Vladimir Kroyan - Tradition and Transmission
Vladimir Kroyan was born on May 13, 1983, in Vanadzor, a mountainous region in northern Armenia’s Lori Province. He discovered the Duduk at a very young age, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in Armenian musical tradition. His grandfather, also named Vladimir Kroyan, was a prominent figure in the Duduk world during the 20th century and played a pivotal role in shaping his vocation. His aunt, honored with the title “Honored Artist of Armenia” for her career and contribution to Armenian traditional song, further reinforced this artistic heritage.
Vladimir Kroyan began his academic path at the Mikayel Tavrizyan Music College, then continued his studies in the Art and Music Department at Vanadzor University. He later refined his training at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, within the specialized Duduk department led by master Gevorg Dabaghyan, one of the world’s foremost figures of the instrument.
Settled in France since 2016, Vladimir Kroyan has continued his musical career by performing with various ensembles and institutions. While he is primarily known for his mastery of the Duduk, he also plays other traditional Armenian instruments such as the Pku and the Zurna, as well as the clarinet, demonstrating his versatility and the richness of his artistic journey.
Honors and Key Milestones
At the age of 12, Vladimir Kroyan won the gold medal at the prestigious Amadeus International Competition, marking the beginning of his recognition on the international stage. This achievement opened the door to numerous international invitations, leading to a world tour across ten countries, including France, Belgium, the United States, Canada, and several Latin American nations such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
At 16, he secured first place in the national competition “New Names,” a distinction that earned him a place on an international tour alongside other laureates. He performed in Greece and in several major U.S. cities, including Washington, New York, Boston, and Fresno.
In 2007, Vladimir continued his international journey with a European tour that took him to Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Greece.
In 2013, he received another distinction at the Armenian National Festival, where he was awarded the title of laureate and a gold medal. That same year, he embarked on a musical tour in Iran and gave performances in Russia, Poland, and several Eastern European countries.
At the age of 18, Vladimir joined the Horovel song and dance ensemble in Vanadzor, and by the age of 22, he became its principal Duduk soloist.
An Exceptional Family Mentor
The close bond between Vladimir Kroyan and his grandfather played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic path. At the age of 6, Vladimir insisted that his grandfather become his Duduk teacher, a request he made with both passion and determination. His grandfather, a remarkable educator and founder of the first Duduk school in northern Armenia, accepted and became not only his very first instructor but also his artistic role model.
Also named Vladimir Kroyan, his grandfather was a prominent Duduk figure of the 20th century, widely recognized on the national stage. Very quickly, he became much more than a teacher to his grandson: a trusted guide, a master of reference, and a mentor whose influence would deeply shape the younger Vladimir’s career and musical identity.
Vladimir Kroyan (petit-fils) & Vladimir Kroyan (grand-père) © 1995
Discography
Vladimir Kroyan stands out as a musician deeply devoted to the Armenian folk repertoire. Through his technique, he demonstrates complete mastery of the art of playing the Armenian Duduk, particularly through the use of intricate ornamentation and subtle variations in his performance.
Angut Axchik - (Achugh Shirvani)
Duduk \ դուդուկ - Angut axjik © Vladimir Kroyan
Vladimir Kroyan’s versatility and openness to different musical styles allow him to explore new repertoires. He notably performs Adagio by Tomaso Albinoni, a landmark work of classical music whose emotional depth blends harmoniously with the expressive sound of the Duduk.
Vladimir Kroyan - Adagio
Duduk - Adagio / Դուդուկ - Ադաջիո © Vladimir Kroyan
Teaching
Based in France since 2016, Vladimir Kroyan founded his own educational workshop in Lyon, the Duduk Studio Kroyan, where he now teaches the art of the Duduk to a wide audience.
For more information about his lessons, please refer to the dedicated section: Duduk Lessons.
Kroyan Studio ©
Until recent years, Vladimir Kroyan also taught in Armenia, where he closely mentored several students who went on to achieve an excellent level. In doing so, he continued the work of his grandfather, who was also a renowned teacher.
Students of the "Kroyan" Duduk School of Vanadzor ©
