Vahan Artsruni is one of Armenia’s most prominent modern musicians. His rich blend of folk, academic, and rock music remains loyal to deep-rooted traditions and his concerts are compositions of progressive rock, chamber, choir, and symphonic music.
This year, Artsruni initiated an attractive array of concerts, including a few "underground" performances. The next one will be held on July 25 at Komitas Music Chamber Hall in Yerevan. These mark the rebirth of similar shows organized during the Soviet period when Artur Meschyan’s "underground" concerts were prevalent. Born in 1965, Artsruni first came to attention in 1984 as a band member for legendary Armenian minstrel and rock musician Arthur Meschian. He graduated Yerevan State Medical Institute, earned his master's degree in 1991, and in 1995 he entered the Yerevan State Conservatory. Since 1991, he has performed with the Narek Male Choir, the State Academic Cappella of Armenia, and Haysmavourk Medieval Choir. In 1997, he performed with the Armenian National Symphonic Orchestra with his instrumental cycle Ethnophonica at the Aram Khachaturian Big Concert Hall. In 1999, he completed his album Komitas: Ten Revelations, having composed the music based on the poetry of the great Armenian composer and ethnomusicologist Komitas Vardapet. In 2000, Vahan created his band Artsruni, whose members include guitarist Vahagn Amirkhanyan; flautist Arman Manukyan; bassist Artour Molitvin; drummer Levon Akhverdyan; and percussionist Lilit Akhverdyan.
A well-known creative director and organizer of numerous TV and radio programs, music festivals, and concerts, Artsruni has also recorded many CDs (some of which have been published in France, USA, Russia, and Australia), a DVD, movie soundtracks, and has participated in exhibitions and theatre performances.
“During all these years I worked with many people who left the country. All those musicians are not here any more. All they are leaving… Why should I go? This is my country…why do I need to leave it… I will stay as long as it is possible to live and breathe freely/peacefully.”
- Vahan Artsruni
I wish Armenian talents and devoted artists like Vahan Artsruni will never leave their homeland…