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Revision as of 10:18, 5 July 2008
Albert Asriyan (Template:Lang-ru) (June 28 , 1951 - November 28, 2007) was a Soviet-Armenian violinist, composer, arranger and band leader.
Childhood
Albert Asriyan was born in Baku, Azerbaijan (formerly south of the Soviet Union) on June 28, 1951 to an Armenian family, as the first of three children. Albert's father, Mikhail Asriyan was a circus administrator and his mother, Sirvart Karnezian-Asriyan, a housewife. Albert was followed by two younger sisters Elza and Ruzanna.
Music Studies
Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Baku, Albert was enrolled in music school at age 7 where he majored in classical violin and classical piano.
After graduating from music school with honors at age 15, in 1966 Albert was accepted to the Azerbaijan State Musical College Asaf Zeinally (Russian: Азербайджанское Государственное Музыкальное Училище Асаф Зейналлы) where he majored in classical violin and piano.
During his studies at Zeinally, Albert developed a love for jazz. Purchasing bootleg copies of jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and performing at local gigs in youth music group Chaika (Russian: Чайка, English: Seagull), with his friend-classmate Boris Vishnevkin (Russian: Борис Вишневкин), as well as in Volshebniye Zvuki (Russian: Волшебные Звуки, English: Magic Sounds). At the same time, Albert picked up the guitar and began studying by listening to Santana.
In 1971, Albert entered the Baku Academy of Music - Conservatory Uzeyir Hajibeyov (Russian: Kонсерватория Узейир Гаджибеков - Бакинская Музыкальная Академия) - majoring in classical violin and minoring in piano/music composition.Having a naturally great sense of humor, he was always involved in the center of student life activities . His talent as a composer and arranger always found use in conservatory "Kapustnik" (Russian: Капустник, English: Musical Comedy Club). During his years at the conservatory, Albert also played on the conservatory basketball team. Graduating in 1976, Albert began his professional career.
Career in Baku
After graduating from the conservatory, Albert joined the USSR Navy where he became a part of the Orchestra of the Red Banner Caspian Navy ( Russian: Оркестр Краснознамённой Каспийской Флотилии) as a violinist and guitarist.
Admired for his skill as a musician and composer/arranger, in 1977 Albert was invited to be part of the Jazz Band of the Philharmonic Society of Baku in the groups Sevgilim (English: Loved one) and AzConcert's "Ashugi" (English: Poets in Love). During his time with Sevgilim and Ashugi, Albert performed all over Azerbaijan and other republics of the Soviet Union. Aside from Soviet music, the groups performed many popular foreign songs such as that of James Brown and Chick Corea, despite controversy and strict disapproval of the music committee.
With his close friends and colleagues Elkhan Shikhaliev (Russian: Эльхан Шихалиев) saxophonist/composer/arranger/vocalist, Siyavush Kerimi (Russian: Сиявуш Керими) ud/keyboars, Rauf Sultanov (Russian: Рауф Султанов) bass, Ramin Sultanov (Russian: Рамин Султанов) drums, Mukhtar Yakhyayev (Russian: Мухтар Яхьяев) keyboards, Yuriy Tagiev (Russian: Юрий Тагиев) vocals, Karen Avanesyan (entertainer, comedian, actor) and other musicians Albert toured all over the USSR.
Albert's success continued to grow, and from 1979-1983 he was one of the first violins of Azerbaijan Radio and TV Symphonic Orchestra (Russian: Симфонический Оркестр Радио и ТВ Азербайджана) conducted by Ramiz Melik Aslanov. During this time he also performed with several pop-groups and was the band leader of group Bakinskiye Devushki (Russian: Бакинские Девушки, English: Girls of Baku) where in 1979 he met his future wife Ivetta Mirzoyan (Russian: Иветта Мирзоян), a singer and guitarist of the girls group. Albert and Ivetta went on to play together in pop-group Muleili. On April 21, 1980 Albert and Ivetta were married. On Albert's birthday in 1983, Ivetta and Albert had a daughter, Julie Anna.
In 1983 Albert was invited by famous composer and singer Polad Byul-Byul Ogli (Russian: Полад Бюль Бюль Оглы) to be an arranger and keyboard player for the pop/folk group Ashugi (Russian: Ашуги).
From 1984-1989 Albert was the arranger/ keyboarding/ violinist/ jazz vocalist of the State Orchestra Gaya (Russian: Государственный Эстрадный Оркестр ГАЯ, English: Mountain), conducted by Teymur Mirzoyev. Within Gaya formed a rock-group Talisman where Albert and his friend Elkhan Shikhaliev wrote and performed most of their compositions. Albert was the artistic leader of the group up to August, 1989. Talisman became a very well known and successful band, performing at the XII World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow-1985. In 1986 Albert with "Gaya" and "Talisman" traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan to perform for the Soviet troops fighting in the war. The band also performed at major events such as the Rock Panorama of Baku-1988, Concert for the USSR government at Republic Concert Hall-Lenin Sarai in Baku, The State Central Concert Hall Russia in Moscow, Column Hall of the House of Unions at the Kremlin, as well as all over the country and outside.
