Updated

Iranian composer and conductor Loris Tjeknavorian received an appreciation plaque in Yerevan, Armenia, in a ceremony reported on November 10, 2026. The plaque came from Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi and was presented in the presence of Vice President Seyyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, who also gave him an Armenian-language edition of the Shahnameh. The honor recognized a lifetime of dedication and his role in elevating Iranian music and strengthening cultural ties between Iran and Armenia. Speakers praised his knowledge, creativity and enduring works, as well as his work introducing Iranian music internationally. Tehran Times, citing IRNA, said the ceremony was framed as a chance to expand cooperation in music, joint works, orchestral performances and the exchange of artists. Tjeknavorian, 89, was born in Borujerd, Lorestan Province, and has conducted international orchestras and written six operas, five symphonies, choral and chamber works, and concertos for several instruments. His compositions have been performed by major orchestras in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. His recent works include the operas Zahak and Mowlana and Shams-e Tabriz and the chamber opera The Final Hour of Sadegh Hedayat. Since 2009 he has continued composing and has also painted and written short stories.