Djivan Gasparyan
Djivan Gasparyan, born on October 12, 1928, in Solak, Armenian SSR, was a celebrated Armenian musician and composer renowned for his mastery of the duduk, a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument. He began playing the duduk at the age of six, learning from the great masters of the instrument. In 1948, Gasparyan became a soloist with the Armenian Song and Dance Popular Ensemble and the Yerevan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Throughout his career, Gasparyan was recognized for his contributions to Armenian folk music and his original compositions. He won four gold medals at UNESCO worldwide competitions in 1959, 1962, 1973, and 1980, and in 1973, he was honored with the title of People's Artist of Armenia. As a professor at the Yerevan State Musical Conservatory, he trained over 70 duduk musicians to professional levels.
Gasparyan's music gained international acclaim, and he collaborated with numerous artists, including Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Hans Zimmer. He contributed to the soundtracks of several films, such as "Gladiator" and "The Russia House." His album "I Will Not Be Sad In This World" was dedicated to the victims of the Armenian earthquake and received global recognition.
Gasparyan was awarded the WOMEX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 and was celebrated as a living legend by Armenia's Prime Minister on his 90th birthday. He passed away on July 6, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as the "Master of the duduk" and a significant figure in Armenian and world music.
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