Arax Mansourian - “Krunk“ (Komitas)

Soghomon Gevorgi Soghomonyan, commonly known as Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935) was an Armenian priest, composer, choir leader, singer, music ethnologist, music pedagogue and musicologist. Many regard him as the founder of modern Armenian classical music. Komitas lost his mind after witnessing the 1915 Armenian Genocide and is considered a martyr of the genocide. This song “Krunk” (The Crane) is one of the unique historical examples of pilgrim songs that Komitas saved from oblivion. Crane, whence do you come? Let me listen for your voice. Crane, have you any news from our homeland? You did not give me an answer, you left me and went away. Crane, go away, fly away, far away from our homeland. Following a wonderful career as the best-known and loved operatic soprano in Armenia, Arax Mansourian, moved to Australia and was quickly added to the Guest Artist list with Opera Australia. Her roles with Opera Australia included Liu, Káťa Kabanová, Santuzza, Eli