Composer Stepan Shakaryan Has Passed Away

The Union of Composers of Armenia has announced the passing of member, People’s Artist of Armenia, composer Stepan Shakaryan.

“With deep sorrow, we inform you that member of the Union of Composers of Armenia, People’s Artist of Armenia, composer Stepan Shakaryan has passed away. Details about the memorial service and funeral will be announced later,” the statement reads.

Stepan Shakaryan was born on October 23, 1935, in Baku. He moved to Yerevan in 1952. In 1954, he enrolled in the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. In 1956, upon the recommendation and invitation of Aram Khachaturian, he transferred to the Gnessin Institute in Moscow, and later to the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He graduated in 1964 and returned to Yerevan.

From 1986 to 1990, he was the founder and leader of the Jazz Ensemble of the Armenian Radio Committee. Since 1992, he has been teaching at the Yerevan State Conservatory. His album “The Moon on the Mountains” is included in the “Armenian Jazz 70” collection.

Stepan Shakaryan, a People’s Artist of Armenia, created over 100 jazz compositions, which are featured in the repertoires of various Armenian jazz ensembles. His works are performed by the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia, the Public Television and Radio Company’s pop and jazz orchestras, among many others.

He has also arranged Armenian folk songs, giving them a jazzy flair.