A gala concert marking the 75th anniversary of the birth of Gegham Grigoryan, the legendary tenor and one of the most distinguished figures in world opera, was held at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The special guest of the evening was opera star Plácido Domingo, the renowned Spanish tenor, pianist and conductor.
In her tribute to Gegham Grigoryan, one of the most celebrated Armenian opera singers of the 20th century, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted that his artistry continues to live on in the memory of generations.
“Gegham Grigoryan’s powerful, velvety and expressive tenor voice, together with his commanding stage presence, captivated audiences in the world’s most prestigious opera houses, from La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera. The anniversary evening takes on special significance with the presence of the living legend of opera, the incomparable Plácido Domingo. His participation is not only a great honor but also a powerful testament to the profound respect, sincere friendship and admiration Gegham Grigoryan enjoyed among his peers on the international stage. It is both symbolic and deeply moving to see Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, internationally acclaimed soprano Hasmik Grigoryan, and his son, conductor Vardan Grigoryan, standing side by side on stage. They continue to uphold the prestige of the Grigoryan name and bring global recognition to the Armenian operatic and conducting traditions,” the Minister said.
Gegham Grigoryan, the renowned Armenian tenor, was included among the 40 greatest tenors of the 20th century, alongside such illustrious figures as Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo. The gala concert paid tribute to his memory, as the Yerevan audience once again expressed its admiration for his artistry with heartfelt warmth and enthusiastic applause.
Joining Plácido Domingo on the opera house stage was Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, opera singer Hasmik Grigoryan, who has performed at some of the world’s leading venues, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera and the Salzburg Festival. Hasmik Grigoryan is a recipient of the International Opera Awards and the Opus Klassik award and has been named singer of the year twice by ‘Opernwelt’ magazine.
The evening’s musical director and conductor was Gegham Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan.