Iranian Ambassador Celebrates Tjeknavorian for Epic 'Rostam and Sohrab' Opera Premiere in Yerevan

In a remarkable celebration of cultural heritage, the Iranian-Armenian opera “Rostam and Sohrab,” composed by the esteemed musician Loris Tjeknavorian, recently received high praise following its successful performance in Yerevan. The opera, inspired by the legendary tales from the Shahnameh, was showcased at the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, captivating audiences with its rich narrative and musical composition.

The event, which took place on March 22, was followed by three additional performances from March 31 to April 2, drawing a diverse audience of governmental officials, cultural figures, and music enthusiasts from both Armenia and Iran. Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Tjeknavorian for his extraordinary contributions to the arts during his speech at the gala.

Sobhani highlighted the significance of this opera in enhancing Iran-Armenia cultural relations, referring to it as a historic milestone. He described Tjeknavorian as a vital cultural bridge, connecting Iran with nations around the world. This collaborative effort between the Armenian National Opera and the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan marks a significant cultural exchange that strengthens ties between the two countries.

The premiere was graced by the presence of Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, along with deputy ministers Daniel Danielyan and Artur Martirosyan. The minister took the opportunity to congratulate Tjeknavorian and the cast on their remarkable achievements during a meeting following the performance.

Tjeknavorian, reflecting on his journey as a composer, shared, “I have been in love with the story of Rostam and Sohrab since childhood. I have always wanted to write an opera, but I lacked the strength. I graduated from the Vienna Academy, returned to Persia, and began the project in 1961. The idea originated 65 years ago, and it is being staged now, 65 years later.”

He elaborated on the creative process, stating, “I wrote eight versions. When I started writing in Persian, I felt the need to present it to a great master. At that time, I considered going to Strasbourg to meet the renowned composer Carl Orff. When I met him, he listened to several excerpts from the opera and suggested that I stay in Strasbourg to finish it. I was a student, so I couldn’t stay, but he told me that the expenses for a year in Strasbourg had been covered. He said, ‘Go, sit and write the opera.’ It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Despite the challenges faced during its creation, Tjeknavorian expressed his joy at seeing the opera performed. “It was a challenging opera. I have performed the concert version several times in Vienna, England, Mexico, and Armenia, but it has never been staged. I am happy that it is being performed now,” he remarked.

The opera intricately weaves elements of Iranian folklore and traditional music, showcasing Tjeknavorian’s deep appreciation for Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. He noted, “I have been very fond of the stories of Iranian poet Abolqassem Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh since my childhood. Shahnameh is not merely a book; it is the national history of Iran, and all the people of Iran know the Rostam and Sohrab legend.”

In his admiration for Ferdowsi, Tjeknavorian stated, “I believe Ferdowsi (940-1020) is the greatest poet of the world and that whatever is found in the works of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) exists in Ferdowsi’s works too.”

Born in Borujerd, Lorestan Province, Loris Tjeknavorian, now 87, stands as one of the most prominent cultural figures in both Armenia and Iran. Renowned as a leading conductor, he has directed international orchestras and garnered numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career.

As a prolific composer, Tjeknavorian has created six operas, five symphonies, choral works, chamber music, ballet music, and various concerti for different instruments. His compositions have graced the stages of renowned orchestras worldwide, including:

London Symphony Orchestra
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Halle Orchestra
American Symphony Orchestra in New York
Tehran Symphony Orchestra
Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra
Haifa Symphony Orchestra
Mexico Symphony Orchestra

Since 2009, Tjeknavorian has continued to focus on composing while also exploring painting and writing short stories. His recent works include the operas “Zahak” and “Mowlana and Shams-e Tabriz,” along with the chamber opera “The Final Hour of Sadegh Hedayat.” He has also composed a second concerto for violin and chamber orchestra and two major symphonic suites: “King Cyrus” and “Takhti.”

In conclusion, the performance of “Rostam and Sohrab” not only showcases the artistic brilliance of Loris Tjeknavorian but also serves as a testament to the cultural richness shared between Iran and Armenia. This collaboration highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural narratives that transcend borders and unite people through the universal language of music.