On March 27, 2024, Levon Chilingirian OBE, renowned violinist and founder of the world-famous Chilingirian Quartet, was awarded the Hamazkayin Medal at a ceremony at the Armenian Prelacy in Cyprus. Sebouh Aintablian, PhD, a member of the Central Executive Board of Hamazkayin, presented the medal.
Mr. Chilingirian is a professor and chamber music artist-in-residence at the Royal Academy of Music and professor of violin and chamber music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, both in London.
The catholicosal vicar Archbishop Khoren Doghramadjian, Rev. Mashdots Ashkarian and Rev. Momik Habeshian, and community leaders were present along with a large number of community members.
Arto Tavitian, chairperson of the Hamazkayin chapter executive board for Cyprus, opened the ceremony. Vartan Tashjian presented Mr. Chilingirian’s life and accomplishments, including especially his violin soli with numerous symphony orchestras and the work of the Chilingirian Quartet.
Cyprus impresario Garo Keheyan spoke in English and praised Mr. Chilingirian, saying Cyprus should be proud of the accomplishments of its native son.
Dr. Aintablian spoke next and presented the Hamazkayin Medal.
Mr. Chilingirian spoke from the heart, recalling early memories from Cyprus and the influence of his maternal uncle, music teacher Vahan Bedelian. At the end of his remarks, he played Gomidas’s Tzirani Tzar on his uncle’s old violin, eliciting joyous applause.
Cyprus Symphony Orchestra violinists Hasmik Sargsyan and Varvara Merzlova-Peneva performed Gomidas’s Al Aylughs and Shogher Jan. At the conclusion of the program, the Hamazkayin Sipan Dance Ensemble performed a trio of Armenian dances.
The archbishop made closing remarks and offered a prayer, after which there was a modest reception. The program was broadcast on Gibrahayer EMagazine.
