For many years, the famous pianist, comedian, composer and TV presenter Levon Oganezov has been pleased with his performances. Several generations managed to fall in love with him. His appearance on the stage is always accompanied by the applause of grateful spectators. We learn about his path to the stage.
The childhood of Levon Oganezov
December 25, 1940 is the date of birth of the famous Levon Oganezov.
Accompanist’s parents moved to Moscow from Georgia. My father worked as a shoe foreman, tried to provide for his large family. He went from being a simple shoemaker to the owner of his own workshop. They had to move a lot, Sarkis (Sergey) Artemovich was convicted of “Kirov’s murder”. On the birthday of the future pianist, he planted a tree that still grows in the courtyard of their former home.
Mom, Maria Alekseevna, was engaged in housework and raised five children. Until 1943, because of the war, they had to live in Tbilisi. After the start of the Soviet offensive, the family returned to the capital. Brothers and sisters received a good education. Someone became a translator, economist, architect, and someone a famous pianist. Like real Armenians, the family was always hospitable, even in the harsh years.
Their surname in translation means "fiery" and the biography of Levon Oganezov confirms this.
How did the career of Leon Oganezov begin
Parents gave the boy in 4 years to study music. At first, a private teacher was engaged with him. Then, after 10 years of study at the Moscow Conservatory. Tchaikovsky, he received a diploma of classical pianist.
He began to work as an accompanist on duty at the Moskontsert, already in his last year of study. He participated in various competitions for playing the piano, where he often received high awards. The take-off of the accompanist’s career began when he was 18, when he had to replace a sick pianist and sit down at the instrument during a performance by tenor Mikhail Alexandrovich in the Hall of Columns.
Leon Oganezov and stage
He traveled on tour for a long time with the gypsy band Romen. But Levon Oganezov became really famous in tandems with such famous people as Claudia Shulzhenko, Valentina Tolkunova, Mark Bernes, Oleg Anofriev. For many years he was connected not only professional, but also strong friendly relations with Andrei Mironov.
In the Estrada Theater, the season opened with his large program of romances, which he prepared with Nikolai Nikitinsky. For a long time he directed the orchestra for Joseph Kobzon. Almost 5 years he traveled with Vladimir Vinokur, where he was both as an accompanist and as a participant in humorous miniatures. And, of course, he was remembered by everyone for participating in the concerts of Alla Pugacheva and Maxim Galkin.
His repertoire is diverse. It has many classical works by composers such as Mozart, Chopin, Liszt. You can listen to their joint jazz work with the famous Russian saxophonist Igor Butman. In 2003, a program of ancient gypsy and Russian romances with Alexandra Grishina was prepared. He prepared a whole concert from vocal cycles and arias based on the works of J. Rossini.
He deserved to be called a man band.
Television, theater and cinema in the life of pianist Leon Oganezov
His humorous character helped to become a leader in popular television projects: “Good evening with Igor Ugolnikov”, with A. Arkanov participated in the program “The White Parrot”. I also remembered it in the programs “Life is Beautiful” and “Vanity Around the Piano”. In 1998, he received the Golden Ostap Prize for Humor in Music.
Despite the busy schedule, manages to star in several films:
- "Trail of rain";
- "This is not serious";
- "Cottage for sale."
In the theater of satire, he was remembered for playing in the play “Farewell, entertainer!”. Now takes part in various show projects of leading television companies: Channel One, Domashny, Russia. Its presence always visibly enlivens participants and spectators.
The wonderful pianist Levon Oganezov earned such awards with his work and love of music:
- in 1993 received the title of Honored Artist of Russia;
- in 1998, for the humor in music, he became a laureate of the Golden Ostap Award;
- in 2010 received the title of People's Artist of Russia.
Talent, determination and a good sense of humor helped him achieve high goals.
Leon Oganezov with his family
When asked about nationality, Levon Oganezov always answers that he is an Armenian Georgian. With his future wife, Sofia met on a Moscow bus, although they grew up together in Perovo. Parents on both sides were opposed to their relationship, and they had been together for many years. For the sake of raising two daughters, the wife left the Research Institute where she worked.
Both daughters now live in America. Although they received musical education, they did not follow in the footsteps of their father. Maria (senior) was educated as a financial analyst and organizes performances in New York. The youngest Dasha works in a large corporation and heads the advertising department.
Levon Oganezov jokes that perhaps one of the granddaughters will become a musician.
He is ranked among the best accompanists of Russia. He believes that the best rest is only at work, he is currently touring the world a lot. Even on rare vacation days with his wife and daughters, he will always find something for himself.