Raffi Chilingirian, a man whose journey is a true reflection of passion and a deep connection to his cultural heritage. From his early days as a boy in Lebanon, he was captivated by wind instruments, eventually becoming Lebanon’s first professional duduk graduate. Raffi has mastered his craft in a way that not only grabs attention but also touches the hearts of those who hear him play.
The background of Duduk
Armenian musicologists cite evidence of the use of the duduk “A tube made from an apricot tree” is the translation of the original name “tsiranapoh.” since 1200 BC; some Western scientists indicate that it was used 1500 years ago, while others (such as UNESCO) indicate that the history of Armenian duduk music dates back to the reign of the Armenian king Dikran the Great, who ruled between 95 and 55 BC.
The fact that duduk is made entirely of apricot wood is how it acquired its name. The reason why duduks in other nations sound so different from those in Armenia is that they are made of different materials (plum trees, walnut trees).
The apricot tree instrument has a delicate and distinctive sound. The duduk itself is a long tube measuring 28, 33, or 40 cm, with 7 or 8 slot openings and a thumb slot on the backside. Its sound is lyrical, velvety, and occasionally very depressing and emotional.
According to ethnomusicologist Dr. Jonathan McCollum, the instrument was depicted in many mediaeval Armenian manuscripts, and it is “in fact the only real Armenian instrument that has survived throughout history, and therefore it is a symbol of Armenian national identity.” “An important quality of the duduk is its ability to express the dialectic and mood of the Armenian language, which is often the most challenging quality for a duduk player,” he said.
Duduk’s music, fortunately, captures the vibrancy of Karabakhi culture. This culture has a vibrant folk tradition that has Armenian roots, and most importantly, it is a culture that survives tragedy and isolation.
Armenian music has been presented internationally by numerous artists, such as composers Aram Khachaturian, Alexander Arutiunian, Arno Babajanian, Haig Gudenian, and Karen Kavaleryan as well as by traditional performers such as DUDUK player Djivan Gasparyan the genius musician RIP.
Raffi and wind instruments
Growing up, wind instruments always fascinated Raffi. He fondly recalls moments at camps and retreats, where he eagerly tried to learn to play the flute. But it wasn’t until he attended a camp in Armenia that he encountered an instrument that would forever change his life—the duduk.
He found a beautiful duduk at the Vernissage market and brought it home to Lebanon. Yet, for years, it remained tucked away in a drawer, untouched, as life went on. Then, unexpectedly, during a church banquet planning session, a friend issued a challenge. After Raffi had playfully dared her to be the emcee of the event, she turned the tables and challenged him to play the duduk at the banquet. With only three months to prepare, Raffi quickly sought out a teacher. In just four lessons, he learned the basics of this ancient instrument, known for its haunting and emotive melodies.
Hamazkayin Parsegh Ganatchian School of Music
When the night of the performance arrived, something magical happened. Despite the short preparation, Raffi played with a skill and passion that left the audience in awe. It was in that moment he realized his gift wasn’t just a talent but a calling. Feeling that this was a divine blessing, Raffi decided to pursue this passion wholeheartedly.
He enrolled at the Hamazkayin Parsegh Ganatchian School of Music in Bourj Hammoud, where he rigorously studied solfege, theory, harmony, and music history. His dedication paid off, and he became the first professional duduk graduate in Lebanon. Now, he carries forward the rich tradition of the duduk, an instrument that speaks to the soul of his Armenian heritage and culture, sharing its profound melodies with the world.
