NATIONAL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF ARMENIA
History
The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia was founded in 1962 through the initiative and under the artistic leadership of the distinguished violinist Zareh Sahakyants. Thanks to his remarkable artistic vision, charisma, and professional reputation, he brought together a group of dedicated musicians, enabling the orchestra to gain widespread recognition within a short period both in Armenia and internationally.
The rich artistic and performance traditions established by Zareh Sahakyants became the foundation of the orchestra's identity and were further developed under the artistic leadership of Konstantin Baghdasaryan (from 1975) and Ruben Aharonian (from 1982).
A significant milestone in the orchestra's history came in 1997, when it merged with the Yerevan Chamber Orchestra, led by Zaven Vardanyan. This merger resulted in the formation of the present-day National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, with Armenian-American conductor Aram Gharabekian appointed as its Artistic Director.
Under Gharabekian's leadership, the orchestra entered a new creative phase, placing particular emphasis on the promotion and performance of contemporary music. By commissioning and premiering more than forty new works, as well as recording albums dedicated to contemporary Armenian composers, the orchestra has made a significant contribution to the development of Armenia's modern musical culture.
Mission
The mission of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia is to promote and advance chamber music in Armenia while preserving and celebrating both the national and international musical heritage and encouraging contemporary musical creativity.
In pursuit of this mission, the orchestra regularly presents outstanding works from both the classical and contemporary repertoire, fostering a vibrant artistic environment and enriching the cultural experience of its audiences.
The premiere of more than forty new compositions under the artistic leadership of Aram Gharabekian stands as a testament to the orchestra's important role in the development of contemporary music in Armenia.
Achievements
Over the decades, the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia has established itself as one of Armenia's leading musical ensembles, earning widespread recognition from audiences and critics both nationally and internationally.
The orchestra has performed on prestigious stages around the world, proudly representing Armenian performing arts and strengthening its reputation within the international musical community.
It has participated in numerous international festivals, including those held in France, Switzerland, and the United States, consistently receiving critical acclaim for its artistic excellence and outstanding performance standards.
Through its active annual concert season, the orchestra continues to enrich Armenia's cultural life, cultivating audiences' appreciation for classical music and expanding the country's artistic landscape.
Collaborations
Throughout its artistic journey, the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia has built an extensive network of creative collaborations, performing alongside internationally acclaimed soloists and conductors.
The orchestra's stage has brought together artists representing diverse musical traditions and schools of interpretation, fostering a rich and meaningful artistic dialogue. These collaborations have not only enriched the orchestra's artistic identity and performance practice but have also significantly strengthened its international reputation.
Among the distinguished artists who have collaborated with the orchestra are accordionist Richard Galliano, violinists Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabédian, Narek Hakhnazaryan, Nikolay Madoyan, Levon Chilingirian, and Fedor Rudin, saxophonist Federico Mondelci, pianists Giampaolo Campanella and Thomas Pfaff, oboist Giovanni Bortolato, conductors Giuseppe de Lorenzi, Dwight Valdman, Marta Gardolińska, Alain Paris, among many others. The projects realized with these distinguished musicians have become significant milestones in the orchestra's artistic history.
International Tours
Over the years, the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia has successfully represented Armenian musical culture on prestigious international stages, establishing a strong presence within the global classical music community.
The orchestra has performed in the United States, including at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Alex Theatre in Los Angeles; in the United Kingdom at Canterbury Cathedral as part of the Canterbury Festival; and in Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Russia, Cyprus, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, appearing in renowned concert halls and at leading international music festivals.
As part of the commemorative events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 2015, and subsequently in 2016–2017, the orchestra participated in the Cordes et Pics, Puplinge Classique, and Festival des Nuits Pianistiques international festivals, further expanding its distinguished presence on the international music scene.
These international tours have served as important cultural bridges, presenting Armenia's rich musical heritage to audiences worldwide while further enhancing the orchestra's international standing and artistic reputation.
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor: Vag Papian
Branch manager: Felix Baburyan
