Armenia's Pop Diva Mesmerizes Opera House
By Paul Chaderjian May 31, 2000 Yerevan, Armenia - Thunderous applause filled the regal Opera House in Yerevan on Independence Day as local and Diasporan Armenians celebrated the nation's rebirth through music. The homeland's most popular performer, Nune Yesayan, mesmerized her formally-dressed audience with modern renditions of ancient Armenian songs of village life, stories of patriotism, lessons of pride and tales about love. On stage with the 30-year-old Armenian diva were some of the most talented young musicians of Yerevan. Under the direction of conductor Areg Arousdanian, the 22-member orchestra brought to life some of the culture's most celebrated melodies using modern and traditional instruments including ancient Armenian string, wind and percussion instruments. The past and present merged at the beginning of the concert when six drummers in traditional costumes entered the Opera energizing the crowd and setting the beat for "Khorodig Morodig," a beat w...