Bella Papikyan, the UAE’s first female kanun player, on her artistic journey

Bella Papikyan is the first professional qanun player in the United Arab Emirates. However, that’s not what she’s famous for. What really brought attention to Papikyan as an artist and as a personality was his collaboration with world-renowned cellist Stjepan Hauser. His duets with the world-class musician and cello wizard sparked a wave of attention and admiration from millions of followers across the web, moving audiences in Armenia, the UAE and across the world . I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Papikyan via email about his artistic journey, his widely discussed collaboration with Hauser, his reception by Armenian audiences, and the prospects of qanun in contemporary music.

Milena Baghdasaryan (MB): What brought you to the world of qanun? What were your first steps?

Bella Papikian (BP): I took my first steps in the music industry at the age of six. My biggest inspiration was my father who plays the traditional kamancha instrument. He encouraged and inspired me to choose this very unique instrument.

MB: How did your collaboration with Stjepan Hauser begin and what was the inspiration behind your joint performances?

AP: A few years ago in an interview I was asked about the artist I would dream of playing with and I mentioned Hauser. I am thrilled to share that my dream has since come true. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Hauser when he was in the UAE and we collaborated for the first time. This experience was not only an important step in my musical journey, but also a testament to the power of pursuing one’s aspirations. The collaboration was a memorable fusion of our artistic visions, and I am grateful to have the chance to work with such a talented musician.

MB: What motivated you to request a collaboration with Hauser and how did you feel when he accepted your proposal?

AP: In every person’s life, there are inevitable ups and downs, and I went through a period where I struggled with a lack of motivation and lost sight of my goal. During this difficult period, I learned that Hauser was in Dubai and I took the initiative to contact him to offer a collaboration. I was delighted when he responded quickly, expressing interest in the idea. Our collaboration yielded remarkable results, as the video we created together garnered over 27 million views on his Instagram account, making it the most viewed post on his platform. This experience not only reignited my passion for music, but also reaffirmed the importance of seizing opportunities and connecting with other artists.

MB: Can you share some insights into the creative process behind your music videos with Hauser, particularly the “Love Story” series? In general (even when performing alone), what does your creative process look like when selecting songs or compositions for your performances?

PA: The first piece we performed together was “Historia de Un Amor,” which translates to “Love Story” in Spanish. I suggested this particular song for our first collaboration, and it turned out to be a smashing success. Following this, we decided to embark on a series of ‘Love Stories’, many of which received fantastic feedback and attracted considerable attention. In my solo performances, I am drawn to romantic and evocative music that resonates deeply within me, because I believe that music must first touch my heart before it can connect with my audience. I am very selective and detail-oriented, striving for perfection in every aspect of my clips, from my outfit to my chosen location. Once I have meticulously planned and visualized the project in my mind and am confident in its potential for success, I proceed with the audio recording.

MB: The reaction of the Armenian public to your performance with Hauser is rather positive, but there are inevitably also negative comments. How do you personally perceive and handle this criticism?

PA: In response to feedback on my music videos, I really appreciate the positive comments, as they reflect the hard work and creativity that went into the project. At the same time, I recognize that my work will not appeal to everyone, and that is a natural part of any artistic journey. Negative feedback can be difficult, but I view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Ultimately, I understand that art is subjective, and while I strive to create content that connects with my audience, it’s impossible to please everyone.

MB: As a musician with a background in both traditional Armenian music and contemporary styles, how do you blend these influences into your performances with the qanun?

AP: Blending traditional and contemporary styles in my performances is a dynamic and rewarding process. When I play my traditional instrument, I start by incorporating traditional techniques and motifs that pay homage to my roots. Then I experiment with contemporary elements, such as modern beats, harmonies and electronic effects, to create a fresh and engaging experience. This fusion allows me to highlight the versatility of my instrument while appealing to those who appreciate modern music. I believe that by connecting these two worlds, I can create a richer narrative and invite listeners to discover the beauty of both traditions. My goal is to foster a dialogue between the past and the present, celebrating cultural heritage while fostering innovation.

