Yeraz Im Yergir …

An exclusive interview with Shushan Bedrossian

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By Carlos Jose Bourdjian

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She is one of the marvelous and strongest voices of Armenia. An Armenian song becomes comprehensible, even for a foreigner, when Shushan Bedrossian performs it.

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On 2 and 3 November 2006 she gave two solo concerts at the State Academic Opera & Ballet Theatre of Armenia (named after Alexander Spendiaryan) with the participation of Armenian jazz Band conductor Armen Mardirossian.

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I met her after the concerts and had a cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere at The Parisian Surj (Caf? de Paris) coffee shop. Before that, let?s go back to her early beginnings.

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Shushan Bedrossian was born on September 23 in Yerevan in the family of famous Armenian Opera singer Arax Mansurian – performing now in the Sydney Opera House – Australia, and artist Samvel Bedrossian, head of Panos Terlemezian Art School in Yerevan for several decades.

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She did not choose to be a singer in the first place. In 1983 she entered the faculty of painting, later on the faculty of Graphics of Academy of Arts. Her diploma?s major was ballet, so she was spending days long at the dancer's workouts. Influenced by the music of Stevie Wonder she had chosen the art of Africa as the theme for her diploma in the academy.

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Shushan's first appearance was in the 1989 “Qez Hamar hayasdan” clip based on the famous Charles Aznavour's song. Her 2nd clip was made for David Hallajian's song “Thanks a lot”.

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In 1990 she started to cooperate with Arthur Krikorian, head of the State theatre of song in “Ayo 3” and “Ayo 4” projects. Those were the first steps and her name started appearing in the hit parades. Since 1990 she had many appearances in various TV programs.

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She has four albums:

?Aysbes dessa? (I saw it like this) released in 1999. A Pop-Retro album including songs from big names like Ajemian, Mirzoian and Tatul Altunian but in special and unique arrangements.

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In 2001 she released ?Im Anush Hayrenik? (My lovely homeland), which includes several patriotic songs by Martin Aharonian, Hayko, Edgar Gyanjumian and others.

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The 3rd album is a combination of new songs together with oldies in different genres combined in a CD entitled “Tebi Yergir” (To my country) released in 2002.

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In 2004 as a singer and songwriter, she collaborated with compositor Marine Ales and together they released The Songbook of Marina Ales called “Reflections” to be the 4th CD for Shushan Bedrossian as well.

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Beside these four albums, Shushan Bedrossian put her voice in different songbook projects with Arthur Krikorian, Marine Gyulumian, Edgar Gyanjumian, Marina Tagakjian, Khachadur Avedissian, Kusan Haygazun, Kevork Emin and others. She collaborated with Armen Mardirossian as a songwriter too in two great songs “Kareri Amrots” in 2004 and “Parev Yergir” in 2005.

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Today Armenia is 15 years old after independency, what do you think about it?

The Republic of Armenia is already 15 years old and very mature and it is time for her to stand strong on her feet.

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Recently you had your concert ?Yeraz im yergir?, what is the difference between this and all previous ones?

In September I had a concert entitled ?Hanrabedutyun 15? (Republic 15), which was dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Independent Armenia. There were songs of longing, love, victory, songs that encourage the soul of the soldiers, songs that make us happy and represent these 15 years.

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The other concert was my recent one entitled ?Yeraz Im yergir? (My Motherland, a dream). I chose this title because it is the most important song (by Robert Amirkhanian) in my repertoire. I like to sing it during my concerts all around the world. This concert was dedicated to the Army of our Republic, which is going to be 15 years old too within months, and it included patriotic and spiritual songs. These two concerts have a special place in my heart.

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If you had the chance to go back in time which concert would you like to bring back; ?Yeraz Im Yergir? or ?Ser yev Shushanner? (Love & Lilies) your concert of February last year?

?Yeraz im yergir? for sure, because the more one lives the more he becomes clever and mature, and in my profession I?m still a student and have a lot to learn.

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We notice in today?s concerts that there is always a dancing show accompanying the artist. How long the presence of this show is important for the singer and the listener at the same time?

