Ofelya Hambardzumyan

Ofelya Karapeti Hambardzumyan (Օֆելյա Կարապետի Համբարձումյան, 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 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 Aram Merangulyan.

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 the music of Fahrad, Jivani, Sheram. In addition, she performed the songs of her contemporary ashughs, Gusan Shahen, Havasi, and Gusan Ashot; she was often the first performer of these songs.

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