(When not indicated, the following comments are translated from French)
Victoria Hall, Geneva and Vevey Theater
Choral Union of Vevey and Ribaupierre Orchestra
Verdi’s Missa da Requiem
It is with deep emotion that we experienced the performance of a Verdi’s Requiem just as we always liked it. You were able to draw the very best from the performers, and the public, mesmerized, understood and followed its content with exceptional receptivity. The happiness you offered us made it an unforgettable evening.
Jean and Marine Vigny, artists and musicians – December 2009
More than ever, Luc Baghdassarian seems to be inspired by his Master Carlo Maria Giulini’s art when conducting from memory, without a score, Verdi’s Requiem… The way in which he mixes the sounds, blends the instrumental colors and supports the choral ensemble reminds one amazingly of the greatly missed conductor. Luc Baghdassarian shares with his mentor a totally humane conception of the work, marked by profound tenderness exempt from any ostentation, even in the most vulnerable and truly dramatic sequences of the Dies Irae. He confers an extraordinary dramatic tension to this masterpiece, by reconciling lyricism with a vigor that does not stifle emotions. He reaches pure lyricism and is able to restore either the poetic and dramatic atmosphere of each sequence in the initial Requiem Aeternam and the Lacrimosa or the delicate traits of the woods in the Lux Aeterna, in contrast with the throes of the Dies Irae, already mentioned… The Verdian song in its most noble and fervent authenticity !
Y. Allaz, Vevey-Hebdo – December 2009
For this colossal work of Giuseppe Verdi, this young conductor was able to give it a dramatic and tragic touch, while beautifully evoking the lyrical « bel canto » side of this masterpiece. We can really congratulate Luc Baghdassarian for the mastery which kept the audience mesmerized during ninety minutes, an audience who showed its great appreciation by several curtain calls. He succeeded in giving the intricate work, shunned by many conductors, an interpretation that personally I am not soon to forget. He knew how to convey the tragical and tormented mood of the score, as well as its lyrical, intimate and sensitive spirit.
V. Breguet-Safarian, professor of music & concerts critic – December/January 2009/10
Vevey Theater
This young conductor has the talent to communicate his musical instinct and sensitivity to the orchestra. With humility, Luc Baghdassarianb never tries to draw the attention to himself but always puts himself at the service of the music.
Philippe de Bross, director of the Vevey Theater – June 2009
Victoria Hall, Geneva – Geneva Chamber Orchestra and Laudate Deum Choir
Mozart’s Requiem
The orchestra in unison with the choir and in complete osmosis with the conductor, succeeded in giving a rare performance of this work.
P. Ehrat – Artzakank Journal – March 2009
Vevey Theater – Ribaupierre Orchestra
Tchaikovsky’s 1st Concerto for piano and Beethoven 5th Symphony
Luc Baghdassarian and the Orchestra thoroughly welded together accompanied the soloist with remarquable taste and precision. The conductor excels in putting forth the fine points of the orchestration, so skillful a trait of Tchaikovski.
The conductor delivers the 5th Symphony in an interpretation full of energy and finesse, driven by an admirable rythmic pulse… A public deeply moved !
Y. Allaz, Vevey–Hebdo – March 2009
A very personal rendition of the 5th, full of dynamism, of passion imbued with finesse and subtlety, refraining from any pomposity.
V. Breguet-Safarian, music professor and concerts critic – March-April 2009
Stravinsky Auditorium, Montreux (Switzerland) - Union Chorale of Vevey and Lausanne Chamber Orchestra
Coronation Anthems, Haendel and Ut minor Mass, Mozart
The master craftsman of this success, Luc Baghdassarian, knew how to infuse his mark of authentic and profound spirituality into these works and then to inspire all performers : soloists, chorists and instrumentalists of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra ; they were assembled for this event under this attentive guidance. Tremendous acclam !
Y. Allaz, Vevey - Hebdo - January 2009
Castillo Hall, Vevey (Switzerland) - Ribaupierre Orchestra
Scherzo and Concerto for Cello, Lalo - Swan Lake Ballet, Tchaikovsky
Solid cohesion of the Orchestra during the Scherzo and the Concerto. Rigor and lightness emphasizing the choreographic message of Tchaikovsky. We were moved by the poignant beauty of this interpretation.
Y. Allaz, Vevey - Hebdo - December 2008
La Madeleine Church, Paris - Amadeus Choir and Jean-Louis Petit Orchestra
Mozart's Requiem
He directed the Requiem with delight and sincerity. Wide gestures, very beautiful, very efficient. He starts softly with sensibility, increasingly and powerfully heightening the tempo. The spirit is the right one for each theme.
