Guy Manoukian draws musical inspiration from different cultures

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-01-20

[BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images] Lebanese-Armenian pianist Guy Manoukian

In record time, the Lebanese-Armenian composer and pianist Guy Manoukian has found his way to international prominence. He says his award-winning music combines Arabic-Armenian melody with a classical flavour, distinguished by collaboration with international artists such as Haitian-American Wyclef Jean.

Manoukian spoke with Al-Shorfa about various topics, including meeting with international artist Shakira. The Latin American star was impressed with his music and may join the list of performers collaborating with him in the future.

Al-Shorfa: First, talk about your meeting with the artist of Lebanese origin Shakira.

Manoukian: I met Shakira in New York while recording my song with Wyclef Jean. She came into the studio as we were listening to the one of the songs from the "On Tour" album, which has an Eastern flavour, and she was impressed by it.

Al-Shorfa: Did this meeting result in plans for a future collaboration?

Manoukian: It's too early to talk about collaboration, as negotiations are underway with one of her producers. I prefer not say anything until there is something serious in place.

Al-Shorfa: You recently took part in the international Beiteddine Festival where you were accompanied by the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. What did this experience add to your artistic career?

Manoukian: I feel this was an important step in my life as well as a major, very successful experience, so the concert was successful on all levels.

Al-Shorfa: You also achieved such success with your last album, "Assouman."

Manoukian: True. This album—many parts of which I performed at Beiteddine Festival and for which my preparation and production by EMI spanned two years—ranked first on the "Top" list for 14 weeks.

Al-Shorfa: It is a notable turning point in your music. How did you reach international artist status?

Manoukian: I had taken a certain aspect of my music from my cultural background, which combined Arabic, Armenian, and foreign [influences]. After practicing to develop my music, I succeeded in bringing together Arab and Armenian music based on a contemporary arrangement, and I consider this a turning point in my artistic career.

Al-Shorfa: What does this fusion of music from various schools reflect?

Manoukian: This music, or this new musical style, simply reflects the unique and distinct music of my identity and Armenian culture which was the starting point for my playing the piano but according to a modern arrangement that draws inspiration from the classical soul of this music, whether Eastern or Armenian. This is evident on the albums I recorded and their Eastern music orientation.

Al-Shorfa: Along with waiting to see what the future holds regarding collaboration with Shakira, what about collaboration with other international artists?

Manoukian: So far I have collaborated with Wyclef Jean on his "On Tour" album, and I collaborated with American rapper 50 Cent as well as the composer and musician Raul de Palacio and artist Mario Reyes of the band "Gypsy Kings." As for the future, I will collaborate with a number of international artists.

Al-Shorfa: What about working with Lebanese artists?

Manoukian: I'm currently focusing on collaborating with international artists.

Al-Shorfa: Does this mean more success to come?

Manoukian: I hope so, especially since it's not impossible. The proof is that when I performed my first concert at age 16 I did not expect there to be more than 400 people in attendance. With more than 1,000 people there, that evening was the first success I achieved in my life, and I relish it. And it consequently led me to continue in this way, always striving to achieve success bringing in Arab and international awards.

Al-Shorfa: What is the most significant award you have received to date?

Manoukian: The most significant award, and the one closest to my heart, is the one I received in Los Angeles at the Armenian Music Awards for Best Dance Music Album. Also the Arabic Music Award at the 2003 Dubai Festival for the album "Arabic Dance Music" and the Tune of the Year Award for my album "Harem," which I received in Lebanon in 2002.

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