Biography of Musica Bella Orchestra soloist Vagarshak Ohanyan

Baritone Vagharshak Ohanyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia. In 2007 he performed in Yerevan with the Armenian Philarmonic in a concert production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, singing the role of Silvio. Last season at the New York City Opera, he debuted as Sid in Puccini’s opera La Fanciulla Del West. NYNEWSDAY remarked that “The role was superbly sung by Vagharshak Ohanyan.” In March, he performed with the Bachanalia Orchestra at St. Peter’s Church. Last summer, Mr. Ohanyan recorded a CD with Mexican conductor Carlos Luis Garcia of Puccini’s opera Il Tabarro. Also with the Armenian Philharmonic he sang Sharpless’s role in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. With Mr. Tjeknavorian’s opera Rostam and Zohrab, he toured to Tehran and sang the title role. As a guest soloist, he appeared with the American Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leon Botstein, in a concert production of Rachmaninoff’s Francesca Da Rimini in January 2002 at Avery Fisher Hall. In March 2002, he performed songs by Rachmaninoff at Carnegie Hall, produced by MidAmerican Productions, Inc.       Mr. Ohanyan sang a baritone solo in Durufle’s Requiem with the Plymouth choir and orchestra at Plymouth Church. In 1997-98, Mr. Ohanyan performed at the Tchaikovsky Rediscoveries Festival at Bard College and at the Trinity Church. He also performed at Carnegie Hall with the Russian Chamber Chorus and was invited to participate in Vladimir Spivakov’s Moscow Cantata at Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood with the Russian American Youth Orchestra and Chorus of New York. Other highlights include solo recitals with the Boston Chamber Orchestra and the Rhode Island Chorale, and the role of Silvio in Pagliacci with New York’s Opera Mobile at Lincoln Center. He was a soloist in Faure’s and Mozart’s Requiems with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Russia) in 1994-95. Mr. Ohanyan continues to perform internationally at many prestigious festivals and opera houses. As a member of the Artist in Residence Program, Mr. Ohanyan teaches voice in P.S. 157,239,202. Mr. Ohanyan holds a Doctorate of Arts Ed. and a MA in Vocal Performance from the Armenian State Conservatory and a certificate from the Juilliard School. In 1996 Mr. Ohanyan became a union member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.       He will be a soloist in Musica Bella’s presentation of Bach’s Mass in B Minor on January 26 and 27, 2008. Musica Bella concerts: January 26, 2008; January 27, 2008 This bio last updated December 2007