Introduction
Trained in Armenia by renowned masters, Rostom Khachikian has established himself as a leading interpreter of the duduk in France. Appreciated for his mastery of the instrument and the originality of his interpretations, he began his musical career with the dhol before dedicating himself fully to the duduk. His in-depth work on traditional Armenian instruments has allowed him to develop a unique musical approach.
In the 1990s, Rostom Khachikian refined his craft during regular stays in Armenia, where he studied with prominent figures of the duduk, such as Gevorg Dabaghyan and Georgy Minasov. Thanks to constant dedication and over 30 years of rigorous musical research, he succeeds in evoking powerful emotions through his playing.
Timeline
In 1988, Rostom.K joined the Djivani Ensemble, a group dedicated to the preservation and transmission of Armenian music, led by Jean-Pierre Nergararian. With the duduk, he enriched the ensemble’s performances with an authentic and nuanced sound, thus contributing to the promotion of a repertoire that was often overlooked.
Beyond his performances with Djivani, Rostom.K has distinguished himself through numerous artistic collaborations. He has notably participated in recordings for filmmakers such as Simon Abkarian, Robert Guédiguian, and Robert Kéchichian, bringing the unique sound of the duduk to film music. He has also worked with Frédéric Manoukian, exploring a wide range of genres, from world music to jazz.
In 2018, Rostom Khachikian performed "Dle Yaman" during the national tribute ceremony to Charles Aznavour. His performance accompanied the entrance of the coffin into the courtyard of the Invalides, under the gaze of the presidential tribune. This solemn moment paid tribute to the artist's Armenian heritage.
In 2022, he collaborated with pianist André Manoukian on the show "Mes rêves d'Orient," blending jazz and traditional Armenian music. This project, combining piano and duduk, takes the audience on a musical journey between East and West.
In 2024, Rostom Khachikian composed and performed the music for the biopic "Monsieur Aznavour," directed by Grand Corps Malade and Mehdi Idir. The main musical theme, "Yerazad," played on the duduk, evokes Charles Aznavour's Armenian roots and brings an identity dimension to the film.
During the Panthéonization ceremony of Missak Manouchian on February 21, 2024, Rostom Khachikian performed "A Dream on the Horizon," a piece played on the duduk, marking the event with particular emotion and recalling the deep ties between Missak Manouchian and his Armenian roots.
