Plácido Domingo arrives in Yerevan

A gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the world-renowned tenor and opera artist Gegham Grigoryan will take place at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

The concert’s special guest will be Spanish opera singer, tenor, pianist, and conductor Plácido Domingo, a longtime friend and stage partner of Gegham Grigoryan. Joining Domingo on stage will be Grigoryan’s daughter, Hasmik Grigoryan, one of today’s most acclaimed opera singers. The evening’s musical director and conductor will be Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan.

“At a time when Yerevan is becoming a global capital, also hosting the COP17 conference, I believe this wonderful concert dedicated to Gegham Grigoryan’s 75th anniversary, bringing together leading figures of opera, will also make our capital a center of classical music for visitors arriving in Yerevan from around the world,” said Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan at a press conference.

World-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo also shared fond memories of Gegham Grigoryan. “Gegham Grigoryan had a wonderful voice. I particularly remember his performances at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and elsewhere. They were impressive performances,” he said.

Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, Asmik Grigoryan, welcomed those present and thanked the Ministry and the Opera Theatre for initiating the event.

“This is not simply a concert; it is our family’s story, which will be told from the stage of the Opera Theatre. The most important thing my father taught me is this: music is important, loving what you do is also important, but above all, being a good person is what matters most,” Asmik Grigoryan said.

Vardan Grigoryan, the concert’s musical director and conductor, also expressed his gratitude and shared personal memories of his father, emphasizing that Gegham Grigoryan was a different person on stage than he was within the family.

Karen Durgaryan, Director of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, presented commemorative medals to Plácido Domingo and Hasmik Grigoryan in recognition of their special participation in the concert marking Gegham Grigoryan’s 75th anniversary.

The gala concert will take place at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre on October 16.