Joshua's Aria (from "Joshua" Oratorio)

Lusine Zakaryan was born in Akhaltskha. In 1952 she moved to Yerevan and studied at R. Melikian Music School. From 1957 to 1962 studied at Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory (Vocal Department). Since 1965 was a soloist at Armphilharmonic, 1970-1983 soloist of Symphony orchestra of Radio and TV of Armenia. During these years she also sang at Echmiadzin Apostolic Church choir. During Soviet times, when religious music was forbidden, Lusine Zakaryan had the courage to introduce Armenian religious music on stage. Because of her soulful voice, her recordings have been included in world music fund. Lusine Zakaryan perfectly performed religious songs by Komitas, other Armenian folk songs, psalms and taghs. She had concerts in different countries of the world, constantly gave concerts with organ player Berj Zamkochian. Composer Arno Babajanian dedicated his work “Vocalise” to Lusine Zakaryan, poets Silva Kaputikyan, Vahagn Davtyan, Paruyr Sevak wrote poems for her. In 1967 she received Lenin Komsomol Prize of Armenian SSR, in 1972 was awarded with People’s Artist of Armenia. Lusine Zakaryan died in Yerevan, is buried at the cemetery of St. Gayane Church of Echmiadzin.