Anna Mayilyan: Grigor Naregatsi · 10th Century Sacred Songs - Produced by the Naregatsi Art Institute

The CD includes nine sacred songs by Narekatsi presented by talented performer of Armenian sacred music Anna Mayilyan.
Anna Mayilyan, singer, mezzo soprano, was born in Yerevan, in 1970. Anna studied at R. Melikyan Music School and at the Komitas State Conservatory, where she received her post-graduate vocal education. She has been specialized in vocal music at the Academies in Poland, France and Romania. She is a laureate of some republican and international competitions. Since 1996 she has been a soloist in the St. Katoghike Church of Kotayk Diocese. She has been a Professor at Komitas State Conservatory since 1999. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the “Ethno-Vocal Trio” since 2006. Her repertoire involves European ancient music and works of German, French, Italian and Russian composers, as well as works of Armenian folk and spiritual, classical and modern composers. In 2003 she was awarded the Gold medal of the RA Ministry of Culture. In 2008 she was awarded the title of the RA Honored Artist.
Gregory of Narek, a 10th century Armenian theologian, poet, musician and mystical philosopher was born in the village of Narek in Vaspurakan province of Great Armenia, to a family of scholar and clergyman Khosrov Andzevatsi. He lost his mother at an early age. His father enrolled him at the monastery of Narek under the guidance of the abbot and great philosopher Anania of Narek, a philosopher. Here Gregory acquired comprehensive knowledge and was ordained a monk. He dedicated the rest of his life to Narekavank. There are many legends about Narekatsi describing him as a virtuous and humble clergyman, great humanist and theologian. They tell of the miraculous power of his words and prayers, calling him "Divine Vardapet" and the ''Chrysostom (golden mouth) of all Chrysostoms''. St. Gregory of Narek passed away almost immediately after finishing his "Book of Lamentations" in 1003, and was buried in the monastery of Narek. His tomb has been a shrine and a place of pilgrimage for centuries.