Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

August 21, 1967 in Beirut, Lebanon

 

Serj Tankian is a renowned musician, composer, and activist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on August 21, 1967, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tankian grew up in a family of Armenian descent. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was five years old, and he spent most of his childhood in the city. Tankian's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just three years old. He later learned to play the guitar and drums and began writing his own songs. In high school, Tankian formed a band called Soil with some of his friends, and they played at local clubs and parties. After high school, Tankian attended California State University, Northridge, where he studied marketing. However, he continued to pursue his passion for music and formed a new band called System of a Down with some of his college friends. The band's unique blend of heavy metal, punk rock, and Armenian folk music quickly gained a following, and they signed a record deal with American Recordings in 1997. System of a Down released their debut album, "System of a Down," in 1998, which was followed by "Toxicity" in 2001. The latter album was a massive commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning the band a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s, including "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize," which were released as a double album in 2005. In addition to his work with System of a Down, Tankian has also released several solo albums. His first solo album, "Elect the Dead," was released in 2007 and featured a more classical sound than his work with System of a Down. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Tankian's versatility as a musician. Tankian's interest in classical music continued to grow, and he began composing music for films and video games. He composed the score for the film "1915" in 2015, which tells the story of the Armenian Genocide. He also composed the score for the video game "Midnight Club: Los Angeles" in 2008. In addition to his work as a musician, Tankian is also an activist and has been involved in various political and social causes. He has been a vocal advocate for Armenian Genocide recognition and has worked to raise awareness about environmental issues and human rights abuses. Tankian's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2010, he was awarded the Armenian Prime Minister's Medal for his contributions to Armenian culture. He was also awarded the Armenian National Committee of America's Freedom Award in 2011 for his activism and advocacy work. In conclusion, Serj Tankian is a talented musician, composer, and activist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His unique blend of heavy metal, punk rock, and Armenian folk music has earned him a devoted following, and his work as a composer has showcased his versatility as a musician. Tankian's activism and advocacy work have also made him a respected figure in the political and social spheres. Overall, Tankian's contributions to the world of classical music and beyond are a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication.

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