The People's Artist of the USSR and Armenian SSR Konstantin Orbelian died in 24 April in Los Angeles, aged 86.
Konstantin Orbelian was born in 29 July 1928. A talented composer of classical music (symphony, ballet, chamber ensemble), jazz, and popular songs, Konstantin Orbelian was one of the brightest phenomena of Soviet and post-Soviet musical culture.
Konstantin Orbelian had been acknowledged as a pianist and improviser since he was in his teens. At age fifteen, he was invited to perform with the Armenian State Pop Orchestra; and subsequently became its conductor. Under his able direction for thirty-six years, the Orchestra rose to become one of the most accomplished of its kind.
In 1992 Orbelian emigrated to the USA.