On June 12, world famous Canadian-Armenian operatic soprano, soloist of the New York Metropolitan Opera House Isabel Bayrakdaryan visited the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia.

Receiving the guest, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan highly appreciated the singer’s achievements and her contributions to world opera. The Minister attached importance to Isabel’s efforts to stay true to her roots and national identity and to perform Armenian religious songs and the songs of Komitas at prestigious opera houses around the world.

“You were born in Lebanon and moved to Canada where you pursued your studies and immediately charmed Canadian audiences with your God-given voice. You have received the First Prize at Domingo’s Operalia Competition and the Gold Medal of the Queen of England, your album has been recognized as the best in Canada and you collaborate with the world’s best philharmonic orchestras. Throughout the journey, you have preserved your Armenian last name-Bayrakdarian. Many people around the world have recognized the Armenian people and culture and learned about Armenia through you. I am glad that you provide your sons with an Armenian upbringing as well,” the Minister of Diaspora highlighted.

The Minister stated that the singer had gladly accepted the offers to perform in Armenia in spite of her busy schedule and has performed with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra during her visits to Armenia.

“Currently, she is in the Homeland again and is a member of the jury for the 13^th Aram Khachaturian International Music Competition. It was my pleasure to invite her to participate in the solemn opening ceremony of the 6^th Armenia-Diaspora Pan-Armenian Conference to be held in September 2017,” Minister Hranush Hakobyan mentioned.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan awarded Isabel Bayrakdarian with the Komitas Medal of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for disseminating Armenian arts in the Diaspora, her high mastery in creating and performing in that sphere and making a contribution to the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership through her activities.

The world famous soprano expressed gratitude for the cordial reception and mentioned that receiving the award was a pleasant surprise and an honor for her. “No matter which Armenian community I have visited, I have always visited Armenian churches and performed Armenian spiritual songs. My identity is very important for me. The Minister was right when she talked about my last name. Throughout my career on stage, people have always had a hard time reading and pronouncing my last name, but this hasn’t disturbed me, and I haven’t changed it,” the singer mentioned, adding the following: “My soul, that is, the soul of an Armenian “sings” on stage.”

The singer also answered questions from the participants of the meeting and performed the lullaby composed by Komitas.