Echoes of Araspel: An Intimate Saturday Evening at St. Pancras

Join award-winning pianist Laura Farré Rozada for an extraordinarily rare musical experience, above the London skyline. Nestled inside the historic, breathtaking clock tower of St. Pancras, this exclusive Saturday evening concert welcomes just 30 guests into a world of myth, folklore, and breathtaking virtuosity.

The evening centers around Araspel (meaning "myth" or "fable"), a curated journey heavily rooted in the rich tapestry of Armenian heritage and its musical crossroads. Framed by Claude Debussy’s masterpiece Pour le piano, the program bridges Western impressionism with Eastern European and Armenian mysticism.

Guests will be the first in the country to experience an incredible five UK premieres, featuring the intricate rhythms of Bulgarian composer Dimitar Nenov and the brilliant, rarely-heard works of Gayane Chebotarian and Alexander Spendiaryan. From the haunting folk-inspired miniatures of Komitas to the soaring passion of Arno Babadjanian, this is a program of immense color and emotional depth.

Set against the panoramic backdrop of twilight London, this candle-lit, intimate performance promises to be an unforgettable synthesis of historic architecture and pioneering musicianshi

ARASPEL: PROGRAMME

Laura Farré Rozada, piano

Komitas (1869-1935): Seven Songs for Piano (1911)

1. I am a Girl (i.)

Dimitar Nenov (1901-1953)

2. Toccata (1939) – UK premiere

Komitas (1869-1935): Dances (1906)

3. Shushiki (iv.)

4. Yet-araj (v.)

Alexander Spendiaryan (1871-1928): Crimean Sketches, Op. 9 (1903)

5. Chanson élégiaque (ii.) – UK premiere

Gayane Chebotarian (1918-1998): 6 Preludes (1948)

6. Prelude No. 6, Allegro – UK premiere

Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Pour le piano (1894-1901)

7. Prélude

8. Sarabande

9. Toccata

Gayane Chebotarian (1918-1998): 6 Preludes (1948)

10. Prelude No. 4, Allegro grazioso – UK premiere

Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000)

11. Armenian Folk Song No. 12, Op. 43 (1943)

12. Mystic Flute, Op. 22 (1941, rev. c.1962)

Gayane Chebotarian (1918-1998): 6 Preludes (1948)

13. Prelude No. 1, Andante – UK premiere

Arno Babadjanian (1921-1983): 4 Pieces, Op. 1 (1936)

14. Impromptu, “Exprompt”