We lived with love and respect for one another – Jivan Gasparyan

In an interview with Tert.am, renowned Armenian musician and composer Jivan Gasparyan shared his impressions of the country’s past year’s achievements, highly appreciating the young generation’s potential.

The musician, known worldwide as the master of duduk (Armenian woodwind folk instrument), said he feels the dynamically changing developments that have essentially facilitated  life and the activities of people in most different spheres.

“The world has changed; it’s not just our country. As you look around, you see that the entire world has got into a mess. Yet thank God, that we are in a much better situation than other countries. And I think everything will be better in 2015. So we must thank 2014. As to what blessing the new year will bring, we will see it soon.”

Asked whether he observes changes in the young generation's mentality against the backdrop of changing set of values, Gasparyan said he sees essential differences.  “I will say only one thing: that we lived the right life, loving, respecting and believing one another. I also know that there are different individuals with most different mentalities among our young people, and I will say we have a nice youth in both art and all the remaining spheres. Next to them, we also have the negative; but that’s the case everywhere. Any piece of meat has a bone.

“I have created a path for young people to follow. Whoever succeeds in doing anything better will do that. I owe to my masters; their blessing has always been on me. And I wish the same to our youth.”

Gasparyan, who has been honored with numerous medals throughout his career, said he especially praises his most recent award which he received from Yerevan’s Kentron administrative district. “I have many medals: 21 medals from world’s most different parts, but when you live in your country and receive appraisal in that country, that’s a kind of different medal.. ”

Gasparyan also wished the Armenian nation a great patience in the coming year. “The country changes in form every year. The country’s leaders change, but the people will remain the same people. I wish our nation to be patient,” he added.