Armenian State Symphony Orchestra conductor: I also didn't expect to be so warmly received by the audience

I received that news yesterday, which is very binding. Sergey Smbatyan, artistic director and chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, told this to reporters on Thursday—and referring to the decision by the management of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra that he will continue collaboration with this orchestra as its chief conductor.

As reported earlier, after the launching of criminal prosecution against Smbatyan and his respective arrest in Armenia, the management of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra had decided to suspend its contract with him. But Smbatyan's attorney Yervand Varosyan informed today that they received an official notification that according to the decision by the aforesaid orchestra's board of directors, Sergey Smbatyan's tenure will be restored and he will continue collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra as its chief conductor.

Smbatyan noted that the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is state-owned, has a large staff, and its board of directors is unanimous in continuing cooperation with him, which is encouraging for him as a musician.

"We have great achievements with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and they will be continuous. I am glad that they made such a decision," the conductor said.

As for the criminal case launched against him in Armenia, Smbatyan said. "There are some points in life which are facts, but they do not interfere with anything. If there is an objective that is far away but you see it, then everyday problems do not prevent from achieving the idea you believe in. Of course, it is important that I was reinstated to the position of chief conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra; I still have many plans with that orchestra."

Asked if he expected to be greeted in such a way after his preventive measure of house arrest was commuted and he was released, returning to the stage, and the audience welcomed him with a non-stop standing ovation, Sergey Smbatyan responded: "I also didn't expect that they would receive me so warmly, I'm happy about it, it's also binding. If people come to our concerts, know me as a musician, and show that they support, like me, it's really nice and makes more binding.”

And when reporters asked what he was doing during his house arrest, Sergey Smbatyan said: "I was resting. I was trying not to think about anything. Of course I was reading. Also, I learned new symphonies. I am ready for a new concert season."