L. Momdjian, International Journal "Nor Giank" (New Life) - August 2008
Victoria Hall, Geneva, and Lausanne Cathedral (Switzerland) - Choir Laudate Deum and Geneva Chamber Orchestra
Ein deutsches Requiem, Brahms
This poignant Death Mass was transcended by both the Choir and the Orchestra under the leadership of Luc Baghdassarian, demanding yet subtle, always surrounded by an aura of great elegance.
Journal "24 Heures" Lausanne - March 2008
Even if Giulini gave you a "few tricks", one still has to know how to feel them in order to interpret them with talent, elegance, temperament, sensibility, authenticity ! You embody this whole group of rare qualities.
Y. Matta, artist - March 2008
St-Martin, Vevey – Union Chorale de Vevey, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
« Great Mass » D 950, Schubert
Luc Baghdassarian’s directing combines intelligence and insight leading to a faithful and balanced execution of this masterpiece.
Scènes de la Riviera, Y. Allaz – February 2008
I admired the suppleness with which the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande magnified the beauty of the score under Luc Baghdassarian’s very legible and limber baton, animated by will commensurate with the expectations.
M. Schaer, previous observer at International Conductors’ Competitions – February 2008
« Great Mass » D 950, Schubert
Luc Baghdassarian’s directing combines intelligence and insight leading to a faithful and balanced execution of this masterpiece.
Scènes de la Riviera, Y. Allaz – February 2008
I admired the suppleness with which the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande magnified the beauty of the score under Luc Baghdassarian’s very legible and limber baton, animated by will commensurate with the expectations.
M. Schaer, previous observer at International Conductors’ Competitions – February 2008
St-Martin Church, Vevey and St-Etienne, Moudon – Union Chorale de Vevey, Orchestre de Chambre du Valais
Christmas Oratorio, Bach, Nrs. 4, 5, 6
The interpretation, particularly inspired and efficient, carried the hallmark of the conductor’s high standard. Luc Baghdassarian deserves all the credit for elevating the performance of this masterpiece to unforeseen interpretative heights.
Vevey hebdo – December 2007
Christmas Oratorio, Bach, Nrs. 4, 5, 6
The interpretation, particularly inspired and efficient, carried the hallmark of the conductor’s high standard. Luc Baghdassarian deserves all the credit for elevating the performance of this masterpiece to unforeseen interpretative heights.
Vevey hebdo – December 2007
La Madeleine Church, Paris – Amadeus Choir, Orchestre Jean-Louis Petit
Mozart’s Requiem
It was a real pleasure to sing under your direction. The Amadeus Choir had an energy which I had rarely witnessed, and this thanks to your own energy…
M. Souty, Soloist – August 2006
Mozart’s Requiem
It was a real pleasure to sing under your direction. The Amadeus Choir had an energy which I had rarely witnessed, and this thanks to your own energy…
M. Souty, Soloist – August 2006
Berner Muenster, Switzerland - Dele Yaman Choir, Ensemble Yaman Consort
Komitas, Fauré’s Requiem
The refinement of his conducting was astounding. I really had the feeling that he was communicating the music of his soul.
"ResMusica.com", Quotidien de la Musique Classique - April 2005
Komitas, Fauré’s Requiem
The refinement of his conducting was astounding. I really had the feeling that he was communicating the music of his soul.
"ResMusica.com", Quotidien de la Musique Classique - April 2005
Vevey Theater – Orchestre de Ribaupierre
An Unforgettable « Fifth »
After the legendary first attack, perfectly rendered, Luc Baghdassarian embarked into an ardent, noble and majestic Beethoven… After the final apotheosis, boldly, destiny had knocked. Talent as well.
La Presse, Bernard Halter – November 2004
An Unforgettable « Fifth »
After the legendary first attack, perfectly rendered, Luc Baghdassarian embarked into an ardent, noble and majestic Beethoven… After the final apotheosis, boldly, destiny had knocked. Talent as well.
La Presse, Bernard Halter – November 2004
St-Séverin Church, Paris - Union Chorale de Vevey, Instrumental Ensemble
Fauré's Requiem
The international assistance at St-Séverin were lucky to see Luc Baghdassarian conducting Fauré's Requiem. We keep the most emotional souvenir of this concert filled with celestial light.
L. Momdjian, Journal HARATCH - June 2004
Fauré's Requiem
The international assistance at St-Séverin were lucky to see Luc Baghdassarian conducting Fauré's Requiem. We keep the most emotional souvenir of this concert filled with celestial light.
