On November 24, 2008 the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Seyran Ohanyan received world known duduk player, composer, People’s Artist of Armenia, laureate of a number of international awards Jivan Gasparyan.

The Minister first congratulated the renowned musician on his 80th anniversary, whishing him a long life, endless vigor, creative success and realization of cherished dreams. During the meeting Seyran Ohanyan noted that invaluable is Jivan Gasparyan’s immense contribution to making the Armenian music better known in the world: thanks to him Armenia appears before the world with duduk, which sounds from the most famous stages of the world and in the most popular films, exciting people’s hearts, affording real pleasure. “Unaware of the Armenian musical instruments, the world was once surprised to see how easily that simple wooden instrument wins the hearts of people. In this sense, it’s hard to overestimate the importance of your decades-long devoted activity, since culture has always been of vital importance for the Armenian nation,” the Defense Minister said. Seyran Ohanyan presented a symbolic sword to Jivan Gasparyan , whishing that the sword and duduk be always inseparable. At the end of the meeting the Maestro thanked the Minister for warm reception and presented him his CD. Jivan Gasparyan noted, in turn, that he had the honor to meet with the noblest General he has ever known.