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Vocal

 

Armen Guzelimian is a renowned classical pianist, educator, and cultural leader. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1956, to Armenian parents who had fled the genocide in Turkey. Guzelimian's family moved to the United States when he was six years old, settling in Los Angeles, California. Guzelimian showed an early aptitude for music, and began studying piano at the age of five. He went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in piano performance. Guzelimian's career as a performer began in earnest in the 1980s, when he won several prestigious competitions, including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. He quickly established himself as a soloist of note, performing with major orchestras around the world, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Guzelimian's repertoire is wide-ranging, encompassing works by classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as more contemporary composers such as Messiaen, Ligeti, and Adams. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Armenian composers, including Aram Khachaturian and Komitas. In addition to his career as a performer, Guzelimian has also been active as an educator and cultural leader. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He has also served as the artistic administrator of the Ojai Music Festival and the director of artistic planning at Carnegie Hall. Guzelimian's contributions to the cultural life of Los Angeles have been particularly significant. In 1998, he co-founded the Dilijan Chamber Music Series, which presents concerts of Armenian and other classical music in venues throughout the city. He has also been involved in the creation of several other cultural organizations, including the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Philharmonic's "Green Umbrella" new music series. Throughout his career, Guzelimian has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts. In 2002, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. In 2012, he was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Republic of Armenia, for his contributions to Armenian culture. Guzelimian's legacy as a performer, educator, and cultural leader is a testament to his passion for music and his commitment to sharing it with others. His performances have inspired audiences around the world, and his work as an educator and cultural leader has helped to enrich the cultural life of Los Angeles and beyond.

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