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An Armenian born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, Sylvia first pursued musical studies at the Zurich Conservatory of Music in Switzerland, and later graduated from the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music in the U.S. with a Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and a Performer's Certificate. As the first winner of the Kirsten Flagstad Award at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, she came to worldwide attention, and an extensive singing career followed both in operatic leading roles: Mimi, Aida, Desdemona, Santuzza, appeared as soloist in Oratorios: Messiah, Judas Maccabaeus, St. John & Matthew Passions, and in recitals with nationally renowned orchestras and music organizations throughout America. She has enjoyed many years as soloist in various churches and synagogues in Rochester, NY, and in New York City. Her auspicious debuts are highlighted by appearances at Carnegie Hall, the 700 Club, the Palace Theatre and The Egg in Albany, and a special invitation to the President's Prayer Breakfast and the White House. As a Christian artist, she recalls frequent invitations to present her testimony in word and in song at Ladies' Prayer Breakfasts and churches throughout America and Canada, including the Congressional Wives' and International conferences in Washington, DC.

Miss Kutchukian is equally known and involved among Armenian communities. She was the first to start a summer youth camp at the Armenian Diocese Cathedral in New York City, and the only professional chosen to sing before the Catholicos of all Armenians. As President of Christian Arts International, Inc., she enjoys a combined career as both director of curriculums, concerts, various faith/cultural events, and as a private voice teacher. She brings a high standard of excellence to all her varied presentations and loves to promote the premiere works of outstanding quality of her Christian colleagues, while encouraging the development of talent among the youth. As Artist in Residence, she taught music at Houghton College, and later at Skidmore College for 18 years, teaching voice and languages, (she speaks six) acting as liaison between departments, directing operas, musicals, and plays, all of which have won her high critical acclaim.

As Director of Christian Arts Choir, Sylvia has sparked the Capital District and Vermont with 32 free concerts of Handel's MESSIAH in only seven years - a dream fulfilled ever since she first sang in her church choir in Egypt at age 14. Says Sylvia: "I have always believed that music and the Arts are a great catalyst for unity, hope and reconciliation, and in a redeemed presentation, can be an element in changing the spiritual climate of a region, indeed, a nation! " New members are always welcome to join the choir and orchestra by filling out the attached form and returning it to us.