YEREVAN — A gala concert celebrating the 75th birth anniversary of internationally renowned Armenian opera tenor Gegham Grigoryan was held at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan. The event featured legendary Spanish opera singer, pianist, and conductor Plácido Domingo as the guest of honor.
In her tribute to Grigoryan, one of the most distinguished Armenian opera singers of the 20th century, Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, emphasized that his artistic legacy continues to live on in the memories of generations.
“Gegham Grigoryan’s powerful, velvety, and emotionally expressive tenor voice, along with his commanding stage presence, captivated audiences at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, from La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera,” Andreasyan said.
“This anniversary celebration takes on special significance with the presence of a living legend of opera, the incomparable Plácido Domingo. His participation is not only a tremendous honor but also a testament to the deep respect, genuine friendship, and admiration that Gegham Grigoryan enjoyed among his colleagues on the international stage.”
The minister also highlighted the symbolic significance of Grigoryan’s children continuing his artistic legacy.
“It is both symbolic and moving to see Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, internationally acclaimed soprano Asmik Grigorian, and his son, conductor Vardan Grigoryan, sharing the stage. Together, they continue to uphold the distinguished reputation of the Grigoryan family name and the Armenian traditions of opera and conducting throughout the world,” Andreasyan stated.
Gegham Grigoryan is recognized among the 40 greatest tenors of the 20th century, alongside legendary performers such as Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo.
The gala concert served as a tribute to his memory and extraordinary artistic achievements. The Yerevan audience expressed its enduring admiration and appreciation for Grigoryan’s legacy through a warm reception and enthusiastic applause.
Joining Domingo onstage was Grigoryan’s daughter, internationally acclaimed opera soprano Asmik Grigorian, who has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Milan’s La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, London’s Royal Opera House, the Paris Opera, and the Salzburg Festival.
Grigorian has received numerous international honors, including the International Opera Awards and the Opus Klassik Award. She has also twice been named Singer of the Year by the German opera magazine Opernwelt.
The evening’s musical director and conductor was Gegham Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan.
The commemorative concert celebrated not only the remarkable career of one of Armenia’s most distinguished operatic voices but also the enduring influence of his musical legacy, carried forward by his children and honored by leading figures of the international opera world.
