Levon Ichkhanian: A journey through 'The Armenian Guitars'
From June 11 to 15, Toronto's Gallery Gevik will host a unique exhibition that brings together music, art, and Armenian culture. Titled simply ‘The Armenian Guitars,’ this exhibition showcases a decade-long journey by renowned Armenian-Canadian guitarist and oudist Levon Ichkhanian. The collection of guitars, meticulously designed with Armenian motifs and symbols, represents the culmination of Ichkhanian's passion for music, culture, and heritage.
***
The beginning of an exploration
For Ichkhanian, the idea of blending Armenian heritage with the craft of guitar building came from an unexpected source. He recalls how his journey began with a quote from Jose Ramirez III of the Ramirez Luthier Dynasty, who noted that the oud, often considered an Arab instrument, actually originated in the Christian Armenian communities in the early centuries A.C. This insight sparked a journey for Ichkhanian, leading him to commission a custom-built oud with Armenian motifs by Luthier Khaled Al Halabi. It was the beginning of an exploration that would eventually result in the 'The Armenian Guitars' exhibition.
Over the course of ten years, Ichkhanian collected guitars that depict the Armenian narrative through various artistic methods, including paintings, etchings, engravings, inlays, and symbols. The guitars incorporate precious materials such as gold, silver, amber, mother-of-pearl, and apricot wood from Armenia. This extensive collection will be on public display for the first time at Gallery Gevik, allowing visitors to explore the fusion of art and music that Ichkhanian has crafted.
***
Levon's musical journey
Ichkhanian's path to becoming a celebrated guitarist and oudist began in Beirut, Lebanon. Born into a family of musicians in 1964, he was exposed to various musical styles from a young age. His father, Edouard Ichkhanian, was a renowned musical director for Middle Eastern artists, and his familial influences shaped Levon's early interest in music.
At the age of 12, Levon's family immigrated to Canada, where he began to explore the electric guitar. Just a year later, at 13, he had his first professional gig with Adiss Harmandian, a pioneer modern Armenian singer and one of the cornerstones of Levon's musical influences. His career took off from there, and he quickly became known for his versatility, mastering several instruments, including the fretted and fretless guitars, oud, bouzouki, mandolin, and banjitar.
Levon and his father, Edouard Ichkhanian
Levon's musical journey has spanned nearly five decades, with extensive experience in various genres, including jazz, pop, and traditional music. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the Toronto Musicians' Association's 2022 Musician of the Year award. He's also the recipient of the Governor General of Canada's acknowledgement for musical excellence and other awards recognizing his contributions to music and culture.
The Ichkhanians are renowned as the first Armenian-Lebanese diasporic family of professional musicians, with eleven members to date. The family's musical legacy began with Antoine, who played the oud, and Joseph, a professor of music who founded the classical guitar program at the Beirut Conservatory of Music. Joseph also authored Méthode Moderne de Guitare in 1970, a book still in print that continues to be widely used by guitarists. Their other brother Jacques was a master flamenco guitarist, and their cousin, Hovannes, was the leading scholar and performer of the Armenian tar. Hovannes also authored numerous music method books and served as the choirmaster for the Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia.
The Ichkhanian musical talent continued into the next generations. Joseph's children, Sarah and Thalia, became guitarists and pianists, respectively. Antoine's son and daughter, Joseph and Sonia, pursued careers as guitarists, singers, and pianists. Most recently, Levon's daughter, Taline, has joined the family musical tradition as a singer, making her the eleventh Ichkhanian musician.
***
The Armenian connection
According to Ichkhanian, 'The Armenian Guitars' exhibition is more than just a showcase of beautiful instruments; it's a reflection of Ichkhanian's deep-rooted connection to his Armenian heritage. In a recent conversation, he spoke about the importance of storytelling through music and how it relates to the Armenian experience. "There are many ways of telling a story," he says. "And for me, the best way to tell a story is when someone is receiving it without being lectured—like a speech that says 'we're [Armenians] the best, we're the first, we're the strongest, we're the most resilient.' For me, it's like, you give them all the examples, and they can put all those things together, and they'll realize what, who, which, who are the Armenians? What is Armenia?"
