Here are 6 famous musicians from Armenia died at 69:
Ruben Simonov (April 1, 1899 Moscow-December 5, 1968 Moscow) also known as Rouben Simonov, Simon, Ruben N., Ruben N. Simonov or Рубен Николаевич Симонов was an Armenian actor and theatre director. He had one child, Eugene R. Simon.
Born into an Armenian family, Ruben Simonov was a prominent figure in the Soviet cultural scene. He served as the artistic director of the Vakhtangov Theatre for over 20 years, during which he pursued a distinctive style of direction characterized by a bold and dynamic approach to staging classical plays. Simonov was also a successful actor, best known for his roles in films such as "The Return of Maxim" (1937) and "Pirogov" (1947), which won him the Stalin Prize. In addition to his work in theatre and cinema, Ruben Simonov was a respected theatre critic and essayist. He authored several books on theatre theory and practice, and his writing on the history of Soviet theatre remains a valuable resource to this day. Simonov received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the arts, including the Order of Lenin and the title of People's Artist of the USSR. Despite his achievements, Simonov's career was not without controversy. In the 1930s he was criticized for his perceived formalism, and his close association with the Vakhtangov Theatre was seen by some as evidence of his transgression against socialist realist principles. Despite this, Simonov remained a prominent and influential figure in Soviet theatre until his death in 1968.
Simonov's passion for theatre developed at a young age when he attended a production of "Hamlet" at the Moscow Art Theatre. He enrolled in the Moscow Art Theatre School and began working as an actor before transitioning to directing in the late 1920s. Simonov's innovative approach to directing earned him widespread recognition, and he was invited to direct productions at theatres across the Soviet Union and abroad. His productions were known for their visually striking sets, creative use of music, and dynamic ensemble acting.
In addition to his work in the arts, Simonov was also involved in politics. He served as a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and was active in various cultural organizations. Although he initially supported the policies of Joseph Stalin, Simonov became disillusioned with Stalinism in the aftermath of the Great Purge and the repression of Soviet intellectuals.
Simonov's legacy endures in the world of theatre, both in Russia and beyond. The Vakhtangov Theatre, where he served as artistic director, continues to stage productions based on his original concepts and designs. Simonov's ideas about the importance of ensemble acting, theatrical experimentation, and the preservation of cultural heritage continue to influence theatre practitioners around the world.
Read more about Ruben Simonov on Wikipedia »
Garegin Nzhdeh (January 1, 1886 Güznüt-December 21, 1955 Vladimir) was an Armenian politician.
He is considered a national hero in Armenia for his role in promoting Armenian independence and fighting for the rights of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. Nzhdeh was one of the leaders of the Armenian national liberation movement and fought against Turkish and Soviet forces during his lifetime. He was also a military strategist and played a key role in organizing Armenian resistance during World War II as a member of the Armenian Legion, a unit of the German army made up of ethnic Armenians. Despite his controversial associations, Nzhdeh remains an important figure in Armenian history and is celebrated as a symbol of Armenian resistance and self-determination.
Nzhdeh was born in what is now Azerbaijan, but at the time was part of the Russian Empire. He studied in Tiflis (now Tbilisi, Georgia) and then in St. Petersburg, where he became involved in revolutionary politics. He was arrested and imprisoned several times for his activities.
After the Armenian Genocide in 1915, Nzhdeh became a leader of the Armenian volunteer units that fought alongside Russian forces during World War I. He later played a key role in the establishment of the short-lived Republic of Armenia in 1918, which was later taken over by Soviet forces.
Nzhdeh eventually fled Armenia and settled in Bulgaria, where he continued to advocate for Armenian independence. During World War II, he led the Armenian Legion, which fought against Soviet forces on the Eastern front. After the war, Nzhdeh was captured by Soviet forces and imprisoned for several years before being released in 1952 as part of a prisoner exchange.
Nzhdeh remained active in Armenian politics until his death in 1955. He is buried in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and is remembered as a hero by many Armenians. Despite his controversial alliances, he was committed to the idea of an independent Armenian state and fought tirelessly for the rights of Armenians both in Armenia and throughout the world.
Read more about Garegin Nzhdeh on Wikipedia »
Martín Karadagian (April 30, 1922 Buenos Aires-August 27, 1991) was an Armenian personality.
He was best known for his career as a professional wrestler, as well as for his work as a television host and producer in Argentina. Karadagian was the first professional wrestler in Argentina to gain widespread popularity, and he helped to introduce the sport to a new generation of fans. He was also a major figure in the development of television programming in Argentina, producing and hosting a number of popular shows throughout his career. In addition to his work in entertainment, Karadagian was also a philanthropist and a vocal advocate for Armenian rights. His contributions to Argentine culture have earned him a place as one of the most beloved and iconic figures in the country's history.
Karadagian was born in Buenos Aires, the son of Armenian immigrants. He began his wrestling career in the early 1950s, quickly becoming one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in the country. He was known for his flamboyant personality and signature move, the "martinete," which helped to solidify his status as a fan favorite.
