Founded in 1962 by conductor Zareh Sahakyants, the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia stands as an ambassador of Armenian musical culture across the globe, interpreting sacred hymns, 20th-century avant-garde, and contemporary masterworks.
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2026
Current Leadership & Vision
Vag Papian — Artistic Director and Principal Conductor
Vag Papian was born in 1956 in Yerevan into a family of artists. His father, People’s Artist of Armenia Anatoli Papyan, and his mother, Honored Artist of Armenia Amalya Bayburtyan, had a profound influence on his artistic development, surrounding him with an atmosphere of art and culture from an early age.
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After receiving a solid musical education, he graduated from the P. I. Tchaikovsky Secondary Specialized Music School in Yerevan. He later continued his studies at the P. I. Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory in the piano department, where he refined his performance skills and developed as a professional pianist. Seeking to deepen his knowledge of conducting, he also graduated from the Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad) State Conservatory, earning a degree in conducting.
In 1984, he was invited to join the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (now the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra) as a second conductor. Soon after, his conducting talent fully emerged, and from 1987 to 1989 he served as the orchestra’s principal conductor, leading a number of successful concert programs and contributing to the development of its artistic activity.
In 1990, he moved to Israel, where he continued his active musical career. He collaborated with leading orchestras in the country, performing both as a conductor and pianist. Among his collaborators are the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Haifa Symphony Orchestra, and other distinguished ensembles.
Since 1991, he has toured extensively around the world, appearing both as a pianist and conductor. His concert activity spans numerous stages across Europe, the Americas, and other regions, where he has conducted various symphony orchestras and presented diverse classical programs.
The musician has also participated in several prestigious international festivals, including the Caramoor Festival in the United States, the George Enescu Festival in Romania, the Saint-Denis Festival in France, the Ohrid Festival in Macedonia, and others. His performances at these festivals have received high acclaim, highlighting his mastery and deep musical insight.
Since 2006, he has been one of the leaders of the Ashdod Symphony Orchestra in Israel, actively contributing to the city’s musical life and presenting various concert programs.
From 2008 to 2013, he served as the chief conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan. During his tenure, the orchestra significantly expanded its repertoire and performed in a number of important concerts both domestically and internationally.
In March 2026, Maestro Vag Papian assumed the role of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, opening a new chapter in the orchestra’s artistic journey.
For decades, he has combined his careers as a conductor and pianist, performing on international stages and continuing to contribute to the promotion and development of classical music. His artistic activity encompasses a rich concert life, collaborations with orchestras from various countries, and participation in prestigious cultural events.
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2011
The Mardirossian Era
A Decade of Growth: Leading NCOA 2011 - 2026
In 2011, Vahan Mardirossian assumed the role of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, bringing a deep commitment to preserving our heritage while advancing our artistic mission. Under his distinguished leadership, NCOA has continued showcasing classical and contemporary Armenian composers on the international stage while promoting classical music among Armenian audiences.
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As one of six distinguished ensembles at the National Chamber Music Centre, NCOA maintained an active performance schedule, presenting over 35 concerts annually at our residency and the prestigious Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, as well as in various regions throughout Armenia and internationally.
Mardirossian’s vision emphasized education and mentorship, creating opportunities for talented children and young people to develop their skills by performing with our professional orchestra. We actively participate in international festivals, collaborate with renowned soloists and conductors, and work closely with diplomatic missions to facilitate cultural exchange through music.
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1997
The Birth of Modern NCOA
A Historic Union: Formation of Today's NCOA
In 1997, a pivotal moment in Armenian musical history occurred when our orchestra united with the Yerevan Chamber Orchestra, which had been founded in 1979 under the leadership of conductor Zaven Vardanyan. This merger created the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia (NCOA) as we know it today, combining the strengths and traditions of both ensembles.
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American-Armenian conductor Aram Gharabekian was appointed as the first Artistic Director of the newly formed NCOA. Under his visionary leadership, the orchestra embarked on an ambitious mission to expand the boundaries of chamber music. Gharabekian’s tenure was marked by extraordinary creativity and innovation.
The NCOA commissioned and premiered more than 40 new works during this period, actively promoting the integration of traditional Armenian musical instruments such as duduk, zurna, shvi, and kamancha into contemporary compositions. This groundbreaking approach created a unique sound that honored Armenian heritage while embracing modern artistic expression. The orchestra also recorded three significant CDs featuring works by contemporary Armenian composers, establishing a valuable musical archive.
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1982
Ruben Aharonyan becomes director
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1979
Yerevan Chamber Orchestra founded under Zaven Vardanyan
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1975
Kostandin Baghdasaryan becomes director
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1962
Our Foundation & Early Years
Founded on Excellence: Our Legacy Since 1962
The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia was founded in 1962 by prominent violinist Zareh Sahakiants, whose brilliant individuality and exceptional reputation enabled him to unite a group of dedicated musicians. In a remarkably short period, the orchestra gained an outstanding reputation both in Armenia and far beyond its borders.
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Zareh Sahakyants established rich performing and creative traditions that became the foundation of our artistic identity. His vision for combining technical excellence with deep musical expression created a unique orchestral culture that distinguished NCOA from its inception.
These established traditions were further developed and enriched by subsequent directors who carried forward his legacy: Kostandin Baghdasaryan (from 1975) and Ruben Aharonyan (from 1982). Each brought their own artistic perspectives while maintaining the high standards and innovative spirit that Sahakyants had instilled in the orchestra.