Zildjian donates instruments to Armenia to commemorate its 400th anniversary
YEREVAN—To commemorate its 400th anniversary, the famed Zildjian Company is donating percussion instruments to the conservatory and orchestras of Armenia at the initiative of Triple A Audio, an Armenian music tech company co-founded by System of a Down lead singer Serj Tankian.
The historic donation features over 20 Zildjian cymbals and dozens more drumsticks, percussion mallets and accessories from Zildjian, Vic Firth and Balter, the last of which were acquired by Zildjian in 2010 and 2018, respectively.
“In celebrating the Zildjian Company’s 400th anniversary, the family wanted to pay tribute to my grandfather’s Armenian heritage. Donating cymbals to the prestigious conservatory and orchestras of Armenia is something my grandfather would certainly have wanted us to do,” said Craigie Zildjian, executive chair and president of Zildjian. “I’m sure the Armenian music community will enjoy this donation of Armenian-named cymbals now made in the U.S.”
The historic collection is destined for Yerevan State Conservatory and five major Armenian orchestras, including the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra.
“Our mission at Triple A Audio is to unleash Armenia’s music potential onto the international scene,” said Gevorg Mnatsakanyan, co-founder and chief operating officer of the company, which specializes in the production of professional-grade music production software known as virtual studio technology (VST) instruments and the provision of remote recording services geared towards professional composers for film, TV and video games. “To achieve that mission, we needed to make sure the instruments available to the orchestras were up to standard to deliver the quality of performance expected of them by professional composers globally.”
“It’s hard to overestimate the importance of professional, high-end instruments in an orchestra. They’re integral to the quality of its performance. The Zildjian donation is all the more symbolic as it comes on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and promises to elevate its musicians to new performing heights,” said Norayr Nazaryan, the general director of the orchestra.
The donation was made possible by the generous support of Anthony J. Barsamian, co-chair of the Armenian Assembly of Armenia, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s largest Armenian nonprofit.
“The Zildjian family is an institution in the world of music here in the U.S. and throughout the world. To have them support the national symphonies of Armenia as part of the greater Armenian family, the Armenian Assembly of America and the extended communities around the world are truly grateful for their contributions throughout the centuries,” said Barsamian.
The instruments were presented to the conservatory and the orchestras during a formal handover ceremony organized by Triple A Audio at AGBU Hall in Yerevan, Armenia that was attended by members of the press.
About The Zildjian Company
The Zildjian Company has been synonymous with setting the standard for the development and manufacture of high performance musical instruments since 1623. As the world’s leading maker of cymbals, drumsticks and percussion mallets, Zildjian products are sold across the globe, under the Zildjian, Vic Firth and Balter brands, and are the standard to which all other cymbals, drumsticks and mallets are measured. From the beginner to the world’s greatest rock stars, jazz performers and concert percussionists, amateurs and pros alike choose Zildjian, Vic Firth and Balter products to allow them to experience and share the joy of music.
Headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts with offices in Newport, ME, Los Angeles, CA, London, UK, and Singapore, Zildjian products are sold globally through distributors and via a network of dealers. All Zildjian instruments are made in the U.S. at our cymbal factory in Norwell, MA and drumstick/mallet factory in Newport, ME.
About Triple A Audio
Started in 2023 by System of a Down lead singer Serj Tankian, American composer and producer Olajide Paris and Gevorg Mnatsakanyan, Triple A Audio is a Yerevan-based music software company specializing in the production of music production software known as virtual studio technology (VST) instruments and the provision of remote recording services geared towards professional composers for film, TV and video games.
Committed to engaging local musicians, spreading their stories and building their potential in the world of international music, the company focuses on crafting narratives of people and their instruments to imbue its products with a creative energy and vigor designed to help customers bloom into their own inspired muses.
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