Robert Amirkhanian

(1939)

USSR’s Honored Artist, Lenin Komsomol Prize laureate, People's Artist of Armenia, Knight of the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots, Robert Amirkhanian was born on November 16, 1939 in Yerevan.

 

In 1969 he graduated from the department of composition of Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. He has been working there as a teacher of musical theoretical disciplines since 1970. Professor, Head of the Department of Music Theory from 1984 to the present. In 1991, Amirkhanyan was elected as the Chairman of the Union of Composers of Armenia.

 

In 1981 he was awarded the title of laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize for his song cycle. The author of multi-genre works: Concerto for Piano and Symphonic Orchestra, String Quartet, Zong Opera "Philistine in the Nobility"; and a number of musicals: "Oriental Dentist", "Ding Dong", "Checkmate". ​ He also wrote a ballad for violin and orchestra, a "Poem and Celebration" suite for two pianos, “Seasons for Piano”, “Concertino for Piano and Orchestra”, a 5 piece cycle of song-romances (A. Kirokosyan’s lyrics, 1968), 2 romances (A. Isahakyan’s lyrics, 1971), "Hayastan" (1971) for choir and a cappella, sonatina for cello and piano, and pieces for piano.

 

Robert Amirkhanian is the author of music for 16 feature and 30 animated films, including - "Men", 1972, "Talent", 1977, "Crown of Nature", 1982, "In the Blue Sea, In the White Foam" (cartoon), 1984, "Golden Horseshoe", 1985, "Private Counselor", 1988, "On the Wings of the Wind” (cartoon), 1990, "All is Well", 1991. The public activity of the composer is also noteworthy. From 1999 to 2003 he was a member of the Armenian Parliament.

 

Member of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth.