The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia

Directed by Vahan Mardirossian

The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia (NCOA) was founded in 1962 by the violinist, teacher and holder of the honorary title of Art Worker of Armenia - Zareh Sahakiants. Thus his role was invaluable in the achievement and rapid development of the Orchestra of which he remained the Musical Director and Principal Conductor until 1975.

The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia has been enthusiastically received not only in Armenia, but also in the countries of the former USSR and abroad. It has preserved and developed the clearly defined repertoire and sound colours associated with the personality of its first Musical Director.

Subsequently, the following Music Directors have developed and enriched the already solid orchestral tradition: Konstantin Baghdasaryan (Honoured Worker of the Art of Armenia) since 1975, Ruben Aharonyan (People's Artist of Armenia) since 1982, Emin Khatchatourian (Honoured Worker of the Art of Armenia) since 1992 and Aram Gharabekian (Honoured Worker of the Art of Armenia) since 1997.

The main concern of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia is to disseminate and promote Armenian Orchestral Chamber Music throughout the world. Since its inception, the Orchestra has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Greece, Russia, Georgia, Cyprus, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates under the baton of the most prominent Armenian guest conductors and soloists.

The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia has a wide repertoire ranging from the Baroque period to the present day. In the last decade alone, the Orchestra has performed more than 40 premieres and has promoted the integration of many traditional Armenian instruments into the classical repertoire, such as the duduk, the zurna, the shevi...

Since 2011 Maestro Vahan Mardirossian has taken over as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Orchestra. Under his leadership the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia celebrated its 50th anniversary. The year 2013 was marked by a tour through France, Switzerland and the United States as part of the celebration of the 100th birthday of Aram Khatchatourian.