This is an interesting issue (she indicates). It was not like this many years ago. Edith Piaff never had a show for her own, she was only singing by standing alone on the stage, and so did Charles Aznavour because they were great artists and I think a real artist must have the ability to prove himself or herself, even alone on the stage. But today everything is important; the lightning effects, the colours on the stage, the dancing groups, the clothes even the variety of the songs. There are people who buy tickets to come and watch all these and others who come only to listen quality music and real art. Both of them are important, but to me I am more into the second category. I mean Ray Charles was never appreciated for his appearance even Ella Fitzgerald was not a queen of beauty, but her performances were already real shows. But I can say yes, today the show?matters. In fact I had different kinds of concerts, some were with shows and others alone, just me. But while preparing this last one, I realized, together with director David Babaian from the company Sharm that the occasion needs a show, that?s why there were different dancing groups like the dancing ensemble of Sofi Devoian and the Agunk Ensemble. There were effects like changing clothes, the choir. There were songs accompanied with the Big band and acoustic ones as well. There were duets and songs like ?Kareri Amrots? and ?Parev Yergir? with several artists on the stage and of course the choreography of all these. I still remember during the song ?Im anush hayrenik?, I was singing and the girls dancing around me. The band was playing behind and there was a screen above showing Images of intelligent characters from our nation like Vahakn Davidian, Hovhannes Shiraz, William Saroian and others, who were the real elite at that time.

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You had concerts in different parts of Armenia and in many countries all around the world. Where Shushan Bedrossian feel herself more responsible; in front of the Yerevanian listener or on Diasporan stages?

In Yerevan, I feel more responsibility like being in a test; if I passed it in Yerevan I will in Diaspora too. If the Yerevanian listener gave me a warm welcome and acceptance this means I have to work on myself hard to keep that level steady. People in Yerevan are more demanding, but it's not the same in Diaspora, Armenians abroad accept everything, which worries me a lot. I want the Diaspora to listen to quality music that exists in Yerevan and not to every other artist comes from anywhere; they should choose the best and give priority to quality issues. Same concerts take place in Yerevan should be done in Diaspora too with the same quality and organization as well.

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Few months ago you had many concerts dedicated to the army in the borders of Armenia and in Gharapagh too. Why these concerts have a special place in Shushan Bedrossian?s heart?

Because I became an artist during the past 15 years. I still remember the year 1987, when we were gathered in the square together with friends and there was the first call for Freedom. The idea of Armenian eagle and Armenian soldier was born in the heart and souls of my friends, who used to act during Soviet Union at that time. The independency in 1991 meant a lot to me and the years after were very important for me since I grew and became what I am today during these years. So I am glad and honored to sing for the soldiers at these concerts together with my friends Dikran Bedrossian, Hasmig Garabedian, Aved Parseghian and Lusine Haroutyunian. We cherished them with our songs and helped them understand that serving the army is not just leaving their families and spend this time over there. It is a search inside each one of them to evaluate themselves and find out what it means to be a true Armenian citizen.

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Now, we will go for brief and quick questions:

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Each day with every daylight, when the Sun rises what does Shushan Bedrossian wish…?

1. for herself?

I wish myself a good and peaceful day, and it should begin with a smile.

2. for her son?

I wish him the same, beside Love and good health.

3. for her country?

Love and Peace.

4. for Armenians all around the world?

First I wish them Love, and second to get rid of ideas that come between Armenia and Diaspora. History proved that there was and still there would be Diaspora, but this should make us as Armenians united and not separated, because if we go back to the roots we will find a word of 3 letters ?HYE? (Armenian).

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What makes you happy and satisfied?

A good day, a successful work, professionalism, my son?s high grades in school, being with my friends and good relationships with people. All these cheer me up.

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And what makes you sad and unsatisfied?

Lie, betrayal and unfairness, for which I get sad.

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Eurovision song contest?

This year was the first time I was watching it a bit closer, because Andre was representing our country. The contest itself does not interest me at all because nothing is appreciated there except politics; neither art nor music, but this does not mean that I was not excited with our representative. You can bet I was inside the TV during the show and was excited when he succeeded to be in the 10 finalists.

