Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Raffi Armenian was a renowned classical music conductor and pianist, born on January 19, 1935, in Istanbul, Turkey. He was the son of Armenian parents who had migrated to Turkey from Armenia. Raffi's father was a businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. Raffi showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Raffi's family moved to the United States in 1947, settling in Los Angeles, California. Raffi continued his music education, studying piano with Lillian Steuber and conducting with Fritz Zweig. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. After completing his studies, Raffi began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. He also worked as a conductor, leading orchestras in the United States and Canada. In 1964, Raffi was appointed the music director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Alberta, Canada. He held this position for ten years, during which time he transformed the orchestra into a world-class ensemble. In 1974, Raffi was appointed the music director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra in Ontario, Canada. He held this position for twenty-five years, until his retirement in 1999. During his tenure, Raffi led the orchestra to new heights of artistic excellence, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Raffi was known for his innovative programming, which included a wide range of classical and contemporary music. He was also a champion of Canadian composers, commissioning and premiering many new works. Raffi was a gifted conductor, known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians and create a powerful emotional connection with his audiences. Throughout his career, Raffi was a sought-after guest conductor, leading orchestras in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He also served as a juror for many international music competitions, including the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and the Van Cliburn Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Raffi received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1989, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors. He was also awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In 1999, Raffi was inducted into the Order of Ontario, the province's highest honor. Raffi was a beloved figure in the classical music world, known for his warmth, humor, and generosity. He was deeply committed to music education, working tirelessly to bring classical music to young people and underserved communities. He was also a mentor to many young musicians, inspiring them with his passion and dedication. Raffi passed away on June 20, 2020, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through the many musicians he inspired and the countless audiences he moved with his music. Raffi Armenian will always be remembered as a true giant of classical music, a conductor and pianist of unparalleled talent and vision.

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