Djivan Gasparian

Djivan Gasparyan, sometimes spelled as Djivan Gasparian, is an internationally acclaimed Armenian musician renowned for his mastery of the duduk, an ancient double-reed woodwind instrument. Born in Solag, Armenia, in 1928, Gasparyan has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Armenian music and culture through his virtuosic duduk performances.

Gasparyan's mesmerizing duduk playing has earned him recognition as one of the greatest masters of the instrument in the world. The duduk, with its hauntingly beautiful sound and expressive capabilities, holds a special place in Armenian music, often evoking deep emotions and melancholic melodies. Gasparyan's nuanced and emotive performances have captivated audiences worldwide and have earned him praise from fellow musicians and critics alike.

Throughout his career, Gasparyan has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and musicians from around the globe, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries through music. He has lent his distinctive duduk sound to a wide range of projects, including film scores, world music albums, and collaborations with artists from various genres. Notable collaborations include working with musicians such as Peter Gabriel, Michael Brook, and Hans Zimmer.

One of Gasparyan's most acclaimed works is his collaboration with the British musician Michael Brook on the album "Armenia" (1989). The album, which features Gasparyan's duduk prominently, blends traditional Armenian melodies with contemporary electronic and ambient music, resulting in a mesmerizing fusion of ancient and modern sounds. "Armenia" introduced Gasparyan's music to a global audience and helped elevate the duduk to international prominence.

In recognition of his contributions to music and culture, Djivan Gasparyan has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the UNESCO Picasso Medal in 1998 for his role in preserving and promoting Armenian cultural heritage. Additionally, he was named a National Hero of Armenia, the highest honorary title awarded by the Armenian government, in 2017. Gasparyan's legacy as a master musician and cultural amb