Ara Malikian

Ara Malikian (Beirut, 14 September 1968) is an Armenian violinist, born in Lebanon, and based in Spain. Regarded as one of the most virtuosic and original violinists of his generation, he is known for an eclectic style that fuses classical music with elements of Armenian, Eastern, flamenco, tango and other popular traditions.

Born into an Armenian family in the midst of the Lebanese civil war, he began playing the violin at an early age under his father's guidance and gave his first concert at just 12 years old. Music accompanied him through his childhood in air-raid shelters and, thanks to a scholarship, allowed him to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hanover, Germany. After living in several European countries, he settled in Spain at the end of the 1990s, where he has developed much of his career.

With an extensive discography and worldwide tours, Malikian has taken his violin to stages around the world, always maintaining a strong bond with his Mediterranean and Armenian roots.