Renowned choirmaster, conductor, People’s Artist of the USSR Ohannes Chekidjian spent his birthday (Dec. 23) conducting the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Academic Choir of Armenia at Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. Among the attendees were RA First Lady Rita Sargsyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Chairman of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan, RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan and other officials.

By the decree of the NA Chairman, Ohannes Chekidjian was granted the Medal of Honor of the National Assembly for his great contribution to the sphere of culture and on the occasion of his 85^th anniversary. “Every year on this day we gather and rush to congratulate the maestro. A couple of days ago, the governmental commission for the 85^th anniversary convened a session at the government to pay tribute to the maestro. While we were trying to express ourselves, the maestro was in the forefront with his ideas and dreams. Chekidjian is so daring! Whatever he says, he says it with confidence. When we say the State A Cappella, we picture Chekidjian, and vice versa. We all agree that the choir performs brilliantly and is exceptional. Armenia has many choirs and there will be more in the future, but Chekidjian will always have his special place,” said RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan, reports “ArmenPress”.

Congratulating Ohannes Chekidjian, Rector of Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory Shahen Shahinyan emphasized the fact that starting in 2014, the Conservatory will be granting the Chekidjian Scholarship to the best students in choir direction. “I take great pride in that and it is a great honor for me. I was very proud to receive this medal. I express my gratitude for this award. The Prime Minister has done everything possible to make sure that I enjoy the year, and I’m very grateful to him for that. Allow me to respond to all this with my music and “pass my test”,” said Ohannes Chekidjian as he expressed gratitude for the kind words before the concert. The maestro conducted the performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s works during the concert.

Among other performers were Barsegh Tumanyan, Irina Zakyan, Pertch Karazyan, Sona Movsesyan, Manush Harutyunyan, Sargis Aghamalyan, Poghos Beazbekyan and Zohrab Zohrabyan. On Dec. 20, the governmental commission led by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan held a session devoted to the program of events dedicated to the 85^th anniversary of conductor, choirmaster, artistic director and principal conductor of the State Academic Choir of Armenia, People’s Artist of the USSR Ohannes Chekidjian and mentioned that the events would continue in 2014.

Renowned choirmaster, conductor, People’s Artist of the USSR, recipient of the State Awards of the ASSR and USSR, recipient of the Movses Khorenatsi Medal Ohannes Chekidjian was born in Istanbul and graduated from the local conservatory. Chekidjian went on to study at the Ecol Normal d’ Musique in Paris and graduated from the Higher Department of Istanbul Conservatory as well. Chekidjian started pursuing his career by conducting the symphony orchestra of Istanbul. He has been the musical director of the opera theater and later the principal conductor of the state orchestra. In 1957, Chekidjian founded the Chekidjian Armenian Choir in Istanbul. After moving to Soviet Armenia in 1961, Chekidjian took the office of artistic director and principal conductor of the State Academic Choir of Armenia and presented the unique force and charm of Armenian song. For a while, the renowned maestro also conducted and directed the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan. Since 1975, Professor Chekidjian has been lecturing at Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory and has been transmitting his knowledge to the young generation. The renowned choirmaster has given concerts in all republics of the former USSR and several countries around the world. Chekidjian has also composed several vocal and symphonic compositions.

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