Ofelya Hambardzumyan, Armenian folk singer, Died at 91

  Music

Ofelya Karapeti Hambardzumyan was born on January 9, 1925, in Yerevan, Armenia SSR, and died on June 13, 2016.

She was an Armenian folk singer.

At a young age, she was recognized for her beautiful voice. She underwent vocal training at Romanos Melikyan Musical College.

During 1944, Ofelya became a solo-singer for the Ensemble of Folk Instruments of the Radio of Armenia, where she dedicated her efforts to the ensemble headed by Aram Merangulyan.

Hambardzumyan genres include classical Armenian music, ashoughakan, and folk songs.

Hambardzumyan was well recognized for her interpretations of ashough Sayat-Nova’s songs, including “Fahradn Mirats”, “Yis Kanchum em Lalanin”, and others.

Ofelya Hambardzumyan has also performed the music of Fahrad, Jivani, Sheram.

Ofelya Hambardzumyan also performed the songs of her contemporary ashughs, Shahen, Havasi, and Ashot; she was often the first performer of these songs.

During 1959, Ofelya was awarded the People’s Artist of the USSR.

During the year 2011, Hambardzumyan was awarded the “Mesrob Mashtots” Medal.

Ofelya Hambardzumyan passed away at 91 yrs old.