LISTEN TO NAREK.... THEN READ ON!
For now, our last (but certainly not least) recipient of Atken Armenian Foundation aid for the 2024-25 school year.
At just 17 years old, Narek Khanzadyan stands out as one of Armenia’s most promising young musicians, known for his mastery of the duduk. Born in Sevan, Armenia, Narek is deeply connected to his country’s rich musical heritage. His passion for preserving and promoting the sounds of Armenia is reflected in and is realized through his moving and soulful interpretations of Armenian folk music on the duduk.
Narek began his musical education at the Yerevan Al. Spendiaryan Music Vocational School, where he studied under Emmanuel Hovhannisyan and was a member of the school’s folk instruments ensemble. He later continued his studies at DudukMan Studio from 2016 onward, further honing his skills as a duduk player and deepening his understanding of Armenian music traditions. Narek has also taken part in all of our three Zartonk Academies—2019 in Vanadzor, 2022 in Artsakh, and 2024 in Yerevan.
Narek in Artsakh during his participation at Zartonk Academy
His talent has earned him several accolades. In 2020, Narek won the Grand Prize at the Art-Music International Competition-Festival. He also claimed first prize at the “Sopravista International Festivals” in Italy in 2021. Additionally, he secured first place at the 2021 Dudukman International Competition-Festival.
In addition to his competition successes, Narek’s performances have taken him across the globe. As part of a cultural exchange program, he toured the United States in 2021, performing in numerous states, including New York, Washington, Florida, and Detroit. He toured again in 2022, and in 2023, Narek participated in the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation's projects and concerts, showcasing his talent to audiences worldwide. Since 2024, he has been a member of the "Karin" band and just recently performed on a concert tour in Romania.
Currently studying at the P.I. Tchaikovsky Secondary Music Vocational School under Gevorg Dabaghyan, a People's Artist of Armenia, Narek is on track to further his education by entering the Yerevan State Conservatory’s Duduk Department. His dream is to continue spreading the unique sound of the apricot wood duduk to audiences around the world, ensuring that this distinct and powerful instrument receives the recognition it deserves.
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Narek’s commitment to Armenian music, both in terms of his personal growth and his ambition to promote the apricot duduk, marks him as a rising star with a bright future. His performances are not only a testament to his immense talent, but also a reminder of the importance of nurturing young musicians to carry forward Armenia’s musical legacy. Let's, together, support immense talents such as Narek.
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