On August 7, Rut Kesshishyan devoted his whole life to books. This was written by her nephew on the social network Facebook.
“My“ aunt ”Ruth (Kashshishyan, 1944–2025, was born in Cyprus in an Armenian-Kilican family) died yesterday. I hear a lot of worthy words of condolences - from diplomats, historians, impresario, virtuoso violin, national newspapers, deputy minister, as well as from the Moufflon bookstore, with whom she was so inextricably linked - in memory of a wonderful and ardently beloved person, whom I will very much freely humble. She seemed at least twenty to twenty -five years younger than her age, and although a friend (Sevag Seropyan) was so kind that he warned me a few days ago about her serious illness, I still hoped that she would get out. As Alin Andreu expressed concisely and eloquently, Ruth left us a bright legacy of warmth, kindness, modesty, learning and love of culture. Here I will not write another necrologist, but I will simply pay tribute.
Ruth had a positive impact on my life and largely contributed to my musical development from early adolescence and later. She generously lent me a lot of her records (kindly transferred to cassettes by close friends of the family - the late Hayrabed and Mrs. Susy Torosyan), which helped me expand the musical horizons and form my own tastes. Perhaps few people know that Ruth herself studied at Cambridge with Mary Potts (1905–1982) - harpsichordists and an outstanding teacher, students of Arnold Dolmuch, who taught Christopher Hogwood, Colin Tilney and many other stars. Persons such as Gustav Leonhardt and David Manrow often visited Mary’s house, playing her instruments; Mary herself also gave Ruth tools for classes. Thus, Ruth was a musician of outstanding origin and always made insightful, deep remarks, presenting her expertia with ease and modesty. I highly appreciated her judgment.
I know that for many years she taught English literature in Scotland, where, disappointed with the Anglo -centricity of the then program, she tried to include works by Scottish authors, gaining the recognition and love of her students. And then, when others, perhaps, thought about retirement, she returned to Cyprus to revive the Muflon family bookstore - an institution that was much more than just a store: a cultural center, a place of meetings, a publishing house, a refuge, where diplomats, artists, writers, scientists and musicians talked with other books lovers. Particular attention was paid to the history and culture of Cyprus. Each time, coming to the island, I certainly went into the “mufton” - chat, drink coffee and buy books. Ruth often helped me with tips on reading - whether it be a specific English translation by Ariosto or Northern Sagi. Years later, I learned that Ruth, driven by the deepest sense of the mission, at the cost of huge personal and financial The victims managed to preserve the "mufton".
It was a great honor for me to give a lecture at the invitation of Ruth in the OPUS gallery in Nicosia in February 2019 - a very popular and successful event dedicated to a magnificent book exhibition. I could not accept the fee, but Ruth generously insisted that I choose a book in her store. The next day, the courier delivered me the “fatherly Greek vocabulary” with a lamp - a precious volume that I have dreamed about for many years and which still stands on my table in Prague. Despite the solid Protestant faith, Ruth was not fanatical and was often present at worship in the Armenian Orthodox Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nicosia. She deeply appreciated and was well versed in the Armenian and Byzantine traditions of chants. Just a few days ago, she ordered from Brepolsk volume “The materiality of sound in the chants of the East”, dedicated to the Byzantine, Coptic and Armenian chants, learning that I wrote the chapter for him. After official leaving the store (although she was happy to help unofficially there) She had a little more time, and she read with interest my musicological and philological articles, generously sharing remarks and support.
Ruth was a very positive person, infected others with her enthusiasm and gave a good mood. I remember what impression she made to our house when she visited us at first Christmas after the death of my grandmother - transforming the atmosphere with her presence and carols. This quality of Ruth was a rare gift and blessing for everyone who was near her.
God bless her soul! ”
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