Emmanuel Hovhannisyan is an accomplished duduk player and composer, whose musical journey began with his graduation from the Yerevan State Conservatory in 2005, under the supervision of Professor Dabaghyan. During his time at the conservatory, Emmanuel distinguished himself by participating in several international competitions, earning numerous international prizes for his exceptional musical talent.

Emmanuel’s passion for Armenian folk music is evident in his performances with the Sheram ensemble, which he founded in 2016. This ensemble specializes in interpreting the works of Ashughs (troubadours) from the 16th century onward, breathing new life into these historical pieces. Additionally, Emmanuel founded the Emotion Band in 2015, through which he has composed and performed various original compositions, showcasing his versatility and creative prowess.

In 2011, Emmanuel collaborated with the Naghash ensemble to record “Armenian Contemporary Music” by John Hodian, which was honored as the Best Armenian Contemporary Music. His collaboration with the Gurjieff ensemble has also been notably successful, producing several CDs under the independent record label ECM, with the first CD in 2011 winning the prestigious Edison Award—a testament to his contributions to the music industry.

Emmanuel’s career is marked by his dedication to teaching and mentoring new generations of musicians. He began teaching at the Yerevan State Conservatory in 2008 and two years later, he founded the Dudukman duduk school. His teaching has extended internationally, influencing both children and adults from diverse backgrounds.

In December of 2021, Emmanuel relocated to Los Angeles and, from January 2022, has been a faculty member at UCLA’s Armenian department. He continued his educational endeavors by joining the faculty of the International School of Music in May 2023, where he brings his rich experience and profound musical knowledge to students in the US, Armenia, and Europe.