Country

:

Turkey

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Sahan Arzruni is a renowned classical pianist, composer, and ethnomusicologist. He was born on September 26, 1943, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Armenian parents. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a homemaker. Arzruni showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He received his first piano lessons from his mother, who was a pianist herself. Arzruni's family moved to the United States in 1951, settling in New York City. He continued his piano studies with renowned teachers such as Rosina Lhévinne and Adele Marcus. He also studied composition with Vincent Persichetti and conducting with Jean Morel. Arzruni attended the Juilliard School, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. Arzruni's career as a pianist took off in the 1960s. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1966, performing works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. He also performed with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. Arzruni's repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, as well as Armenian composers such as Komitas and Aram Khachaturian. In addition to his career as a pianist, Arzruni is also a composer. He has written works for piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions often incorporate Armenian folk melodies and rhythms. Arzruni is also an ethnomusicologist, specializing in the music of Armenia and the Middle East. He has recorded and performed traditional Armenian music, as well as music from other cultures such as Turkish, Greek, and Persian. Arzruni has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1970, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. He was also awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1998, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. In 2013, he was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal by the President of Armenia, which is the highest honor given to individuals for their contributions to Armenian culture. Arzruni has also been involved in humanitarian efforts. He has performed benefit concerts for organizations such as the Armenian Relief Society and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). He has also served as a cultural ambassador for the United States Information Agency, promoting American culture and music in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Iran. In addition to his performing and composing career, Arzruni is also a scholar. He has written articles and books on Armenian music and culture, including "The Music of Armenia" and "The Armenian Dance." He has also taught at various institutions, including Columbia University and the City University of New York. Arzruni continues to perform and record music, as well as promote Armenian culture and music. He has released numerous recordings, including "Armenian Piano Music," "Armenian Lullabies," and "Armenian Folk Songs." He has also collaborated with other musicians, such as the Kronos Quartet and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. In conclusion, Sahan Arzruni is a highly accomplished classical pianist, composer, and ethnomusicologist. He has had a successful career as a performer, composer, and scholar, and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and culture. Arzruni's dedication to promoting Armenian music and culture has made him a respected figure in the music world.

More....