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Boghos Gelalian
Boghos Gelalian (January 7, 1927 – December 16, 2011) was a distinguished Armenian-born Lebanese composer, arranger, and pianist, known for his significant contributions to music in Lebanon. Born in Alexandrette, then part of Syria, Gelalian grew up in a community of Armenian Genocide survivors, surrounded by Armenian and Turkish music. He received his classical music education from the Italian Carmelite Fathers. During World War II, he moved to Lebanon, where he faced challenges in pursuing regular music lessons. Despite this, he developed his skills by playing in nightclubs and hotels, accompanying voice classes, and participating in the Armenian Church choir.

Gelalian's musical style was a unique blend of Armenian, Middle Eastern, and Western influences. He collaborated with notable Lebanese musicians, including the Rahbani and Lahoud Brothers, particularly in the context of the Baalbeck International Festivals. His exposure to avant-garde European music in the 1960s, combined with his Armenian and Middle Eastern roots, led him to create a distinctive musical voice characterized by chromaticism and modal cadences.

Throughout his career, Gelalian received numerous accolades, including prizes at the Lebanese Competition of Musical Composition and decorations from the Armenian Catholicos and the French Ministry of Culture. His peers recognized him as a beacon for Lebanese composers, enhancing the value of Lebanese music and reflecting the country's cultural sophistication. Gelalian's work aimed to transcend cultural barriers, striving for a universal appeal.

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