Albert's love for jazz and R&B music strongly reflected on his song writing. His favorite foreign bands, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, The Eagles and the Bee Gees, were a great influence on his compositions. Albert also loved the music and styling of Al Jarreau, George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Gino Vannelli. Albert's song writing gained popularity and his song Bez Tebya (Russian: Без Тебя, English: Without You), to which Ivetta wrote the lyrics, was performed at the 1987 International Music Festival in Yurmala. The video to his song "Kuvshin" (Russian: Кувшин/ Повстречалась Девушка, English: Vase), directed by Sevinc Kerimova, became one of the first music videos to hit television in Azerbaijan and former USSR. Albert's songs were performed on major television programming. Bez Tebya was performed at the New Year's Eve Celebrations of 1987-1988 in Baku and Fakir (Russian: Факир) performed at the Song of the Year Annual Contest of USSR ( Russian: Песня Года) in Baku, 1987. His song " 80 thousand roses" (Russian: 80 тысяч роз) was performed by Talisman at concerts and patriotic festivals in memory of World War 2. Albert was also the composer and performer for Azerbaijan TV Show Molodejnaya Estrada in 1979-1982 ( Russian: Молодёжная Эстрада, English: Youth Stage ) as well as for televised concert of Masters of Arts of Azerbaijan( Russian: Мастера Икусств Азербайджана) of 1988-1989. His song Kuvshin was the closing number.
Career in Moscow
In 1989, due to civil conflict in Baku and after several attacks from the Azeri extremists, fearing for the well-being of his family, Albert was forced to abandon his home and career and escaped with family to Moscow, both with the help of his Armenian and Azeri friends.
With the loss of his career and friends in his former homeland, Albert was deeply affected both personally and professionally. However, Albert was able to develop the strength to re-build his career and support his family. From 1989 to 1993 Albert Asriyan and family resided in Moscow, Russia. Upon invitation of his childhood friend and colleague, composer Boris Vishnevkin, Albert became a part of the Jewish group Shabas and performed all over the former USSR. Together they recorded an album in Moscow. Albert performed as a solo performer with his own violin show for various events and performed Armenian folk music with other musicians. On December 25, 1990 Albert and Ivetta had their second daughter, Kristina.
After the fall of the USSR, the people of the Caucasus became "foreigners" in Moscow and became targets of attacks. In 1992, Albert was arrested with keyboard case in hand as a "face of Caucasus" as he was returning home from a gig. At the police station, he was released with the explanation that his keyboard case was mistaken for a machine gun. Albert's wife Ivetta and children were repeatedly verbally attacked and called "blacks" for their non-native Russian features. Albert's family was once again forced to relocate. While in Moscow, Albert and his whole extended family applied for an entry to the USA as refugees. The family was granted entry in 1993.
Career in USA
On July 13, 1993 Albert and family arrived in New York. Relying on his musical talent, knowledge of American music, and the help of his friend Boris Vishnevkin and drummer Emil Rappaport, Albert began to re-build his career from scratch. Albert and Ivetta began to study English at a local school and he landed his first working gig at a local restaurant/club, Kavkaz (English: Caucasus). Developing popularity among the Russian-speaking community in the US, Albert performed along with Boka - Boris Davidian (vocalist), Karen Avanesyan (comedian, actor) and Igor Mirzoyan (clarinet) - when they were visiting the USA.
Albert became involved with the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, volunteering to be the musical entertainment for all Church events. As part of the committee of the Russian-Armenian Church community, Albert directed the musical programs, concerts, and child/adult performances. Under the direction of Albert, the youth church group performed at several events, representing the Armenian culture at live annual festivals such as NYANA-New York Association of New Arrivals, Summer Armenian Festivals in New Rochelle, at St. Nersess Seminary, NY, St.Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York, NY, Holy Martyrs Armenian Church Bayside Queens, NY, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in New Jersey, and many more. Albert was numerously awarded with Certificate of Appreciation from the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
In 1996 Albert created his own entertainment program, Albert's Show Orchestra, consisting of Albert Asriyan (artistic leader, violinist, vocalist, keyboardist, arranger, composer), his wife, Ivetta Asriyan (vocalist, songwriter), Robert Toniev (vocalist, keyboardist), Levon Mnatsakanian (vocalist), Arthur Gesiyan (guitar), Lev Yelisavetski (vocalist/keyboard), Eduard Kurchakov (saxophone), Isabelle-Bella Khanuka (vocalist) as well as other musicians. In 2000, Albert's daughters Julie Anna and Kristina, whom Albert had enrolled in music studies since childhood, joined Albert's Show Orchestra.
As Albert's reputation and popularity grew in the US, he was invited to perform at private and public events all over the states. His half-hour solo violin performance Albert's Show became a staple of major celebrations in the tri-state area.
