"Bringing out the soul of the apricot tree"

My name is Nonna Aroutiounian, and I am currently attending the University of British Columbia. I am studying in the Faculty of Music majoring in a Bachelor of Music Performance degree. My primary instrument is the Clarinet. I am also taking lessons in piano, courses in the field of Western Music History and Music. I participate in large ensemble groups such as the UBC Symphony Orchestra and the UBC Wind Ensemble, as well as chamber groups, such as quintets and trios.

I was born in Moscow, Russia, and lived in Central Siberia before coming to Canada in 1995. My mother is Russian and my father is Armenian for five generations as he likes to reiterate from time to time. Since I was a child, I remember wanting to learn a musical instrument. I was first tested on my music abilities when I was five and was attending group daycare in Krasnoyarsk. The music teacher who came to the daycare centre told my mother that I had music gift and that she was to seriously consider enrolling me into music classes. My parents were sceptical at first and decided that time would tell if my interest continues.

When we came to Canada and I was enrolled in the elementary system, I became very interested in woodwind instruments. Because my family did not have a lot of money, I could not get private lessons or even buy an instrument, it was too much of an expense. One day after listening to me playing a recorder for three hours straight my parents gave up. They agreed to hire a student teacher from UBC to come to our home once a week for an hour and teach me how to play “the real instrument”. I chose the Clarinet out of the love for its beautiful sound. So my musical education began when I was twelve years old.

Since that time, I knew that I wanted to pursue a musical career. The only obstacle in the way of this dream was the financial burden of a costly university education. Before graduating from high school, I applied for scholarship programs hoping to get some money. Thanks to my dedication, hard work and support from my family, I received enough money to fund the first year of my education.

One day, my parents were watching a video. From the other room, I heard the most amazing sound, which turned out to be a recording of Jivan Gasparian playing the Duduk. My father told me about the instrument and its history. He also told me that when he was a little boy he lived next door to the master who made the instruments himself. This person was so well known and respected that the best Armenian musicians bought his instruments and called him Varpet.

I was amazed that even now every single instrument is hand-made and has a unique voice. I instantly fell in love with its sound and soul. Everything about it drew me in, the timbre, the beautiful folk melodies and the rich history it represented.  It became really important to me to learn this instrument, not only for its beauty and for my love of music, but to learn more about my own background and expose the instrument and its importance to Armenia to others. With my knowledge of music and the Clarinet, I think I can apply some of the skills I have learned to the Duduk.

There will be many challenges in learning such a unique and beautiful instrument, but I look forward to dedicating my efforts and passion to bringing out the soul of the apricot tree.

Nonna Aroutiounian, Vancouver

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