Canadian-Armenian musician Levon Ichkhanian receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

Renowned Armenian-Canadian musician Levon Ichkhanian has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing his contributions to music and community building in Canada, reports Torontohye. The medal honours individuals who have made a significant impact on Canadian society or brought international recognition to the country.

A celebrated guitarist and oudist, Ichkhanian was born into a distinguished musical family in Beirut and immigrated to Canada as a child. His career spans multiple genres, blending Armenian musical traditions with jazz, world, and contemporary music. Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned artists, including A.R. Rahman, Zakir Hussain, Sir Elton John, and Barbra Streisand, while also dedicating himself to preserving and promoting Armenian heritage through music.

His recent exhibition, The Armenian Guitars, showcased a decade-long collection of custom-designed guitars adorned with Armenian motifs, reflecting his deep connection to his roots. Beyond performance, Ichkhanian is also an educator and composer, influencing generations of musicians through his work.

This latest honour, which Ichkhanian received on Feb. 10, follows his Musician of the Year award from the Toronto Musicians’ Association and the Queen’s Jubilee Pin for his impact on the community. With a career spanning decades, Ichkhanian continues to shape Canada’s cultural landscape, using music as a bridge between tradition and innovation.