Vahram Sarkissian

A new work by composer Vahram Sarkissian, Ergir (Homeland), will receive its world premiere with Sinfonia Toronto on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 7:30 pm, at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. West, Toronto. Known for its vibrant performances and commitment to both classical and contemporary repertoire, the orchestra commissioned the work and will present its first performance.

Inspired by Sarkissian’s reflections on Western Armenia and on the world of Armenian illuminated manuscripts, Ergir (Homeland) brings together memory, history, and cultural inheritance through the sonorities of string orchestra.

The creation of the work is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.

The Canadian premiere of Vahram Sarkissian’s Quiet Songs will take place on December 6, 2025, at the Salle de concert du Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, as part of Ensemble Paramirabo’s concert series in residence at the Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec.

Featuring Sarah Albu (voice), Vahram Sarkissian (voice), Gwénaëlle Ratouit (clarinet), Viviane Gosselin (cello), and Pamela Reimer (piano), the program explores the delicate realms of timbre and voice through works of subtle nuance and expressive intimacy.

Commissioned by Crossroads festival and premiered in Yerevan, Quiet Songs was awarded the 2023 Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music by the Canada Council for the Arts.

uring his recent visit to Armenia, composer and experimental vocalist Vahram Sarkissian was invited to meet with students at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. He spoke about his artistic journey, recent works, and the development of his extended vocal techniques, sharing insights into how his music combines Armenian tradition and contemporary innovation.

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) has awarded composer and singer Vahram Sarkissian the prestigious Prix du CALQ – Artiste de l’année à Laval. This award, accompanied by a $10,000 prize, was presented to him by Véronique Fontaine, Director of Program Planning at CALQ, during a special evening organized by Culture Laval at St-Maurice-de-Duvernay Church in Laval.

The jury, convened by CALQ, praised Sargsyan’s work for its "calming softness" and his ability to transport listeners beyond time and borders through a distinctive and rich vocal identity. Drawing inspiration from his Armenian heritage, Sargsyan’s compositions embody a spirituality and authenticity that invite reflection and contemplation. The jury also highlighted the significant role Sargsyan plays in enriching both the local and national arts scenes with his innovative projects and unique compositions.

The Bach Society of Dayton, led by Dr. David Crean, will present the premiere of the choral piece 'Soorp Soorp' by Sarkissian on March 3, 2024, in Dayton, OH. The new composition, commissioned by the Bach Society, will be part of their 'Along the Silk Road' program.

On May 31, 2025, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music hosted the recording of “Vox Temporum,” a new work for voice, alto saxophone, and string quartet by Vahram Sarkissian. The piece was commissioned by renowned violinist Movses Pogossian and the Armenian Music Program at UCLA.

The session featured Vahram Sarkissian (voice), Jan Berry Baker (alto saxophone), Varty Manouelian and Movses Pogossian (violins), Che-Yen Chen (viola), and Ben Hong (cello). The ensemble brought together musicians with extensive experience in contemporary and chamber music.

The recording will be featured on an upcoming album to be released next year, alongside works by several living composers including a new string quartet by Aram Hovannissyan. The project will also highlight an entire album devoted to the music of Ashot Zohrabyan, Sarkissian’s late composition professor.

A special evening in Yerevan paid tribute to composer Ashot Zohrabyan, with Armenian-Canadian composer and conductor Vahram Sarkissian leading the performance of Parable alongside distinguished Armenian musicians.

Vahram Sarkissian has been honored with the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music 2023 for his work “Quiet Songs”. This prestigious Canadian award, established by former Governor General Jules Léger in 1978, recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of new chamber music. Sarkissian's achievement in this competitive and innovative domain underscores his significant impact on contemporary music.

https://cmccanada.org/vahram-sarkissian-wins-jules-leger-prize-for-new-chamber-music/

On December 26 at 7:00 PM, the Armenian State College of Dance will feature a contemporary dance performance choreographed by Arik Asaturyan. The modern dance performance will be based on Vahram Sarkissian's "Quiet Songs" for Chamber Ensemble.