The Atken Armenian Foundation (AAF) is proud to spotlight five extraordinary young artists in Armenia who have received scholarships and prizes from generous donors. These awards recognize their hard work, dedication, and immense talent while providing vital support to help them achieve their dreams in either classical and Armenian folk music, or both!
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Samvel Zakoyan: A Rising Kemancha Virtuoso
Samvel Zakoyan, a 17-year-old kemancha player from the border town of Vardenis, is once again this year’s recipient of the Terjanian Prize, donated by Me Richard W. Elliott and Dre Lena Terjanian of Montreal. Samvel’s musical journey in 2024 has been nothing short of inspiring.
This summer, he participated in the Zartonk Academy and performed at the inaugural Canada Day celebrations hosted by the new Canadian Embassy in Yerevan. His performance was attended by Ambassador Andrew Turner, and stipends for participants were generously provided by the embassy.
Later in the year, as a student of the Komitas State Conservatory, Samvel made it to the finals of the prestigious Classical Eurovision Song Contest for Junior Musicians, earning significant recognition on Armenian television. He concluded his remarkable year with an invitation to perform at the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) 21st Annual Holiday Gala, where an impressive $7 million was raised for important projects.
Margarita Gasparyan: Weaving Melodies on the Qanon
Margarita Gasparyan, a 21-year-old qanon player and student at the Komitas State Conservatory, has been dazzling audiences with her talent and dedication. Margarita participated in the Canada Day concert also and has been a key part of the Zartonk Academies in Artsakh (2022) and Yerevan (2024).
For the past few years, Margarita’s education and development have been generously sponsored by Gregory Spendjian and Donna Cochran of Vancouver Island. This crucial support helps cover most of her tuition costs at the Conservatory, enabling her to focus on perfecting her craft. Read more about Margarita here!
Avetis Eskenian: Flutopia in Armenia
Avetis Eskenian, a 17-year-old flutist studying under Narek Avagyan, the principal flutist of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, is quickly making a name for himself. Recognized as one of Armenia’s most promising flutists, Avetis benefits from this prize again this year thanks to a special fundraiser during Linda Gumuchian’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in Vancouver this past September.
This prize will support Avetis by covering travel and tuition expenses for participation in competitions and masterclasses, a crucial step in furthering his musical development. Avetis participated in Zartonk 2019 (Vanadzor) and Zartonk 2024 (in Yerevan). Narek Avagyan predicts that Avetis has the potential to become one of Armenia’s next big flute stars.
Maria Davtyan: A Voice of Resilience
Maria Davtyan, a talented 21-year-old soprano, has shown incredible strength and resilience. Displaced from Artsakh with her family, Maria is now pursuing her studies at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan under the guidance of renowned soprano Anna Mayilyan.
Maria has participated in the Zartonk Academies in Artsakh (2022) and Yerevan (2024). Since 2022, Maria has received essential financial support from the AAF, enabling her family to manage living expenses in Yerevan. This year, her funding is generously provided by AAF board member Anny St-Yves of Vancouver Island, allowing Maria to fully dedicate herself to her education and artistic development.
Tatev Mnatsakanyan: A Master of the Tar
Tatev Mnatsakanyan, a 21-year-old tar player, embodies the richness of Armenian folk traditions. Having participated in this past year’s Zartonk Academy, as well as the Canada Day celebrations mentioned earlier, she is a student at the Komitas State Conservatory, where she continues to hone her skills in the tar, a cornerstone of Armenian folk music.
Tatev also performs with several prominent groups, including the renowned Naregatsi Orchestra. Her financial support this year comes again from Hasmig Adjeleian of Ottawa, enabling her to pursue her education and artistry despite the challenges her family faces after being displaced from Artsakh.
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A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Donors
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Me Richard W. Elliott and Dre Lena Terjanian, Gregory Spendjian and Donna Cochran, Anny St-Yves, Hasmig Adjeleian, friends of Linda Gumuchian, and the Canadian Embassy in Yerevan have all played pivotal roles in empowering these young talents.
These scholarships and prizes not only provide financial assistance but also inspire a new generation of artists to achieve their dreams and contribute to Armenia’s vibrant cultural and musical landscape.
Together, let us continue to support these deserving students and ensure that talent and hard work have the resources to flourish.
Atken Armenian Foundation
