Hamest Aghjik (Modest Girl)

Norayr Mnatsakanyan was born in Yerevan, studied at school N26. In 1936 received the first prize during All Union youth competition in Moscow. From 1942-1943 participated in World War II. As an actor Norayr Mnatsakanyan performed atTheatre of the Young Spectator in Yerevan, later played at H. Paronyan Musical Comedy Theatre and G. Sundukyan National Academic Theatre. Since 1944 moved to Yerevan Operetta Theatre, in 1948 entered Yerevan State University – the Department of Philology. Later as a soloist he was invited to Tatul Altunian’s Armenian State Choir, from 1953 was a soloist at Aram Merangulian folk instrument ensemble. Norayr Mnatsakanyan had concerts in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt and elsewhere. In 1965 he received Honored Artist of Armenia title, died in Yerevan. After his death in 1999 he received an honorary award for his contribution to Armenian folk singing.