Levon Oganezov, a Russian pianist with a unique sense of humor, has died

On December 13, after a long struggle with cancer, Soviet and Russian pianist, composer and TV presenter, People's Artist of Russia Levon Oganezov (Leonty Sarkisovich Oganezov) died. This is reported by the artist's family in a social network account.

"For his many fans, he will be remembered for his virtuosity and sparkling humor. For us, he will forever remain a beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great—grandfather, father-in-law, and best friend," the message says.

It is specified that the details of the farewell ceremony will be known later.

It is known from open sources that Levon Oganezov died in New York.

Levon Oganezov was born on December 25, 1940 in Moscow. In 1967 he graduated from the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory in piano class. Since 1959 he has been working at Mosconcert.

As an accompanist he worked with many legendary artists — Claudia Shulzhenko, Oleg Anofriev, Valentina Tolkunova, Joseph Kobzon, Andrei Mironov, Vladimir Vinokur, Larisa Golubkina, Maxim Galkin❶ and others. He was an equal participant in Vinokur's popular play "I Go out Alone ..." (author Arkady Arkanov, director Alexander Shirvindt); as an actor participated in the performance of the Moscow Satire Theater "Goodbye, entertainer!".

In 2007, in collaboration with Alexander Khaminsky, he patented the Electric Keyboard Musical Instrument model, which has the function of changing the keyboard layout, which allows it to be used by both right-handed and left-handed performers.

In 1998, Levon Oganezov was awarded the Golden Ostap Award for humor in music, in 2003 he received the gratitude of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, in 2012 — the Russian National acting Award named after Andrei Mironov "Figaro".

❶An individual performing the functions of a foreign agent