MB: Could you describe some of the challenges you encountered while mastering qanun and how you overcame them?

PA: One of the main challenges I faced was the complexity of traditional techniques, which required years of practice and patience. At first, I struggled to achieve the accuracy needed for complex passages, often feeling frustrated when my progress didn’t match my expectations. To overcome this problem, I adopted a structured practice routine that included breaking difficult sections into manageable segments. I also sought advice from experienced mentors who provided valuable information and feedback, helping me refine my technique. Another challenge was balancing traditional styles with contemporary influences. It was important for me to stay true to my roots while exploring modern expressions. To solve this problem, I experimented with different genres, allowing me to innovate without losing the essence of my instrument.

MB: What are some of your favorite compositions or musical pieces to perform on the qanun, and why are they special to you?

AP: Some of my favorite compositions come from the rich tapestry of traditional Armenian music, as well as timeless works by classical composers. Traditional Armenian music holds a special place in my heart because it connects me to my cultural heritage. A composer who particularly touches me is Komitas. His ability to preserve and elevate traditional Armenian folk music is remarkable. One of the pieces is “Shushiki”. Besides traditional music, I am deeply inspired by the works of classical composers such as Bach, Chopin, modern composer Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi and many others. Together, these influences shape the art, allowing me to draw on the depth of my heritage while exploring the emotional landscapes created by classical composers. They remind me of the universal language of music and the connections we share through it.

MB: How do you see the evolving role of qanun in contemporary music, both in Armenia and around the world?

AP: The role of the qanun in contemporary music is evolving in exciting ways. Traditionally, the qanun is the cornerstone of Armenian folk music, providing melodic and harmonic support to various ensembles. However, its unique sound and versatility are increasingly being adopted in modern musical contexts. Globally, qanun is gaining recognition beyond Armenian music. His distinctive timbre and playing techniques are present in world music, fusion and even film scores. Musicians from diverse backgrounds are discovering the expressive capabilities of the instrument and integrating it into their own works, enriching the global musical landscape.

MB: How has your Armenian heritage influenced your musical journey and how do you incorporate elements of Armenian culture into your performances?

AP: Growing up surrounded by the sounds of traditional Armenian music, I developed a strong connection to my cultural roots, which nourishes my artistry and creative expression. Additionally, I strive to tell stories through my music that reflect Armenian history, folklore and experiences. This approach allows me to create a unique sound that resonates with both those familiar with Armenian music and those discovering it for the first time. Ultimately, my Armenian heritage is a source of pride and inspiration, guiding my musical path and allowing me to honor my roots while continually evolving as an artist.

MB: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations that excite you?

AP: I have so many projects coming up that I honestly don’t want to talk about until they happen. Many concerts and collaborations are on their way to be delivered to my audience. Stay tuned!

MB: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those who want to explore traditional instruments like the qanun? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

PA: To aspiring musicians, I would offer the following advice. Embrace your heritage; practice diligently; learn from masters; experiment and innovate; collaborate with other musicians; share your journey; and stay true to yourself. By following these principles, aspiring musicians can not only improve their skills with qanun but also contribute to the preservation and evolution of traditional music.

Milena Baghdasaryan graduated from UWC Changshu China. Since the age of 11, she has written articles for a local newspaper called Kanch (“Call”). At the age of 18, she published her first novel on Granish.org and created her own blog, Taghandi Hetqerov (“In Pursuit of Talent”), a portal dedicated to interviews with talented young Armenians from around the world. Baghdasaryan believes that telling stories, traveling and learning new languages ​​are essential to help explore the world, connect with others and discover oneself. After completing her BA in Cinema and New Media at New York University Abu Dhabi, Milena is currently enrolled in an advanced Master of Arts program in European Interdisciplinary Studies at the College of Europe Natolin.