Mher Mnatsakanyan

Uniquely one of the driving forces in modern representation of the Armenian Duduk, Mher Mnatsakanyan has spent many years as both a classical Clarinetist as well as a modern Duduk soloist. In 2016, Mher became a member of the “Matbookha Groove” band and has been playing at Walt Disney world as lead woodwind soloist. Previously, Mher traveled the world playing in the orchestra for the amazing and colorful traditional Chinese cultural show, Shen Yun Performing Arts. Mher has performed worldwide participating in four world tours with Shen Yun performing arts. Most notably, Japan, Argentina, Taiwan, all around United States, etc. Prior to Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. Mnatsakanyan spent three years touring with the living legend and Duduk master Djivan Gasparyan all around Russia and the former Soviet Union.

Born in Armenia in 1984, Mr. Mnatsakanyan began his studies at the Alexander Spenderian music school and later graduated with a Masters in Music Performance from the Komitas Yerevan State Conservatory. At the age of 15, Mher Mnatsakanyan began touring around the world starting with the talented children’s project “New Names,” most notably performing in the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, and the former Soviet Union. He later performed as the principal clarinetist at the Yerevan State Opera and Ballet orchestra as well as a clarinet soloist at the Tatoul Altounian National Song and Dance Ensemble. Mr. Mnatsakanyan later joined the proclaimed Dudukner Ensemble under the leadership of Duduk master Giorgi Minasov. With the Dudukner Ensemble, Mher Mnatsakanyan’s collaborations included classical, jazz, and even traditional works with a Duduk quartet and clarinet.

After moving to the United States, Mr. Mnatsakanyan has been working hard to introduce more people into the spiritual world of the Armenian Duduk. You can check out some of his new tracks via YouTube and SoundCloud or see him live at Walt Disney World in Florida where he performs daily.

• Armenia-Turkey Youth Symphonic Orchestra, Turkey 2010, 2011, 2012
• "Melodies of Peace" Orchestral Project, Armenia 2012
• "Days of Sergey Diagelev International Festival," Russia 2007
• "Aberdeen International Youth Festival," Scotland 2004
• "One Nation One Art All Armenian Art Festival," Armenia 2004
• "Armenia 2020 International Symposium," Greece 2003
• "Val d'Oise" International Festival, France 2001
• Grand Price, "National Competition for Woodwind Instruments," Armenia 2004
• "Children's Festival of Concertos," Armenia 1999, 2000
• First Place and Grand Prize, "Talents 98," Armenia 1998
• First Place and Grand Prize, "Awaking 96," Armenia 1996

The Duduk is an ancient double reed woodwind instrument made of apricot wood. It is indigenous to Armenia and traditionally played in pairs consisting of a soloist and a steady drone called dam. The sound of the two Duduks together creates a richer sound which pierces directly into one’s soul.

According to ethnomusicologist Dr. Jonathan McCollum, the instrument is depicted in numerous Armenian manuscripts of the Middle Ages, and is "actually the only truly Armenian instrument that's survived through history, and as such is a symbol of Armenian national identity ... The most important quality of the duduk is its ability to express the language dialectic and mood of the Armenian language, which is often the most challenging quality to a duduk player." #wikipedia

In the United States, Mher Mnatsakanyan has played the Duduk in many different settings ranging from the more traditional settings such as memorial services to classical and pop collaborations. Mr. Mnatsakanyan has been able to combine the Duduk’s ability to create atmospheres of serenity and peace with the rigor of modern music to achieve wonderfully magical and eloquent medleys. His collaborations have included with world-class artists as well as well-known ensembles. His work brings the Armenian Duduk to new horizons to the stage of world music.

Today, Mr. Mnatsakanyan keeps forming new collaborations as well as passing on the art of playing the Duduk. You can hear him play the Duduk at the Moroccan Pavilion Epcot, Walt Disney World Florida. To inquire about lessons visit our lessons page.

• Principal Clarinetist and Dudukist, Matboukha Groove, Moroccan Pavilion Epcot | USA | 2016 - Current
• Principal Clarinetist, Shen Yun Performing Arts | USA | 2013 - 2016
• Principal Clarinetist, Armenian State Opera and Ballet Theater Orchestra | Armenia | 2009-2013
• Clarinet, Shvi, and Duduk Soloist, Georgy Minasov Dudukner Ensemble | Armenia | 2006 - 2013
• Principal Clarinetist and Dudukist, Tatul Altunyan Song and Dance Ensemble | Armenia | 2012 - 2013
• Professor of Clarinet Performance, Romanos Melikyan State College | Armenia | 2011 - 2013
• Professor of Clarnet and Fork Instrument Performance, Arno Babajanyan State Musical College | Armenia | 2010 - 2013
• Dudukist, Jivan Gasparyan Duduk Ensemble | Armenia | 2009 - 2013
• Clarinet and Duduk Soloist, Oshakan Quintet | Armenia | 2009 - 2013
• Principal Shvist, Folk and Gusanakan Song State Ensemble of Armenia | Armenia | 2000 - 2013

Mr. Mnatsakanyan conducts in person as well as on line lessons over skype. Mr. Mnatsakanyan has been teaching music for a decade and has taught at two major state music colleges (R. Meliqyan and A. Babajanyan colleges) in Armenia. Through years of teaching, Mher Mntsakanyan has gained the experience allowing him to meticulously explain every single detail needed to perform professionally. He has students ranging from amateurs to professional musicians.

For more information about taken lessons with Mher for Duduk please contact via the contact page.