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And is it true that you have been asked to be this year?s delegate?

Yes, there were many suggestions, but I prefer not to answer about it now? though it still does not interest me.

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If we opened Shushan Bedrossian?s CD case, what we?ll find?

Ohh. Only good music. You will find everything, from jazz to soul to rock, folk, classical and opera music beside alternative jazz and new age. Different cultures from all around the world.

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What is the situation of the Armenian ?Estrada?, if it still exists, or what we call today Armenian pop or contemporary music?

It should be in a better situation, because what we have is much better than what the media shows through many artists these days.

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Are there any names today where you can see a brilliant future?

Sirusho and Emmy. I don?t like to use the word ?future? because both of them, at their early ages, are professionals and already proved themselves each one in their different styles. In addition, I like Ara Mardirossian, Dikran Bedrossian, Sako from the rock band Empyray? and others. There are too many names and I do not like to forget anyone.

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Lately you had many duets with Hasmig Garabedian, Vartuhi Vartanian, Arsen Krikorian, Number 5, Empyray and others. Why this huge quantity?

Because I like to cooperate with talented people. And in my opinion when any artist reaches to a certain high level he should take a big army with him.

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?Siro Ashkharh? (World of love) is a very nice and simple but unique duet with Hasmig Garabedian. It is an invitation from both of you to love and fall in love. What is the story behind it?

I did not know Hasmig before, but I liked her art and musical style, so I asked her to write a song for me after expressing my admiration. First she did not believe because of people?s image of me as being a hard and demanding person. People confuse between truth and demand. I do not lie or make compliments for something that I do not like. If it is bad I stand passive and unconcerned, but if it is good I would rather say and appreciate it.

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Shushan, you are a very kind person with a heart of child inside you, but why there is the ?Unreachable Shushan Bedrossian? image among the people?

(Laughing) It seems to me that I am the most reachable artist in Armenian show business today.? It is not true that if you are a star then you have to be unreachable, with bodyguards around you. I like to walk in streets of Yerevan, sit in public cafes, like we are doing now where I can meet people and friends. I do my own shopping though there are people always offering their help, but I enjoy doing it by myself. I love to live in my city because I love my city like I love my home. There are certain shops, where the employees wait my visits just to talk and get in touch with me. I find this very warm and kind of them.

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How many friends you have here in Armenia and outside? And how you choose them?

Ohh, I don?t have a specific number; they are countless. To me, I guess any good act can lead to a true friendship; any kindness from a valuable person will be the first step of a long friendship. I do not like betrayal and speculation between friends; I care about my friends and vice versa, but the most important thing in friendship is the ability to forgive and to learn in the meantime; I still learn from others. Sometimes, during my career I meet people younger than me with less experience. They come and ask without feeling ashamed of their lack of knowledge and there I feel the beginning of a long friendship. My friends are from different ages from 70 years old women to 18 years old guys to 28 years old girls. Age is not of importance here as long as we never stop learning from others.

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Your songs were always a boost for Armenians to love; to love their country, their homeland and history, and to fall in ?sweet? love too. Is there any love story in life of Shushan Bedrossian these days?

Unfortunately no. You look always for the big love and it does not come easily. I am always ready to love and like any other ordinary person, I have the lack of love in my life. Today I focus my power of love to my son and family. The white cavalier does not exist yet, but I believe someday he will appear.

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Last question. If one day you are walking along a beach, and you find the magic lamp of Aladdin, what will be your wish?

Only one wish? Because I would ask for too many things. But if it is only a wish, I will ask him to bring life to the three people I adore most, who left so early. They are:

1. Vasken Sarkissian, the Sbarabed (General).

2. Father Zaven Hagopian, the priest of Noravank church.

3. Vartuhi Vartanian, the 30 years old singer, who just passed away almost 2 months ago in a tragic car accident.

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Photos:

1- “Yeraz Im Yergir” poster.

2- With friends performing “Kareri Amrots”.

3- With song writer Aved Parseghian.

4- With Azad-Hye representative (Carlos Jose Bourdjian).