Edvard Mirzoyan
Edvard Mik'aeli Mirzoyan (; May 12, 1921 – October 5, 2012) was an Armenian composer. Edvard Mirzoyan was born in Gori, Georgia. He called himself an atheist, but added, "There is only one planet on which people live and are being born. And while it is, it's a miracle. A miracle, every leaf and every bug... And it all depends on how you are able to enjoy this miracle. Some do not even think that they were born into a miracle." Biography. Initially schooled in music in Yerevan and graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory, Mirzoyan went on to  Moscow to further refine his art. In late 1956 he was elected president of the Armenian Composers’ Union, a position he held until 1991. He was a professor of composition at the Komitas State Conservatory, and president of the Peace Foundation of Armenia. While president of the Composers' Union, Mirzoyan drove the development and construction of the Composers’ Union Resort in Dilijan, which now bears his name. The resort went on to be one of the most well-known cultural hubs of the Soviet Union. Edvard Mirzoyan was married to Elena (Heghine) Mamikonovna for 50 years. He is survived by  his son, Arshak Mirzoyan, and three grandchildren: Heghine, Satenig, and Shant Mirzoyan. Music. Mirzoyan's compositional output is relatively small but quite distinguished, combining graceful lyricism with intense drama. With its formal structure and tonal design, his style has been described as Neoclassical, with elements of Armenian folksong always present. Mirzoyan's String Quartet, Cello Sonata, Symphony for Strings and Timpani, and Epitaph for String Orchestra have become notable additions to the repertoire. Edvard Mirzoyan is buried at the Komitas Pantheon which is located in the city center of Yerevan.