Country

:

Armenia

Birth

:

February 1, 1948

Death

:

January 19, 2015

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Film

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

John Bilezikjian was a renowned Armenian-American musician who was known for his exceptional skills in playing the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument. He was born on January 19, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, to Armenian parents who had migrated to the United States. Bilezikjian grew up in a family that was deeply rooted in music. His father was a skilled oud player, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Bilezikjian was exposed to the rich musical traditions of his Armenian heritage, and he quickly developed a passion for music. Bilezikjian began his musical training at the age of six, when he started taking lessons in the oud from his father. He showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly progressed in his studies. By the time he was a teenager, Bilezikjian was already performing at local Armenian events and festivals. In 1963, Bilezikjian enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied music theory and composition. During his time at UCLA, Bilezikjian continued to hone his skills in playing the oud and began to explore other musical genres, including jazz and classical music. After graduating from UCLA, Bilezikjian embarked on a successful career as a professional musician. He performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, captivating audiences with his virtuosic oud playing and his ability to blend traditional Middle Eastern music with other genres. One of the highlights of Bilezikjian's career was his performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1978. He was the first oud player to perform at the prestigious venue, and his performance was met with critical acclaim. Bilezikjian continued to perform at the Hollywood Bowl throughout his career, becoming a regular fixture at the venue. Bilezikjian also collaborated with a number of other musicians throughout his career, including jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and composer John Williams. He was a sought-after session musician, and his oud playing can be heard on a number of film soundtracks, including "The Lion King" and "The Prince of Egypt." In addition to his performing career, Bilezikjian was also a respected educator. He taught oud and other Middle Eastern instruments at UCLA and the California Institute of the Arts, and he was a frequent guest lecturer at universities and music schools throughout the United States. Bilezikjian received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1995, he was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor that the United States government bestows on traditional artists. He was also awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2000, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. Bilezikjian continued to perform and teach until his death on April 19, 2018, at the age of 73. He left behind a rich legacy as a musician and educator, and his contributions to the world of music will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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