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President of Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe Ashot Grigorian sent a letter to Artistic director of Semper Opera Ball Hans-Joachim Frey, asking for clarifications regarding the cancellation of the performance of renowned Armenian singer Ruzan Mantashyan at the planned Semper Opera Ball in February.

According to media reports, Armenia’s Ruzan Mantashyan was invited to perform at The Semper Opera Ball and was scheduled to sing a duet with an American tenor; however, he was unavailable to perform. As a result, the opera house replaced the American tenor with Azerbaijan’s Yusif Eyvazov. The latter reportedly refused to share the stage with Mantashyan, citing her nationality and demanded she be fired from the program.

‘’You have not given any relevant reason for withdrawing from the cooperation. My understanding is that there is no other reason than the one that has leaked to the public and which is destroying your own and the entire event’s reputation in Europe. In addition, such situations merely generate further guesswork and give rise to suspicion of what may be behind your decision, including serious suspicions of corruption, or doubts about your personal understanding of tolerance towards cultural and ethnic diversity in social and cultural life,” the letter read in part.

“The present state of affairs is very serious and requires giving a consistent explanation and
drawing consequences. Indifference to such issues has already cost Europe severe damage.
With my expectations of satisfaction of truth and provision of righteousness,” added FAAE President.

It is noted that a number of renowned European-Armenian musicians and figures collaborating with the FAAE have joined the FAAE Presidency letter, Sergey Khachatryan (violinist, Germany), Barsegh Tumanyan (singer, Kazakhstan), Arthur Aharonyan (composer, France)
Lusine Khachatryan (pianist, Germany), Bishop Tyran Petrosyan (Bishop, Leader of the Armenian Church of Central Europe and Scandinavia, Austria), Hrachuhi Bassents (singer, Germany) among them.