Born in 1964 in Lebanon, Maestro Barkev Taslakian grew up immersed in the rich traditions of choral music through his Armenian heritage. He developed his conducting skills at the Parsegh Ganatchian Musical Academy in Beirut, studying under Maestro Harutyun Topikyan and Professor Yervant Yerkanian.

Maestro Taslakian’s professional journey began in the 1990s when he led the Komitas Choir and Koussan Choir in Beirut, and the Komitas Chamber Choir in Armenia. His significant role came in 2003 as the founder, artistic director, and principal conductor of the Fayha National Choir. Under his leadership, the choir has set international standards for Arabic a cappella, performing in more than 30 countries from Canada to China and earning global acclaim. The choir's notable awards include first place at the “Varsovia Cantat” Warsaw International Choir Festival in 2007, where Taslakian was also awarded “Best Conductor,” and the “IMC Music Rights” award in 2015 for their positive social impact through music.

Nicknamed the 'Godfather of Arabic choral music,' Taslakian has been instrumental in integrating choral music into Arabic musical culture. He founded several choirs that promote peace building and social cohesion, such as the Lebanese Palestinian Chamber Choir, Children of Syria Choir, and Angham wa Salam, funded by international organizations. His dedication extends beyond performance; he is actively involved in training new conductors and promoting collective singing across the Arab region.

Maestro Taslakian’s efforts to strengthen and broaden the Arabic a cappella school led him to found the Lebanese Choral Association and the Lebanese International Choir Festival. He also co-founded the Arab Choral Network and currently serves as the president of the former two organizations. He is member of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM), the European Choral Association, and the Lebanese Syndicate of Professional Artists.

Apart from his conducting roles, Taslakian frequently conducts lectures and workshops on Arab choral singing at various international conferences, continuously fostering educational exchanges and enriching the global choral community.