Tjeknavorian Brings Epic ‘Rostam and Sohrab’ Opera to Life in Armenia
The renowned Iranian-Armenian musician and conductor Loris Tjeknavorian is set to showcase his musical talents in a highly anticipated concert and opera based on Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in Armenia later this month. This event promises to be a significant cultural highlight, featuring a gala concert and an opera performance that reflects the rich tapestry of Persian folklore.
On March 22, Tjeknavorian will open the festivities with a spectacular gala concert at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theater. Following this, he will conduct the opera titled “Rostam and Sohrab”, which will be performed over three nights from March 31 to April 2, as reported by ISNA.
Incorporating the essence of Iranian folklore and traditional music, Tjeknavorian expresses a deep admiration for the stories found in Shahnameh, written by the illustrious Iranian poet Abolqassem Ferdowsi. He states, “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.”
Regarded as one of the greatest poets in history, Tjeknavorian believes that the literary genius of Ferdowsi (940-1020) is comparable to that of Shakespeare (1564-1616). He emphasizes that the themes present in Shakespeare’s works can also be found within Ferdowsi’s epic poetry.
The creation of the “Rostam and Sohrab” opera has been a labor of love for Tjeknavorian, taking a remarkable 25 years to complete. His journey began in 1963 when he received a scholarship from the esteemed German composer Carl Orff, enabling him to live in Salzburg and finish his opera in Austria. This 140-minute masterpiece has been performed in various locations, including Austria and Iran, garnering acclaim for its artistic depth.
Loris Tjeknavorian, now 87 years old, was born in Borujerd, Lorestan Province, and has become a celebrated cultural figure in both Armenia and Iran. As a prominent conductor, he has collaborated with numerous international orchestras, earning multiple awards throughout his illustrious career.
As a prolific composer, Tjeknavorian’s repertoire includes:
- Six operas
- Five symphonies
- Choral works
- Chamber music
- Ballet music
- Piano and vocal works
- Concertos for various instruments, including piano, violin, guitar, cello, and pipa (Chinese lute)
- Scores for documentary and feature films
His compositions have been performed by prestigious orchestras worldwide, such as:
- London Symphony Orchestra
- London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Halle Orchestra
- Philharmonic Orchestra Helsinki
- American Symphony Orchestra in New York
- Tehran Symphony Orchestra
- Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra
- Haifa Symphony Orchestra
- Mexico Symphony Orchestra
- English Chamber Orchestra
Since 2009, Tjeknavorian has continued to immerse himself in the creative arts, dedicating his time to composing, painting, and writing short stories. His recent works include:
- Operas “Zahak” (libretto based on Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh)
- “Mowlana and Shams-e Tabriz” (libretto based on Rumi’s poetry)
- Chamber opera “The Final Hour of Sadegh Hedayat” (libretto based on Hedayat’s “The Blind Owl”)
- Second concerto for violin and chamber orchestra
- Solo piano work titled “1915”
- Two major symphonic suites: “King Cyrus” and “Takhti”
In addition to his musical achievements, Tjeknavorian is also an accomplished painter. His artwork has been showcased at various prestigious venues, including:
- Shirin Gallery in Tehran
- Maryam Seyhoun Gallery in Los Angeles
- Iranian Artists’ Forum in Tehran (two exhibitions)
As Loris Tjeknavorian prepares for his upcoming performances, the cultural significance of his work continues to resonate, bridging the rich heritage of Iran with contemporary artistic expression. His contributions to music and the arts not only celebrate the legacy of Ferdowsi but also enrich the cultural landscape of both Armenia and Iran.
