Kevork Markar Mardirossian

Kevork Markar Mardirossian , master violinist, great performing artist, master pedagogue, was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, December 9th, 1954. He passed suddenly, after months of discomfort and illness, at home with his adoring husband and pianist, Lee Phillips, June 11,2024, mid afternoon. He most recently was distinguished James H. Rudy professor of violin at IU’s Jacobs School of Music , since 2008, and previously was professor of violin and artist in residence at University of Central Arkansas( 1990-95), where he also founded his Kapelle Piano Trio( artist ensemble in residence ). Before accepting his position at IU ,Mardirossian was distinguished professor of violin at LSU, Baton Rouge, 1995-2008. He studied with some of the great violinists, teachers, of his time including Avramov in Sofia Conservatory of Music, with Arthur Griumiaux in Brussels, and as British Council Scholar for extended years with Yfrah Neaman at the Guildhall School, London, where he graduated first prize.During that time he formed his duo with his life partner, later his husband, and won international prizes in competitions in Florence, Paris and Trapani, leading to the beginning of their concert life together in extensive tours throughout Italy, Sicily, Bulgaria in 1986-7. Kevork was concertmaster of the renowned Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra under inspiring conductor Dobrin Petkov, after graduating from Sofia, and toured regularly with them as soloist and concertmaster throughout Europe and the Eastern Bloc countries and Soviet Union… later he was also concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony when in residence in Louisiana.As regular performer and teacher of master courses at major schools and conservatories through the US, Europe and Asia, he was hailed as a performer of power, impeccable control, stunning beauty of tone, and as a wise, witty, loving teacher with a big heart, teaching not only expertly technique and interpretation, but the beauty of music and in the life as an artist. He shared his artistic wisdom and his exceptional humanity regularly in festivals and conservatories throughout Italy and Sicily, Spain, Eastern Europe, England and Wales, Korea and China, to name some. Mardirossian’s many prize winning students can be found in concertmaster and principal positions in Houston Symphony, Los Angeles Phil, Tulsa Symphony, Cleveland, Tel Aviv, Stockholm Royal, and many European and Asian orchestras; his students can also be found as professors in music schools and universities all over the US, Europe and Asia. As a juror he most recently was judging international competitions in Mexico City( Henryk Szeryng) and in Sion, Switzerland( Tibor Varga). Kevork is survived by his loving husband , partner for almost 40 years,Lee Phillips, his beloved dogs,doodle Bella, and Golden girl, Chrysanthemum (Chrissie), and nephews Markar Mardirossian of Kameno, Bulgaria and Kevork Mardirossian of Germany, sister in law Nelli Mardirossian of Plovdiv, and cousin , cellist Seta Baltaian. He is also survived by hundreds of past students and his loving, stellar, present studio at IU. Kevork, “ Koko” to family and friends, is preceeded in death by his parents Markar Mardirossian, his mother Takuhi Yamagochian Mardirossian, and brother Markar Mardirossian. Rest in Peace, beloved husband, doggie daddy, artist, teacher, devoted friend. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Kevork Markar Mardirossian

December 9, 1954 - June 11, 2024