Ara's Song (from "Flight Over The Abyss" Film)

Konstantin Orbelyan was born in Armavir, Armenia. From early childhood, he studied at a special musical school adjacent to Baku Conservatory. In 1942 he worked as an accordionist and pianist at the jazz orchestra of the aviation corps. From 1952 he studied at Yerevan Musical School (named after R. Melikyan). In 1961 Orbelyan graduated from Yerevan State Conservatory (named after Komitas), a student of Edvard Mirzoyan's creative class. From 1956 to 1992, Orbelyan worked as a conductor and art director of the State Variety Orchestra of Armenia. In 1957 he joined the USSR Union of Composers and became a Department member in 1968. In 1993 Orbelyan moved to the USA. In 1976 he was awarded the Order of Cyril and Methodius (Bulgaria), in 2003 the "Mesrop Mashtots" Order (Armenia), in 2009 the "Mesrop Mashtots" Order (Artsakh), in 2012 the Badge of Honor (Armenia), and in 1996 the Albert Einstein Medal (San Francisco). In 2008 Orbelyan was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Goris and Yerevan. In 1974 he was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Armenia and of USSR in 1979. Orbelyan died in Los Angeles and was buried in Komitas Pantheon.