Ichkhanian believes that the Armenian spirit can be encapsulated in one word: ‘survivour.’ "Look at our history, even the history today; our country is small and landlocked, and after all that we've been through and what we continue to go through as a nation—what other nation could survive this?"
Levon's passion for music and his Armenian heritage are closely intertwined. His Ph.D. dissertation at York University focuses on the music of the Armenian Diaspora, a topic often overlooked in mainstream discourse. He has extensively researched the farewell shows of three iconic Diasporan-Armenian singers: Adiss Harmandian, Paul Baghdadlian, and Harout Pamboukjian, all of whom he has had the honour and pleasure to play with. This deep dive into Armenian music history has given him a unique perspective on the cultural and musical contributions of the Armenian Diaspora.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Levon's career has taken him around the world, performing at prestigious events such as the Beijing Olympics, the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, and Peter Gabriel's WOMAD. He's worked with an array of artists, from A.R. Rahman and Zakir Hussain to Sir Elton John and Barbra Streisand. These experiences have not only enriched his musical expertise but have also provided him with a platform to share his Armenian heritage with a global audience.
***
A celebration of music and heritage
For Levon, the upcoming exhibition at Gallery Gevik is a culmination of years of work and a testament to the rich tapestry of Armenian culture. Each guitar in the collection tells a story, incorporating elements of Armenian history and symbolism. As visitors walk through the gallery, they will see guitars adorned with intricate designs and motifs that reflect the enduring legacy of the Armenian people.
Ichkhanian's approach to music and storytelling is rooted in a deep appreciation for authenticity and emotional connection. He believes that music is a powerful medium for conveying emotions and stories. He explains that a dear friend once told him that life is archery: "You prepare and practice all you want, but when it's time to take a couple of steps back, take aim, and let the then you let it go, it's no longer in your hands. Once you let that arrow go, you have no control. Whatever happens, happens. And that's the beauty of it. And that's what I call the unknown--the precious unknown. Sometimes, you don't know what's going to connect with people. Oftentimes, people put so much extra effort into it. And for me, it's like, 'no, no, just be yourself and find the best in yourself."
This philosophy extends to his approach to performing and interacting with audiences. "Music is emotion, and that is why I don't like to turn [my music] into an absolute science. I don't think when I play; I mean, I practice up to that point, and I practice hard. But that's it. Once you let go of the arrow, it’s gone, beyond your control. Some performances could be really magical, and some could be just okay; every night is different. And, of course, the audience has something to do with it too." It's this sense of unpredictability and spontaneity that makes his performances so captivating.
***
Looking to the future
As Ichkhanian prepares for the opening of 'The Armenian Guitars,' he is also looking ahead to a significant milestone in his life: his 60th birthday. To celebrate, he has ambitious plans to host or participate in 60 different events and initiatives, ranging from concerts to workshops to lectures. This extensive series of events will begin with the exhibition at Gallery Gevik and continue throughout the year, showcasing his commitment to sharing music and culture with the world.
Levon's dedication to his craft and his Armenian heritage is evident in everything he does. As a session musician, he's played on over 200 diverse commercial recordings and has collaborated with artists from various genres and backgrounds. His own studio albums, including ‘After Hours’ and ‘Travels,’ blend contemporary jazz with world music influences, showcasing his versatility and musical range.
Ichkhanian's 'The Armenian Guitars' is a tribute to his passion for music, heritage, and storytelling. The exhibition at Gallery Gevik offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the Armenian people through the lens of music and craftsmanship. As visitors explore the collection, they'll experience not just beautifully crafted guitars but a story of resilience, survival, and artistic expression. Through his work, Ichkhanian invites us to embrace the beauty of music and the stories it can tell. His journey is a reminder that art and culture are powerful tools for connecting people across borders and generations. ֎
***
Levon Ichkhanian’s ‘The Armenian Guitars’ will be held at Gallery Gevik, 12 Hazelton Ave., Toronto, from June 11 to 15, 2024, daily between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. This exhibition features a decade-long collection of guitars adorned with Armenian motifs, showcasing the blend of heritage and craftsmanship. Admission is free. For more information, contact Gallery Gevik at 416- 968-0901 or info@gevik.com, or visit armenianguitars.com, levonmusic.com, and globalvillagecreative.com.
*All accompanying photos courtesy of Levon Ichkhanian.
