With the support of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of renowned Armenian tenor and opera singer Gegham Grigoryan will be held at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
The concert’s special guest will be Plácido Domingo, the world-renowned Spanish operatic tenor, pianist and conductor, and a longtime friend and stage partner of Gegham Grigoryan. Joining Domingo on stage will be Grigoryan’s daughter, Hasmik Grigoryan, one of the most acclaimed opera singers of our time. The concert’s music director and conductor will be Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan.
Ahead of the concert, a press conference was held at the Opera Theatre, attended by ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan; Theatre Director Karen Durgaryan; tenor Plácido Domingo; and Gegham Grigoryan’s children, Hasmik and Vardan Grigoryan.
Yerevan as a classical music hub for COP17 participants
ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the significance of appropriately commemorating the anniversaries of distinguished artists, emphasizing that the spiritual and cultural legacy they leave behind serves as a guiding force in society.
“At a time when Yerevan is becoming a global capital, hosting the COP17 conference, I believe this wonderful concert marking Gegham Grigoryan’s 75th anniversary, bringing together some of the most prominent figures in opera, will also make our capital a hub of classical music for the international guests arriving in Yerevan,” the Minister said.
Zhanna Andreasyan expressed her special gratitude to Plácido Domingo, Gegham Grigoryan’s family, and the leadership of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre for initiating the event.
Art knows no borders
“We are always delighted to welcome you to Armenia, and I am confident that your close friendship and shared artistic experience with Gegham Grigoryan will be an important testament to the significance of your presence here. I am sure a wonderful evening awaits admirers of your art, and I would like to express my gratitude for that. The participation of Gegham Grigoryan’s own family adds a special dimension to the evening, making it even warmer and more moving.
“Of course, I would also like to thank Mr. Durgaryan, who, as he so often does, has brought everyone together under the welcoming roof of the Opera Theatre, once again demonstrating that art knows no borders and that people unite around the values that truly matter,” the Minister stated. She added that the concert would offer young artists performing on the same stage as internationally renowned stars an invaluable and unparalleled experience and opportunity.
Zhanna Andreasyan also emphasized that, as a result of the Government’s consistent policies and the sustained efforts of cultural institutions, international cooperation in the cultural sector continues to expand. The upcoming concert at the Opera Theatre is yet another testament to this progress.
“Gegham Grigoryan had a wonderful voice” — Plácido Domingo
World-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo shared fond memories of Gegham Grigoryan.
“Gegham Grigoryan had a wonderful voice. I particularly remember his performances at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and elsewhere. They were impressive performances,” Domingo said.
“This is our family’s story, to be told from the Opera stage”
Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, Hasmik Grigoryan, welcomed those present and expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and the Opera Theatre for initiating the event.
“This is not just a concert; it is our family’s story, which will be told from the Opera stage. The most important lesson my father taught me was this: music matters, loving what you do matters, too, but above all, being a good person is what matters most,” Hasmik Grigoryan said.
Gegham Grigoryan’s son, Vardan Grigoryan, the concert’s music director and conductor, also delivered words of appreciation. He shared personal memories of his father, noting that Gegham Grigoryan was a different person on stage than he was within the family.
Commemorative medals presented to Plácido Domingo and Hasmik Grigoryan
Karen Durgaryan, Director of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, presented commemorative medals to Plácido Domingo and Hasmik Grigoryan in recognition of their special participation in the events marking Gegham Grigoryan’s 75th anniversary.
In Karen Durgaryan’s view, honoring the distinguished singer should include establishing an international competition or festival in his name.
“Gegham Grigoryan was among the first to pave the way for young artists to reach the grand stage. He was a figure of such stature that his name must be passed down to future generations, preserving his legacy through a competition or festival,” Durgaryan said.
The gala concert will take place at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre on October 16 at 7:00 p.m. It will bring together members of Gegham Grigoryan’s family, his students and prominent international opera artists to celebrate his artistic legacy and honor his memory.