Duduk: Sound of the Armenian Soul A Landmark Concert Celebrating Duduk in LA
The sound of the Armenian soul, echoing through centuries, could only be conveyed with infinite depth and precision by the duduk-nourishing souls far from the homeland. On November 13th, in one of Los Angeles’ intimate music halls, the haunting melodies of the duduk resonated for two unforgettable hours, capturing the essence of the eternal cycle. The “Duduk: Sound of the Armenian Soul” concert paid homage to the duduk—an enduring symbol of Armenian culture. This unprecedented celebration brought together master duduk players from different generations, along with renowned musicians and vocalists, to showcase the instrument’s remarkable versatility across folk, classical, and contemporary genres. Adding depth to the event, exclusive video segments traced the history and evolution of the duduk, offering the first educational resource dedicated to this iconic instrument.
The visionary behind this extraordinary event was Emmanuel Hovhannisyan, a renowned duduk master. His vision became a reality through the collaboration of his Dudukman Production and the Armenian Kids Festival. The goal was not merely to showcase the duduk but to breathe new life into it—introducing it to wider audiences while preserving its roots. “I wanted the duduk to resonate in its entirety,” Hovhannisyan remarked, “uniting generations of duduk players in Los Angeles, each with their unique style, yet together forming a single, profound voice. We demonstrated that the traditions of the Armenian school of duduk endure, with young musicians sharing the stage alongside masters.”
Nane Avagyan and Nelly Ghukasyan, co-founders of the Armenian Kids Festival, emphasized the importance of the concert’s educational aspect. “We gladly supported Emmanuel Hovhannisyan’s idea to organize a concert honoring the duduk, as it aligns with our mission of introducing new generations of Diaspora Armenians to Armenian culture,” they noted. “The duduk, a symbol of our national identity, must be cherished by the next generation.”
Held at the AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performance Art Center, the concert masterfully blended tradition with innovation. Mesmerizing live performances by celebrated duduk masters intertwined with the artistry of Grammy and Edison Award-winning musicians and beloved folk and classical singers. The program featured timeless works by Ashugh Sheram, Sayat Nova, and Komitas, alongside modern compositions by Vic Zartman and Emmanuel Hovhannisyan. The opening was particularly symbolic, with the Haykyan Choir performing a Mesrop Mashtots sharakan, its ancient tones enriched by Zartman’s modern arrangement and Hovhannisyan’s soulful duduk.
The audience was captivated by beloved Armenian tunes including “Karlosi Prke,” “Eghishi Par,” and “Zurni Trng,” performed by master duduk players Tigran Zakaryan, Norayr Arakelyan, David Sahakyan, and Emmanuel Hovhannisyan. Each performer showcased the instrument’s profound emotional range, proving that the duduk, though small in size, embodies the resilience and depth of the Armenian spirit.
The program featured acclaimed vocalists including award-winning folk and opera singer Edgar Khachatryan; folk singers Armen Davtyan and Araksya Amirkhanyan and celebrated opera singer Perch Karazyan. The audience was given moments of special emotion by the young duduk players, who, together with their master Emmanuel Hovhannisyan, testified that the duduk will continue its mission in Armenian culture.
The concert featured an exceptional ensemble of musicians: kamancha player Vardan Baghdasaryan, tar player Tigran Galstyan, vibraphone player Artashes Sinanyan, double bassist Abo Gumroyan, and guitarist Harutyun Ohanyan. The LAARM string quartet—violinists Stepan Khalatyan and Arsen Ketikyan, violist Milena Mardanyan, and cellist Elena Hayrapetyan—performed under concert musical director Emmanuel Hovhannisyan and artistic director Vardges Barseghyan.
Through exclusive video presentations, the concert illuminated the duduk’s historical journey from 1200 BC to the present. The instrument accompanied Tigran the Great’s victories, was referenced by historian Movses Khorenatsi, and appears in ancient Armenian miniatures. In the early 20th century, it gained renewed prominence, becoming central to early Hayfilm productions, ascending to major stages, and integrating into folk and symphonic orchestras. By the century’s end, the duduk had secured its place among world instruments. Today, it resonates in international orchestras, global musical compositions, and films, and is studied in universities worldwide. Notably, in 2005, UNESCO recognized the Armenian duduk as a masterpiece of world intangible cultural heritage—the only Armenian instrument to receive this distinction.
The concert’s success was evident in the packed hall’s continuous applause. “Phenomenal,” “wonderful,” and “unprecedented” were common reactions from an audience that included public figures and artists. Writer Margaret Derants praised it as “a very educational event that connected past with the present.” Glendale City Council member Ardi Kasakhyan highlighted the significance of young performers on stage, noting how they continue traditions dating to Armenia’s origins.
The presence of numerous children and teenagers in the audience fulfilled the organizers’ goal of connecting younger generations with their cultural heritage. The concert received the blessing and patronage of Archbishop Hovnan Terteryan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America. The concert’s major sponsor was “Sonata” music school, with support from the Panosyan and Tumanyan families, Glendale Mayor Ardi Kasakhyan, and Alpha News TV Company. The David Gevorgyan Foundation sponsored student attendance from Clark Magnet High School.
For their efforts in preserving and showcasing Armenian culture, the organizers received recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, California State Senator Anthony Portantino, California Assessor, and Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan. These honors were presented to Armenian Kids Festival co-founder Nane Avagyan and Dudukman founder Emmanuel Hovhannisyan by David Gevorkyan, with additional recognition from the State Senate delivered by Marat Harutyunyan.
The concert was attended by distinguished guests including representatives from the Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America, led by Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan, representing Hovnan Terteryan. The audience also included Glendale’s mayor and a city council member, a Los Angeles County commissioner, as well as notable figures from the cultural and public spheres.
As applause echoed in a cozy hall in Los Angeles, in a quiet village in Armenia, a master craftsman meticulously shaped a new duduk from apricot wood—ensuring this timeless instrument continues to tell the story of its nation for generations to come. It is now the duty of future generations to cherish and uphold this legacy, preserving the values embedded within its soulful melodies.