Due to the nature of music business instability, Albert often had to search for new job opportunities. He worked at several well known Russian clubs/restaurants in Brooklyn.
In 2000, Albert suffered a major setback, when his musical instruments and stage equipment burned in a restaurant fire in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. The fire destroyed Albert's beloved old Italian handmade violin, on which he had played since youth. Albert also lost his array of music recordings, music books, lyrics and notes. Albert once again searched for a new job. With the help of friends and family, he was able to purchase new instruments, keyboards, violins, and stage equipment; returning to the stage soon after.
Albert's involvement in music continued to evolve. From 2000, he worked as a violin and guitar teacher at the International Children's Center For Performing Arts in Brooklyn, NY as well as a private teacher. He also worked as a consultant and arranger/composer for children's string orchestra conducted by his sister Ruzanna Akopjan, in New Jersey. Albert was also the arranger/songwriter/music consultant for Allegretto Music and Art Studio run by his sister in law Ida Melik-Mirzakhan (Russian: Ида Мелик-Мирзахан); with whom he wrote several songs.
In 2005, Albert and Ida composed a requiem A moment of Silence to the lyrics of his niece Victoriya Melik-Mirzakhan and poetry of Ivetta and Ida's father Alexandr D. Mirzoyan. The requiem was performed by Ivetta (vocals), Igor Mirzoyan (clarinet and Armenian duduk), and Karine Kocharyan (Armenian poetry reading). Ardzagank Armenian TV created a video to the requiem which was broadcast nationally. The requiem was a dedication to Ida's son and Albert's nephew Alexander, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident at age 20 in 2003.
Albert dedicated a great amount of time to the development of his daughters' musical careers. Enrolling them into multiple music and art schools for music, dance and the performing arts. His daughter Kristina's musical talent and interest grew into a family endeavour. Albert worked at his home studio on creating her music demo, writing several songs for her album and competitions. Albert and Ivetta's song Zvezdopad (Russian: Звездопад, English: Star Falls) performed by Kristina was entered into the Russian-American song-writing competition Moya Pesnya (Russian: Моя Песня, English: My Song) broadcast on Russian-American TV station RTVI and Russian Davidzon Radio Station in 2006. Albert and Ivetta's hard work paid off and Kristina was named 1st place winner and 2006 Artist of the Year of the Our Talented Children competition (Russian: Конкурс Наши Талантливые Дети). Albert accompanied Kristy at her solo performance of Summertime, by George Gershwin, at the Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center in New York City, on March 25, 2007. Albert and Ivetta released several albums of their own music as well as Russian and Armenian music, including violin classics of Albert's Show, which were quickly distributed among the Russian-Armenian community in the tri-state area.
On November 22, 2007 Albert was invited to Davidzon Radio Station- program Karavan for their Thanksgiving day celebration to talk about his life and career and discuss his past music accomplishments and future plans. The one-hour program broadcast several of his talents as a violinist, composer, arranger and teacher. Due to his popularity within the Russian community dating back to his career in Baku, many fans and colleagues called in to remark on his talent and great personality.
Death
Less than a week from his radio interview, on November 27, 2007, Albert became ill and was taken to the Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Maestro Albert Asriyan died at 2 a.m on November 28, 2007. Albert's life and career ended abruptly. He died as his career as a great performer and talented teacher was rising. His passing was a shock to his family, friends, students and fans. He was 56.
The New York Daily News published an article about Maestro Albert Asriyan on December 7, 2007, reflecting on his life and contribution to music.
Medical malpractice lawsuit
On March 26, 2008, a press release was issued indicating that Ivetta Asriyan and her two daughters filed a summons and complaint in New York State Supreme Court alleging medical malpractice against SVETLANA PINKUSOVICH, M.D., MIKHAIL GRINBERG, M.D., ROBIN BARADARIAN, MD. and NEW YORK CITY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS CORPORATION. The complaint alleges that the death of ALBERT ASRIYAN a prominent musician and composer was due to negligent delay in diagnosis and treatment of a highly treatable form of acute leukemia.
RUSSIAN: 26 - го Марта 2008 года был выпущен Пресс Релиз, указывающий, что супруга Альберта Асрияна, Иветта Асриян и их две дочери, подали жалобу в Верховный Суд Штата Нью Йорк, указывающую на преступную медицинскую небрежность докторов / врачей - СВЕТЛАНА ПИНКУСОВИЧ, МИХАИЛ ГРИНБЕРГ, РОБИН БАРАДАРИАН и КОРПОРАЦИЯ ЗДОРОВЬЯ И ГОСПИТАЛЕЙ ГОРОДА НЬЮ ЙОРКА. Жалоба указывает, что смерть выдающегося музыканта и композитора - АЛЬБЕРТ АСРИЯН - была следствием пренебрежительного отношения, опоздания в определении диагноза и лечения, легко поддающейся лечению формы острой лейкимии.
References
Official Site
Albert Asriyan