Ofelya Hambardzumyan

Ofelya Karapeti Hambardzumyan (, January 9, 1925 – June 13, 2016) was an Armenian folk singer.

Biography She was born in Yerevan, Armenia SSR, on January 9, 1925. From a young age, she was recognized for her beautiful voice. She underwent vocal training at the Romanos Melikyan Musical College. In 1944, she became a solo singer for the Ensemble of Folk Instruments of the Radio of Armenia, where she dedicated her efforts to the ensemble headed by .

Her repertoire included classical Armenian music, ashughakan music, and folk songs. She was especially recognized for her interpretations of ashugh Sayat-Nova's songs, such as "Յարէն էրուած իմ Yaren ervac im", "Յիս կանչում եմ լալանին Yis kanchum em lalanin", and others. She also performed music by Fahrad, Jivani, and Sheram. In addition, she performed songs by her contemporaries Ashughs, , , and ; she was often the first to perform them.

Ofelya Hambardzumyan died on June 13, 2016, in Yerevan.

Awards

People's Artist of Armenian SSR (1959) Mesrop Mashtots Medal for significant contribution to the art of Armenian song