In addition to his wrestling career, Karadagian made a name for himself as a television host and producer. He hosted a variety of shows, including "La Campana de Cristal" and "Titanes en el Ring," which became a cultural phenomenon in Argentina and other Latin American countries. Karadagian was also known for his philanthropy, establishing the Fundación Cultural Armenia in 1966 to support and promote Armenian culture in Argentina.
Karadagian's legacy continues to be felt in Argentina and beyond. He is remembered as a pioneering athlete, a charismatic entertainer, and a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. His contributions to Argentine culture and society have earned him a place as one of the most important and enduring figures in the country's history.
Read more about Martín Karadagian on Wikipedia »
Alexander Mantashev (March 3, 1842 Tbilisi-April 19, 1911) was an Armenian personality.
He was a successful businessman and industrialist who made a name for himself in the oil industry. Mantashev's career in the oil business began in the late 19th century, and he quickly became one of the most prominent oil magnates in the Russian Empire. He owned many oil fields in the Caucasus, and his wealth and influence helped him become one of the most prominent Armenian philanthropists of his time. He contributed generously to many education, cultural, and charitable projects, including the establishment of the Alexander Mantashev Educational and Cultural Center in Yerevan, Armenia. He was also known for his love for art, and his collection of Armenian and European paintings, sculptures, and antiques was considered one of the best in the world. As a result of his vast philanthropic work and his tremendous contributions to the development of the Armenian society, he was fondly remembered as one of the most respected Armenian personalities of all time.
Mantashev's business success and philanthropy earned him numerous accolades during his lifetime. He was awarded the Order of St. Anna by the Russian Imperial government, and the Order of the Legion of Honor by the French government. He was also a member of the Russian State Council, and served as a deputy in the Russian Duma. In addition to his contributions to the Armenian community, Mantashev supported cultural and educational initiatives across the Russian Empire. He funded the construction of a dormitory for Armenian students at the University of St. Petersburg, and donated money to establish the Russian-Armenian Museum in Moscow. Mantashev's legacy has continued long after his death, and his name remains synonymous with philanthropy and business acumen in Armenia and beyond.
Read more about Alexander Mantashev on Wikipedia »
Hovhannes Shiraz (April 27, 1914 Gyumri-March 14, 1984 Yerevan) was an Armenian writer and poet. He had one child, Sipan Shiraz.
Hovhannes Shiraz was a prominent figure in Armenian literature and contributed greatly to the development of modern Armenian poetry. He is known for his use of rich imagery and intense emotional themes in his works. He began his writing career in the 1930s and quickly gained recognition as a talented poet. In addition to poetry, he also wrote plays, novels, and essays. Shiraz was an active member of the Armenian diaspora community and worked tirelessly to promote Armenian culture and literature throughout the world. Despite facing political persecution throughout his life, he remained committed to his work and continued to write until his death in 1984. Today, he is still regarded as one of the most important figures in Armenian literature and his works continue to be widely read and celebrated.
Born Hovhannes Karapetyan, he took on the pen name "Shiraz" (meaning "poem" in Armenian) after the city of Shiraz in Persia, which was known for its rich poetry tradition. He studied in Yerevan and Moscow, and his writing was greatly influenced by his experiences living through the Soviet era and the Armenian Genocide. Some of his most famous works include the poems "Ani", "We and Our Mountains", and "My Mother". He was awarded numerous literary prizes throughout his career, including the State Prize of Armenia in 1973. In addition to his contributions to Armenian literature, Shiraz was also a talented artist and his paintings were exhibited in various galleries throughout the world. His legacy continues to inspire and influence Armenian writers and artists to this day.
Read more about Hovhannes Shiraz on Wikipedia »
Artyom Alikhanian (June 24, 1908 Ganja, Azerbaijan-February 25, 1978 Moscow) was an Armenian personality.
He was a renowned Soviet physicist who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics. Artyom Alikhanian was one of the few scientists who managed to survive the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, during which many of his colleagues were imprisoned or executed. He is best known for his work on cosmic rays and for his contribution to the development of the synchrocyclotron - a type of particle accelerator which was used for the study of nuclear physics.
Alikhanian also played an important role in the establishment of the Yerevan Physics Institute, which has since become one of the leading research institutions in Armenia. Throughout his career, he was awarded numerous honors and prizes for his scientific achievements, including the prestigious Stalin Prize. In addition to his scientific work, Alikhanian was also known for his advocacy for the Armenian people and their cultural heritage.
Alikhanian began his education in physics at Yerevan State University before continuing on to the Leningrad State University, where he earned his PhD under the supervision of Pyotr Kapitsa. After completing his degree, he returned to Armenia and founded the Yerevan Physics Institute, which he directed for over two decades. During this time, he also served on the Armenian Academy of Sciences and was elected as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
In addition to his work on cosmic rays and particle accelerators, Alikhanian's research interests included nuclear reactors and power plants. He was also involved in the development of the first Soviet atomic bomb as part of the country's nuclear weapons program. However, he grew increasingly concerned about the risks posed by nuclear weapons and advocated for disarmament throughout his later years.
Alikhanian's contributions to science and his dedication to the Armenian people have earned him numerous posthumous honors, including the naming of a street and a university chair in his honor. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of physicists and advocates for social justice.
Read more about Artyom Alikhanian on Wikipedia »