Rouben Ter-Arutunian
In this article, we are going to explore the impact of Rouben Ter-Arutunian on today's society. Rouben Ter-Arutunian has been a topic of conversation and debate in recent times, as it has generated conflicting opinions and has aroused the interest of a wide spectrum of the population. Throughout this article, we will analyze different aspects related to Rouben Ter-Arutunian, from its origin to its influence in different areas of daily life. Likewise, we will examine different perspectives and studies that shed light on Rouben Ter-Arutunian, with the aim of providing a comprehensive view of this phenomenon that is so relevant today.
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2025) |
Rouben Ter-Arutunian | |
|---|---|
| Ռուբէն Տէր-Յարութիւնեան | |
| Born | July 24, 1920 |
| Died | October 17, 1992 (aged 72) New York City, U.S. |
| Education | Reimann School, 1939–1940 Humboldt University of Berlin, 1941–1943 Berlin University of the Arts, 1941–1943 University of Vienna, 1943–1944 |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1940–1980 |
| Awards | Tony Award for Best Costume Design, 1959 |
Rouben Ter-Arutunian (Armenian: Ռուբէն Տէր-Յարութիւնեան; July 24, 1920 – October 17, 1992) was a Georgian-born Armenian-American costume and set designer, known for his association with the New York City Ballet.[1][2]
Early life and education
Rouben Ter-Arutunian was born in Tiflis, Georgian SSR (present-day Tbilisi, Georgia) to an Armenian family.[1] Sometime in the 1920s the Ter-Arutunian family moved to Paris, before later moving to Berlin in 1927.[1][2]
Ter-Arutunian studied art and design at the Reimann School from 1939–1941.[1][2] Ter-Arutunian studied at Humboldt University of Berlin and the Berlin University of the Arts during 1941–1943, before continuing his music studies at the University of Vienna during 1943–1944.[1][2]
Career
Ter-Arutunian first designed costumes for dancers of the Berlin Staatsoper in 1940, going on to design for the Dresden Opera and the Vienna State Opera.
In 1947, Ter-Arutunian moved to Paris. [1]
New York
He moved to New York in 1951, which started his twenty-five year association with George Balanchine and New York City Ballet.[3] In 1964 he designed the sets for the New York City Ballet production of The Nutcracker.[4] He worked with the New York City Opera company, Hamburg State Opera, La Scala in Milan, the Opera-Comique in Paris and the Spoleto Festival in Italy.
He designed either costumes or sets, sometimes both, for 24 Broadway productions. His first production on Broadway was Measure for Measure in 1957, and his last was Goodbye Fidel in 1980.
Awards and legacy
He won the 1959 Tony Award for Best Costume Design for the musical Redhead, and was nominated for the Tony Award three times for Scenic Design and one other Tony for Costume Design.
The Rouben Ter-Arutunian Design Portfolios and the Rouben Ter-Arutunian Papers are held by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.[5]
Broadway work (selected)
- Measure for Measure (1957)
- Redhead (1959) — Tony Award for Best Costume Design
- Advise and Consent (1961) — Tony Award Best Scenic Design (Dramatic) (nominee)
- A Passage to India (1962) — Tony Award Best Scenic Design (nominee)
- The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (1964) — Tony Award Best Costume Design (nominee)
- Goodtime Charley (1975) — Tony Award Best Scenic Design (nominee)
- Goodbye Fidel (1980)
References
- ^ a b c d e f Anderson, Jack (19 October 1992). "Rouben Ter-Arutunian, 72, Dies; Designed City Ballet 'Nutcracker'". New York Times. New York City. p. 8. Archived from the original on 16 March 2025. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Rouben Ter-Arutunian design portfolios: Overview". The New York City Library: Archives & Manuscripts. New York City: The New York City Library. 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ Repertory Archive, Rouben Ter-Arutunian
- ^ Rouben Ter-Arutunian; Stage Designer for ‘Nutcracker’
- ^ New York Public Library listing danceheritage.org, accessed July 3, 2009
