YEREVAN — Renowned composer and conductor Loris Tjeknavorian has been granted citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, formalizing a connection with the country that has defined much of his life and career.
For decades, Tjeknavorian belonged to Armenia, and Armenia regarded him as one of its own. He worked extensively in the country, composed music about Armenia and dedicated much of his creative life to it. Yet one contradiction remained: despite his deep ties to Armenia, his legal status did not reflect that connection, as he was not an Armenian citizen.
That circumstance had long been one of the more notable aspects of the celebrated composer and conductor’s life.
Born in Borujerd, Iran, and educated in Vienna, Salzburg and Michigan, Tjeknavorian went on to work and compose in London and New York. He could have built his career entirely on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, but beginning in 1989, his path led him back to Armenia.
“My father raised me with a strong sense of patriotism, and it was always my dream to come to Armenia,” Tjeknavorian recalled. “Although I had a major career abroad, when the earthquake happened, I forgot everything and came to my homeland. I began my work on the path toward saying ‘Yes to Independence.’ The national anthem of our republic, the tricolor and the coat of arms were sacred to me.”
For the maestro, citizenship and identity have always been two distinct concepts. Citizenship represents a lasting legal bond with a state, while being Armenian is a matter of identity.
“Although the people have accepted me, I thought it would be good to also have the passport of my homeland. I applied, and thank God, my dream came true,” he said.
“It was very emotional for me because when the national anthem was played and I saw the flag and the coat of arms, I remembered that I had once fought for those very symbols in the National Assembly, presenting them to the people and defending them. And today, under those same symbols, I myself took an oath to my homeland to remain faithful to it.”
Years later, Tjeknavorian is now officially a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.
The bond that for decades existed through his music, work and identity has now also been recognized legally. If for many years he considered Armenia his own, that sense of belonging has now been formally affirmed.
“I grew up an orphan. Strangely, I never really had a country,” Tjeknavorian said. “In Persia I was Armenian, in Armenia I was Persian, and in foreign countries I was a foreigner. I never understood what it meant to have a country. I did not have one.”
“I always felt that I belonged to Armenia, and when I left here, it was a great loss for me. I truly felt orphaned.”
“For the past week, I have felt that I finally have a country. And for that, I am grateful.”
