Hrant Torosyan - Tar

Hrant Hovhannesi Torosyan was born on March 1, 1920, in Baku. He studied the tar under Soghomon Seyranyan and played in the folk instruments orchestra led by Ioannes Ioannisyan.

In 1952, he moved to Yerevan, where he worked with the Armenian Radio Orchestra of Folk Instruments until 1992. As a member of the orchestra, he participated in the Second Decade of Armenian Art and Literature in Moscow in 1956.

Beyond performance, Torosyan played a key role in organizing folk instrument ensembles. Among his most notable contributions were the groups at the Yerevan Teacher’s House and the Etchmiadzin Palace of Culture. He also pursued songwriting and briefly studied with composer Alexander Achemyan.

Torosyan composed more than a dozen songs and orchestral suites for folk instrument ensembles. His most well-known songs include "The Song of Wine" (Գինու երգը) and "Who Is to Blame?" (Ո՞վ է մեղավոր). He also wrote the cantata "Hunan Avetisyan" (Հունան Ավետիսյան) for choir and folk instrument ensemble.

In recognition of his contributions to Armenian music, he was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Armenian SSR in 1977.

In 1992, he moved to the United States, where he spent his final years. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1993.