The path taken by opera singer and professor at the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan, Magda Mkrtchyan, is a true example of success. Aravot Daily interviewed the famous soprano singer as part of its “Femini” series. She was one of the singers at a mass held by the Pope in the Vatican, and she also sang Komitas at the Doge’s Palace in Italy.
Magda Mkrtchyan spoke to Aravot Daily about all the accidents and people she encountered that were monumental in her life and career. “I have met many famous people throughout my life, but the most important was my teacher, People’s Artist of Armenia Gohar Galachyan. She taught me everything I needed to know that enabled me to reach success. Everyone else I met after that, such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Elena Obraztsova, Galina Vishnevskaya, and others all appreciated the lessons that I was taught. I truly had a great foundation for my career. I also would like to give special thanks to Ohan Duryan, who gave me many opportunities as a young singer.”
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Magda Mkrtchyan remembered that she was only an intern at the National Opera in 1999, but she sang at the premiere of Il Trovatore (The Troubadour). She played the difficult role of Leonara and was successful due to the knowledge passed down by her teacher and maestro Duryan’s work. After that, she has been a solo performer at the National Opera Theater.
Magda Mkrtchyan considers one of the most unique events of her whole life to be when she met Elena Obraztsova. “She came to Armenia and we met at the St. Anna church. Singer Varsenik Avanyan was with us as well and she told me to sing something for Obraztsova. I sang “Havun-Havun” (Narekatsi). Then I noticed that Obraztsova was crying. When we came out of the church, she told me that she was inviting me to perform at her 70th birthday celebration. I thought I was dreaming. She immediately called her assistant and said that she found a miracle in Armenia by the name of Magda Mkrtchyan who must perform at her concert. Although everything had already been planned, Obraztsova demanded that I needed to sing. So I sang “Havun-Havun” and Isolde’s aria from Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde.” After the thunderous applause, many managers approached me and gave me many offers. The concert took place at the St. Petersburg Philharmonia.”
Magda Mkrtchyan also said that her meeting with Luciano Pavarotti was also unforgettable. She said that she had participated in an international competition where she won the Grand Prix. She decided to spend the money on her education. “Father Harutyun Pztikyan from the Mkhitaryan Priesthood helped me to get to Pesaro to meet Pavarotti. I remember when Pavarotti told me that I have a beautiful voice that is only seen every once in a hundred years. I was taught by him in a place where singers from all over the world come to study.”
When asked if it is easy to be both an opera singer and a professor, Magda Mkrtchyan said that teaching when she was actively singing was one of the most difficult careers.
The opera singer also said that, if she is able to find time in her busy schedule, she enjoys reading books. She also advised artists to explore the Armenian culture first and to not become discouraged when faced with difficulties.
At the end of the interview, Magda Mkrtchyan spoke about how she decided to become an opera singer by accident. “I was learning how to play the violin with Ara Bogdanyan. I was preparing for a recital to be accepted into the conservatory. I accidentally played the wrong note and started to laugh. Ara Bogdanyan seemed to have caught on and said that I have a voice for opera. He took my hand and told me to follow him. We went to the second floor. I was sixteen years old. I later learned that Tatevik Sazandaryan wanted to hear me sing. At the end, she said that I definitely need to become a singer, and that’s how my singing career began.”
Gohar Hakobyan
