Music makes me romantic – Clayderman

French renowned pianist Richard Clayderman, who is now in Yerevan for concerts, has shared his impressions of the visit and his love for music in a recent interview.

The musician is going to give two concerts, on March 13 and 14, under the accompaniment of the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra. Today, he appeared before journalists wearing the traditional forget-me-not chest brooch symbolizing the Armenian Genocide centenary

“After a big career of 40 years, I happened to be on my first ever visit to Armenia, so being here is really of a great interest me. I hope this visit will not be the last,” he said. “There are wonderful musicians all around, so I feel enthusiastic, as I am going to play with them.”

The pianist further spoke of his past career and achievements. “The pledge of my success is that I managed to create the right combination between piano and music,” he said.

Asked how he treats the Prince of Romance title, Clayderman replied, “I think piano and the music I perform make me say I am a romantic. That’s my life and my the way of my living.”

The musician said his concert will include pieces which marked the start of his career.

“I hope I will be able to share my emotions and expect some of my performance to excite also the Armenian spectator. I think I will learn new pieces from Armenian music to play next time,” he added.

Clayderman further addressed the Genocide topic. “Genocide was a drama for you nations. Likewise in other situations, in this case too, music can be of help, mitigating and consigning to oblivion pain; I am the ambassador of music.”

Norayr Nazaryan, the orchestra’s director who has initiated the concert, said the event was planned back in autumn. “It so happened that we [rescheduled it] for this year. But it is worthwhile to mention that all the artists who will come here to collaborate with us will condemn the atrocity; that’s our principle,” he noted.