Voice and Harp Trio

– What did you discover about Armenia during your visit?

Clare Ghigo

– I was impressed by the kindness of the people and how beautiful the country is filled with mountains.

Britt Arend

– I was happy and surprised to notice how friendly and helpful were all the Armenians whom we met. They were very welcoming, always very polite and willing to give a hand. It was such a pleasure and made us feel very well and comfortable.

Gillian Zammit

– I realized that Yerevan is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

– What impressed you most in Armenia?

Clare Ghigo

— I was impressed by the beautiful people and their love for art and music.

Britt Arend

— The kindness of people impressed me. It was a big contrast to many other countries I had visited before.

Gillian Zammit

— The people were extremely friendly and really went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable during our stay.

– Did you taste Armenian traditional food? What did you like?

Clare Ghigo

— Frankly speaking, tomatoes. Fruits and vegetables in Armenia have a special great taste.

Britt Arend

— We were invited for lunch when we arrived, and then to dinner after our concert, in both cases we ate traditional Armenian food and everything was absolutely delicious, I loved it! Can’t remember any name unfortunately!

Gillian Zammit

— Yes, everything was really delicious! There was wonderful sweet bread with butter, honey and nuts for breakfast that was delicious, and the meat was also great.

– What place (sight) did you like most and can recommend to your friends?

Clare Ghigo

— Our trip was short so sadly I only wandered around Yerevan. However, I would really recommend the city and I would love to visit the countryside, too.

Britt Arend

— Unfortunately we had no time at all to go sightseeing, and I really regret it. Just saw some bits of the city when we passed in the car… I had a small walk in the center and liked the area around the Opera house. What I really would love to visit is the countryside around Yerevan, and the churches there, I saw pictures and it looks amazing. I have to go back!

Gillian Zammit

— Unfortunately we were only 2 days there and had to perform so we did not have much time to go sightseeing, but the Opera house and The Cascade were definitely a highlight.

– How can you describe Armenia? Tell 2 reasons to visit this country…

Clare Ghigo

— Armenia is a special country full of culture, very welcoming people and panoramic views.

For me the most special thing is their language. It’s fascinating. It is artistic in itself.

It is like an elaborate mosaic, and sounds extremely beautiful.

Britt Arend

— Welcoming and touching the heart. I think there are hundreds reasons to visit Armenia! First of all the wonderful people living there, secondly, the beautiful countryside and historical places, the important classical music traditions, and the great history of Armenians. I read many books about Armenians and especially the genocide and I was always interested in knowing such amazing people, I have lots of respect and admiration for them and what they have passed through.

Gillian Zammit

— I think that Armenia is a very old diverse country from the little that I have seen of it. Staring from the capital which is a cosmopolitan vibrant city and up to beautiful mountains and countryside – I think that there is something for everyone.

– Could you tell your opinion about Armenian music and musicians?

Gillian Zammit

— The Armenian musicians that I have met were very welcoming and were always eager to work together.

Clare Ghigo

— I am lucky enough to have sung both modern music by Alexey Shor and Armenian traditional folk music and songs collected by Komitas. I can say that I know the Armenians have a lot to be proud of and I hope that I get to explore more their music and country.

Britt Arend

— I had the pleasure to work several times with Maestro Sergey Smbatyan, and he is a fantastic conductor! He has this sparkle of life and passion that really makes him special added to a strong character and charisma. I love playing under his direction and hope that the MPO will have many more collaborations with him! I also met during our concerts here in Malta some musicians from the ASSO and they were not only talented but very friendly and devoted musicians.

And last but not least I have to mention that my teacher at the Royal Conservatorium of Brussels, from whom I have learned so much and who will always hold a special place in my heart, is the famous Armenian harpist Susanna Mildonian. Through her and her amazing personality, I definitely already had a crush on Armenians.

I think there are hundreds reasons to visit Armenia! First of all the wonderful people living there, secondly, the beautiful countryside and historical places, the important classical music traditions, and the great history of Armenians.