Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has sent a letter of condolences over the death of legendary duduk player Jivan Gasparyan, Pashinyan’s Office told.

The letter reads:

“With a deep sorrow I learnt about the death of world-renowned duduk player Jivan Gasparyan.

During his whole creative activity the renowned master has spread the glory of the Armenian duduk all over the world, performing in many famous stages, presenting the Armenian music in films, cooperating with famous composers and musicians.

Our people and the world’s music-lover community has listed Jivan Gasparyan among the greats of the world art as an intellectual and an exception figure of an Armenian, whom we were proud of and inspired by.

After listening to the play of Jivan Gasparyan, Willian Saroyan once said: ‘Dear Jivan, this is not a play, this is a prayer’. The prayers with the master’s performance will always stay in the hearts and memories of not only Armenian, but also the global art-lovers.

I share the grief of his family, friends, fans and everyone at this moment of great loss.

Rest In Peace, Dear Master.”

President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has sent a letter of condolences over the death of legendary duduk player Jivan Gasparyan, the Presidential Office told.

“With a deep sorrow I learnt about the death of Armenian duduk legend, People’s Artist Jivan Gasparyan.

His art, melodies have long passed all the boundaries of reality and have crossed the eternity line.

Jivan Gasparyan has presented our folk music at multiple stages and world cinema, making our national culture understandable and available also for the foreign audience for decades.

The great master of duduk was one of the pillars of our modern culture, and the creative activity of musicians and especially duduk players is connected with his name.

I extended condolences to Jivan Gasparyan’s family, relatives and friends, his fans in Armenia and abroad and share the grief of everyone”, the Armenian President said in his letter.