Arpi Alto (professionally known as Arpi Alto and born Arpine Mikaeli Ter-Petrosyan) is an Armenian singer, songwriter, musician, performer, record producer, and pianist.
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, she was raised in a family of artists and musicians. Her mother, Anahit Ter Petrosyan, is a pianist, jazz artist, and composer, while her father, Mikayel Ter Petrosyan, is a sculptor and visual artist. She holds a Master’s Degree in piano from the Khachatur Abovyan State Pedagogical University, which she completed in 2016.
Career & Musical Style
Alto began her professional career in 2011, performing with ensembles such as the Geghard Monastery Vocal Ensemble, the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, and The Naghash Ensemble.
In late 2019 and early 2020, she transitioned into solo work, focusing on jazz standards, traditional Armenian folk music, and Brazilian bossa nova classics. Possessing a unique vocal range that sits near a deep contralto, she sings fluently in Armenian, English, Russian, and Portuguese.
She achieved international viral success on social media with her smooth, atmospheric covers of bossa nova standards like “The Girl From Ipanema” (Garota de Ipanema) (https://youtu.be/kumXca0CQPg?is=mwD4Xsb-Nd-5IEqB) and “Mas que Nada”. Her physical resemblance and expressions also led to widespread online commentary comparing her to American actress Julia Roberts.
Discography & Projects
- My Soul in the Mountains (2021): Her debut studio album, which features traditional Armenian folk and classical melodies. (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m-GrPUzwN4NV1bqqAak3CCDJhV-bf0M7E&si=_GLyLTHZYnEM7iQk)
- Para o Meu Amor (2022): A dedicated project reflecting her love for Brazilian bossa nova.
- Almost You (2026): A recent project heavily inspired by her mother’s composition work, honoring the sacrifices of women artists.
She releases music independently through Ginosi Music, an indie record label she co-founded with her family.
