YEREVAN — A gala concert celebrating the 75th birth anniversary of internationally renowned Armenian opera tenor Gegham Grigoryan was held at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan. The event featured legendary Spanish opera singer, pianist, and conductor Plácido Domingo as the guest of honor.
In her tribute to Grigoryan, one of the most distinguished Armenian opera singers of the 20th century, Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, emphasized that his artistic legacy continues to live on in the memories of generations.
“Gegham Grigoryan’s powerful, velvety, emotional tenor and stage presence have filled the halls of the world’s most renowned opera houses, from La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera. This anniversary takes on special significance thanks to the presence of a living legend of opera, the incomparable Plácido Domingo, not only the greatest honor but also a great testimony to the immense respect, sincere friendship, and recognition that Gegham Grigoryan enjoyed among his colleagues on the world stage. It is both symbolic and moving that Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, soprano and world-renowned star Hasmik Grigoryan, and his son, conductor Vardan Grigoryan, stand side by side on stage. They continue to uphold the fame of the Grigoryan family, Armenian opera, and the conducting school worldwide,” said Andreasyan.
Gegham Grigoryan is recognized among the 40 greatest tenors of the 20th century, alongside legendary performers such as Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. The gala concert was a tribute to his memory; the Yerevan audience once again expressed its warmth and thunderous applause for Gegham Grigoryan’s art.
Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, opera singer Hasmik Grigoryan, performed alongside Plácido Domingo on the stage of the Opera House. She has performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera in London, the Paris Opera, and the Salzburg Festival. Hasmik Grigoryan is a laureate of the International Opera Prize and the Opus Classic Award, and has twice been named Singer of the Year by Opera World magazine.
Gegham Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan, served as the evening’s musical director and conductor.
The commemorative concert celebrated not only the remarkable career of one of Armenia’s most distinguished operatic voices but also the enduring influence of his musical legacy, carried forward by his children and honored by leading figures of the international opera world.
—
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/10/19/asbarez-placido-domingo-honored-at-gala-concert-celebrating-gegham-grigoryan/
