minds Festival 27 in San Francisco, California. Each year, Other Minds holds a festival of new music, curated by Artistic Director Charles Amirkhanian around an idea, theme, or group of composers. Known for featuring stellar guest performers, a significant number of world premieres, commissions, and productions that incorporate new technologies and multidisciplinary collaborations, the Other Minds Festival brings together composers from the entire musical spectrum, pushing the creative boundaries of participants in their respective genres. We asked Avanesov to elaborate on his own artistic process, performance at the Festival, and more.

From where does your interest in music stem?

Initially, from my mother. My parents aren’t musicians, but both love music. However, my interest quickly grew far more than either of them had expected. I realized early on that music holds powerful potential for self-expression. Hence, music may still be abstract and need not be as specific as literature, for example.

What drives you to make music?

Music’s ability to transmit different states of mind is what drives me to make music. Indeed, it’s not very different from sharing certain thoughts or images. It’s like having a conversation, but not at the present time. Making music means having a conversation with a potential listener in the future.

What type of music do you enjoy making the most?

Types requiring more intimate listening, such as piano or chamber music. Also, music for human voice or choir.

How do you approach composing a new piece of music?

It depends. It may start with a title. Some titles are conceived years before the actual music is composed. Sometimes, it’s the opposite: it starts with a mood or a musical idea and, from there, it takes shape.

What has been your favorite music-related experience so far?

Because I both write music and play it (and, of course, listen to music made by others), each of these activities  creates different favorite experiences.

As a pianist, I particularly enjoy playing music with others in small chamber groups or accompanying singers. I have collaborated with many musicians whose work I deeply admire, and it would be difficult and unfair to name just a few.

As a composer, I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment in the process of writing the final draft of a new work. I am still writing music with pen and paper, which is something only a few do now. It gives me time to think over the most minute details and to understand myself better. In addition, it offers a moment for profound meditation, perhaps similar to that experienced by the medieval scribes.

As a listener, I enjoy a wide plethora of music, and again, it would be unfair to single out just a few works or names.

What is the most challenging part of being a composer?

Having to do something else to get through. Also, constantly dealing with self-doubt.

Who is your favorite Armenian composer?

I think that the best Armenian music is not that written by composers – rather, it’s Armenian folk and church music.

What is your favorite musical era or genre?

I generally enjoy music that has enough sophistication, yet is not burdened by it to the point of losing its expressiveness. Examples of such music transcend historical eras and genres.

How does your music reflect your personal experiences?

Music is not always meant to reflect the author’s personal experiences; it may be utterly abstract. Still, I think that my music does. These experiences are twofold: those created by listening to music composed by others, or more immediate life experiences. In the first case, my music enters into dialogue with some other music by overtaking its language and expressive means, yet “paraphrasing” these through the prism of my own vision. The second is rather a reflection of my perception of reality by way of creating musical colors suggestive of the latter.

What have your students taught you?

First, they have taught me the art of not jumping to conclusions and not taking knowledge for granted. Also, they have helped me realize the need for constant personal growth and development. You cannot teach things now the same way you did ten years ago; you also cannot see things the same way you did before. My students have demonstrated what is universal in music (surprisingly little) and what is a matter of personal taste. Finally, they have introduced me to some music I never knew of before.

What did participating in the Other Minds Festival mean to you?

I knew about the Festival for many years. It has an international reputation in the world of contemporary classical music, and it certainly lives up to it. During the five days I spent in San Francisco, I was absolutely immersed in new music (an experience I had enjoyed on multiple prior occasions, but was deprived of for many years). I listened to the latest works, met colleagues, and established collaborative ties with fellow musicians. I am very thankful for that experience.

Hear more about Avaneseov’s musical compositions and creative process by listening to his podcast episode with Other Minds.

Photos by: Ebbe Roe Yovino-Smith

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.