The events, press conferences and meetings-lectures held within the framework of STARMUS International Festival continued in Armenia.
Brian May and Diane Ackerman, laureates of the Stephen Hawking Order, spoke at the press conference.
Brian May referred to the upcoming performance with the children’s choir of the Tavush diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church on 7 September, within the framework of the festival. The musician specially emphasized that performances with children are primarily an exchange of emotions, and not a strict approach to performance skills. “I didn’t want them to feel tension, and I decided to make minimal changes during rehearsals. They should not feel pressured. And we, the musicians, will step out of our comfort zone during this concert, and that’s even good. We will be able to try what we would never try on other stages,” May said.
May noted that he is the first time in Armenia, – “Since the earthquake, I have been very concerned about the fate of Armenia, there were many cases that I wanted to come to Armenia in cooperation with other musicians. This time I am finally in Armenia, and it can be said that it is the realization of my dream.” The musician of the Queen band remembered with special warmth the joint work with Jivan Gasparyan during the recordings of the filming of the movie “Gladiator”.
Yesterday, YSU hosted world-famous Swiss astrophysicist, Nobel laureate Michel Mayor among the lectures held within the framework of STARMUS.
Students had a unique opportunity to listen to a lecture by an eminent scientist about space objects, including Major’s discovery of the sun-like exoplanet “51 Pegasi b”, and its role in the further development of astronomy.
The American University in Armenia hosted Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory systems engineer Nagin Cox, who shared her rich experience with the students.
At the National Laboratory named after Alikhanyan, the former President of the International Astronomical Union, Ewine F. van Dishoeck, gave a lecture on the creation of stars, planets and life components in space.
“I saw enormous potential in Armenia, especially in the field of astronomy. Byurakan Observatory has played a huge role in world astronomy for many years. I also saw something else. During “STARMUS” I saw many enthusiastic young people, and I think that they are the real future of Armenia,” said the scientist.
Lectures were also held at the National Polytechnic and Agrarian Universities of Armenia, as well as at the TUMO Creative Center.
The Conference “Discover the Universe and Change the World” was held in the sports and concert complex named after Karen Demirchyan within the framework of the festival, which was attended by famous scientists Tony Fadell, the world’s third female Nobel laureate Donna Strickland, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Maurine Raymont, Jean-Jacques Dordain, Bernhard Schölkopf, Kurt Wüthrich, David Zambuka.
