The “Friends of Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan” foundation was created in the Spring of 2020 with the objectives :
to provide funding for the implementation of intra- and interuniversity scientific, educational and cultural programs organized by Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory,
to promote the professional development of the teaching and administrative staffs of YKSC,
to support the creation of favorable learning conditions at YKSC,
to help establish and implement collaborations with foreign scientific, educational and cultural institutions,
to assist in the development of YKSC marketing strategy,
to provide financial and other resources for the study and preservation of scientific, educational and cultural values in RA and abroad.
* The foundation is registered in Armenia
State registration number : 220.160.1119327
Levon Chaushian
Founding President
Composer
In 1969 he graduated from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, majoring in composition in the class of Edvard Mirzoyan. In 1970 he studied piano with Georgi Sarajev. He participated in many music festivals and got numerous diplomas. In 1988 his string quartet N3 was performed at the International Festival in Leningrad. From 1986 to 1991 he was the vice-president of the Armenian Composers' Union. Since 1994, he has served as the chairman of the Armenian Composers Assembly, established by him. His works were performed in the USA, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece and many other countries. Levon Chaushian was Honorary Artist of the Republic of Armenia.
Ruben Galichian
Board member
Scientist
He is an independent London-based scholar and researcher specializing in historical maps of Armenia and the South Caucasus region His first book entitled "Historic Maps of Armenia. The Cartographic Heritage" (2004), which presents a collection of world maps and maps of the Caucasus over a period of 2600 years, became a bestseller in 2005. His articles have appeared in various cartographic magazines, journals and periodicals, among them Imago Mundi and the IMCoS Journal. He has lectured extensively in Armenia, USA, Iran, UK and France. For his services to Armenian historical cartography Ruben Galichian was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia in 2008.
Hampartzoum Harry Shirinian
Board member
Musician
Los Angeles-based violist, chamber music and viola instructor, he is a founding member of Khachaturian String Quartet with performances in venues including Carnegie Hall. His goal is to introduce and perpetuate Armenian National musical treasures to an international audience. As member of Academy-, Grammy- and Emmy Awards Orchestras, has done live performances and recordings with Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Paul McCartney, The Three Tenors etc. He has played under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, Aram Khachaturian, Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta, Ohan Durian etc.
Irina Igitkhanyan
President of the Board
Creative Producer
Irina has been initiating and implementing cultural projects for more than 15 years, ranging from modern art exhibitions to opera and concert productions. Her musical background combined with years of work both in Armenia and abroad, as well as extensive experience in creating a platform for international cooperation in the field of education, have significantly contributed to a creation of a network of talented people from a vast array of backgrounds. Unconditionally believes in the power of art and education to connect cultures and bring together people of different origin and tradition.
Martik Bazarian
Board member
Musician, Art Manager
Graduated from Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan, he was a member of Armenian Philharmonic and Radio Symphony orchestras. As a violinist, he successfully integrated into the Canadian cultural scene, as a concertmaster with Royal Winnipeg Ballet, assistant concertmaster with the National Ballet of Canada. For 19 years he was associated with Sinfonia Toronto chamber orchestra, as a violinist and a board member. As art manager, Martin conceived, negotiated, and managed tours of Canadian performers (Canadian Chamber Ensemble, Toronto Dance Theatre, prima ballerina Evelyn Hart) in the USSR, Germany and Poland.