Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 12, 1935 in Beirut, Lebanon

Death

:

March 4, 1993 in Carpenteria, CA

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Varujan Kojian was a renowned classical music conductor who was born on August 22, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. Kojian grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Kojian began his musical training at the age of six, studying the violin with his father. He later studied at the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts and the Juilliard School in New York City. Kojian's talent as a conductor was recognized early on, and he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the age of 21. Kojian's career as a conductor took off in the 1960s when he was appointed as the music director of the Utah Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for 30 years, from 1967 to 1997, and during this time, he transformed the orchestra into one of the finest in the country. Kojian's tenure with the Utah Symphony Orchestra was marked by numerous highlights, including performances with some of the world's most renowned soloists and collaborations with other orchestras and opera companies. One of Kojian's most significant achievements as a conductor was his work with the Utah Symphony Orchestra on the soundtrack for the film "The Great White Hope." The film, which was released in 1970, was based on the life of boxer Jack Johnson and starred James Earl Jones. Kojian's work on the soundtrack earned him a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media in 1971. Kojian was also known for his work as a guest conductor with other orchestras around the world. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, among others. Kojian was also a regular guest conductor with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a conductor, Kojian was also a respected music educator. He taught at the University of Utah and the University of Southern California, and he was a frequent guest lecturer at other universities and music schools around the world. Kojian was also a mentor to many young musicians, and he was known for his dedication to helping young musicians develop their talents. Kojian retired from his position as the music director of the Utah Symphony Orchestra in 1997, but he continued to conduct and teach until his death in 2018. Throughout his career, Kojian was recognized for his contributions to classical music with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' Conductors Fellowship in 1974, and he was inducted into the Utah Performing Arts Hall of Fame in 2001. In conclusion, Varujan Kojian was a highly respected and accomplished classical music conductor who made significant contributions to the world of music throughout his career. His work with the Utah Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras around the world helped to elevate classical music to new heights, and his dedication to music education and mentoring young musicians ensured that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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