George Kasarjian was born on May 15, 1950, in Beirut, Lebanon. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. At the age of six, Kasarjian began playing the piano and showed a natural talent for music. He later learned to play the violin and the viola, which became his primary instrument. Kasarjian's family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he continued his music education at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied under renowned violist William Primrose and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1972. After graduation, Kasarjian began his professional career as a violist, performing with various orchestras and chamber music ensembles. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and was invited to perform at major music festivals around the world. One of Kasarjian's most notable performances was at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 1975, where he played the solo viola part in the world premiere of Elliott Carter's "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra." The performance was a huge success, and Kasarjian received critical acclaim for his virtuosic playing. Throughout his career, Kasarjian has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Pinchas Zukerman. He has also recorded numerous albums, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. In addition to his performing career, Kasarjian has also been a dedicated music educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan and the New England Conservatory of Music. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, inspiring and mentoring young musicians. Kasarjian has received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1978 and the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Fellowship in 1981. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1998. Despite his many accomplishments, Kasarjian remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach, sharing his love of music with audiences and students around the world.

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