The Andriasov Festival – September 22, 2013
image above, left to right: Iosif Andriasov, Arshak AndriasovArshak Andriasov “Torch, No. 1†Op. 6 for trumpet, trombone, piano, and strings and Ballet, Op. 8 for string quintetIosif Andriasov Flute Sketch, Op. 4; Trumpet Concertino, Op. 14; String Quartet, Op. 1 and 1st Symphony, Op. 12 (piano version)Iosif Andriasov was a composer-symphonist internationally recognized as one of the most important figures in contemporary world culture. After graduating from the Moscow Conservatory, Iosif Andriasov became a member of the Union of Soviet Composers on the recommendation of Dmitry Shostakovich. The Head of the Armenian-Gregorian Church, Vazgen I, Catolikos of All Armenians, awarded Iosif Andriasov the Special Charter with Recognition and Blessing for his contributions to music and ethics. I. Andriasov won the Soviet Composers’ Competition to present Soviet music at the USSR National Celebration in 1974 for his Second Symphony. From 1979, Iosif Andriasov lived in New York City with his family. International Biographical Center of Cambridge, UK selected Iosif Andriasov, among two thousand of the worlds most prominent people, as the “International Man of the Year” for the Year 2000–2001 in recognition of his contributions to music and ethics. Continuing in his father’s footsteps, commissioned composer/pianist Arshak Andriasov (b. 1980 in New York City) has performed in numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall. His music draws on a vast array of musical resources, ranging from Armenian folk music to Russian classical music, with certain elements of American jazz, while using means of contemporary language to create a complex system of juxtaposition. Dmitry Shostakovich said of Iosif Andriasov: “When the entire world lost a sense of harmony, composer Iosif Andriasov has not only not lost this sense, but added to harmony a new quality.” andriasovstore.com