Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts- I’ve forwarded your message on to Avedis directly. In the months since Vartan’s passing I’ve continued to run into so many of his students and colleagues, all of whom have been so saddened. I don’t think there can be many jobs in life that offer a greater opportunity to help people than being a studio teacher- it is such a close relationship and what the teacher imparts literally shapes the rest of the student’s life going forward. In a very real sense, someone like Vartan, who taught so long and at such a high level, is still very much with us and always will be.

Ken

I just learned about your father’s death. I am so shocked and saddened. I studied violin with him in Indianapolis (Butler University) years ago-late 70′s-and always held a very special place in my heart for him. He always spoke lovingly of you, and he was a major violin force to be reckoned with-such talent and love for music. I am thankful that I had the little contact that I did and that my memories are so strong.
My best to you and your mother-
Cheryl Trace

Thanks so much for your comment. I’m so glad to hear from you again, but deeply sad that it comes in such tragic circumstances. Your father was a great musician, and I learned so much from him- watching him teach, listening to him perform as a soloist and chamber musician, seeing him demonstrate and working with him one-on-one. It’s hard to overstate how much one could learn from just going to lunch with him.

Parry was just here for a week and we both had so many stories about Vartan- he was truly larger than life for all of us.

I hope you’re taking care of yourself and that you and mother are both managing to sustain yourselves in a painful time.

Be well, and hope to see you soon under happier circumstances

Ken

I just got back from Spain where I played in a memorial concert and then the day after, we did the actual funeral.
The concert included 25 of the 35 or so students who had studied with my father over the last 20 years. I performed the Debussy Violin sonata with Manuel Guillen, the first spaniard to go to madison in 1986. Byron Wallis played the adagio from the Bach Gm solo sonata. Santi played as well even with his hand condition.

We gathered at a port in Valencia the following day and boarded a catameran with my father’s urn. My aunt and uncle sang from the Armenian Badarak a funeral song. Olvido Lanza who you may remember played a gypsy song, stunningly. My mother kissed my father goodbye and with terrible reluctance, let him go into the Mediterranean Sea. Then everyone launched flower after flower. It was beautiful in its own way but an awful tragedy for my mother and I not to mention all the students he nurtured and developed over the last 37 years.

He was always so happy to hear from Parry about you from time to time. You certainly overcame challenges over the years and have succeeded as you more than well deserve. I belatedly congratulate you after so many years and thank you for your consideration and respect for my father. Let his sacred dedication to music continue through you. In this, you are kindred spirits for all eternity.

Take care.

Avedis