L. Momdjian, Journal HARATCH - June 2004
Teatro Verdi Firenze – Orchestra Vincenzo Galilei
Fauré’s Requiem
He not only stands out with his efforts towards tonality during the various interventions of the soloists but with the results he obtains from an excellent orchestra.
La Nazione, Firenze – February 2002
Fauré’s Requiem
He not only stands out with his efforts towards tonality during the various interventions of the soloists but with the results he obtains from an excellent orchestra.
La Nazione, Firenze – February 2002
Master Course (Carlo Maria Giulini) – Orchestra Giovanile Italiana
One of the most talented conductors is Luc Baghdassarian. He is one of the four students graduated by Maestro Giulini, a diploma « ad honorem » which has golden value.
La Stampa – July 2001
One of the most talented conductors is Luc Baghdassarian. He is one of the four students graduated by Maestro Giulini, a diploma « ad honorem » which has golden value.
La Stampa – July 2001
St-Martin, Vevey – Union Chorale de Vevey, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
C-dur Mass, Beethoven
A Napoléon Bonaparte and his fiery baton – if we may use a military metaphor – have conquered the Geneva-based orchestra, without drowning the smooth and continuous flow of the message. Simply stated, it was great art.
Vevey Hebdo – June 2001
C-dur Mass, Beethoven
A Napoléon Bonaparte and his fiery baton – if we may use a military metaphor – have conquered the Geneva-based orchestra, without drowning the smooth and continuous flow of the message. Simply stated, it was great art.
Vevey Hebdo – June 2001
Fiesole Scuola di Musica (Master Course)
During my life as a musician, I have rarely met a young man so inspired and so well endowed with technical background… For the past two years, Luc Baghdassarian has been studying under Maestro Carlo Maria Giulini in a course for conductors and has immediately proven his great knowledge of the repertoire and has shown that he can master the technical and musical requirements.
Piero Farulli, Director – May 2001
During my life as a musician, I have rarely met a young man so inspired and so well endowed with technical background… For the past two years, Luc Baghdassarian has been studying under Maestro Carlo Maria Giulini in a course for conductors and has immediately proven his great knowledge of the repertoire and has shown that he can master the technical and musical requirements.
Piero Farulli, Director – May 2001
Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne
He replaced me on many occasions. Each time, I was impressed by the quality of the contact with the musicians (as well as a pianist and as a conductor), the clearness he obtains and his care regarding the musical expression.
Michel Corboz, Musical Director and High School Professor – February 2000
He replaced me on many occasions. Each time, I was impressed by the quality of the contact with the musicians (as well as a pianist and as a conductor), the clearness he obtains and his care regarding the musical expression.
Michel Corboz, Musical Director and High School Professor – February 2000
Metropole Hall, Lausanne – Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Weber and Mozart
With precise yet majestic movements, he inspired the orchestra with the spirit of his phrasing and the refinement, intensity and fire that drives him.
Artzakank Newspaper – November 1999
Weber and Mozart
With precise yet majestic movements, he inspired the orchestra with the spirit of his phrasing and the refinement, intensity and fire that drives him.
Artzakank Newspaper – November 1999
Yerevan Opera, Armenia – Orchestra and Choir of the Opera
Hindemith, Mozart
We lived unforgettable moments… The young and energetic conductor not only fired the orchestra members with enthusiasm but also succeeded in drawing the audience into the joy of Mozart’s blissful music.
Haik’ Newspaper – October 1997
Hindemith, Mozart
We lived unforgettable moments… The young and energetic conductor not only fired the orchestra members with enthusiasm but also succeeded in drawing the audience into the joy of Mozart’s blissful music.
Haik’ Newspaper – October 1997
Constanza Big Theater, Rumania – Orchestra Symphonica di Constanza
Handel, Bach, Mozart
This young conductor impressed us with his insight into the development of musical ideas, the charm of the orchestral sound and the virtuosity he applied to emphasize each detail.
Telegraph Newspaper, Constanza – March 1996
Handel, Bach, Mozart
This young conductor impressed us with his insight into the development of musical ideas, the charm of the orchestral sound and the virtuosity he applied to emphasize each detail.
Telegraph Newspaper, Constanza – March 1996
Khatchaturian Hall, Yerevan – Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra
Adchemian (creation), Beethoven, Schumann
The musicians reponded to his directing with an astonishing, warm and sincere interpretation.
The Republic of Armenia – Janvier 1996
Adchemian (creation), Beethoven, Schumann
The musicians reponded to his directing with an astonishing, warm and sincere interpretation.
The Republic of Armenia – Janvier 1996
