Elvina Makarian

“What a miracle!” exclaimed the renowned composer Aram Katchaturian after listening to her perform. “How could I not have heard of her until now?” continued the renowned Composer and Maestro, while enthusiastically applauding. The young rising star, Elvina, was only 16 years old. Elvina Makarian was born in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Graduating with honors from the Tchaikovsky School of Music, continuing on to and graduating from prestigious Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. Elvina studied to become a classical pianist, always desiring to perform but deep in her heart she wanted to sing. At the young age of 12, Elvina participated in a music competition festival at the Philharmonic Hall of Yerevan. She won the first place award; but most importantly she won the hearts of her audience. Devoted and loyal fans who would continue to follow her spectacular career for the next four decades. Elvina was invited, at the age of 14, to be a soloist with the renowned Robert Amirchanyan Jazz Band. Shortly thereafter, Elvina received the prestigious offer to join the famous Yerevan State Entertainment Band, by Konstantin Orbelian. Elvina’s blossoming career continued on as a soloist with the Entertainment Ensemble of Radio & Television of Armenia. In 1973 young Elvina was awarded with the Grand-Prize at the First World Music Awards in Moscow. Later that year she received her second Grand-Prize this time at the 10th World Music Awards in Berlin. The star of Elvina Makarian was heading one way, straight to the top. Elvina’s talent soon brought her recognition around the world, as she celebrated her success by launching a world tour to include France, Canada, Syria, Italy, Germany, England and other countries. After her performance at the “Anten 2” studio in France, French newspapers had one headline on their front pages, “Elvina, La Piaf de Soviet.” Russian newspaper “Izvestia” wrote, “When Elvina Makarian sings in Armenian, there is no translation needed.” In the late 1900’s Elvina moved to the United States, where she resided until her last days. In the US Elvina continued her career emerging the Armenian music, her unique voice and extraordinary talent with the American music and creating even more masterpieces. The talent and emotions of this unique and genius singer and composer is above any translation. She created over 800 songs. Most of them she composed and wrote the lyrics, some were just music, others just lyrics. Her songs have been performed and are still in high demand by many renowned singers. Elvina’s personal life was unlike her stage world. She has been through many obstacles and difficulties all throughout her life, and she kept on winning them and moving forward. In October of 2004 Elvina had her life’s greatest tragedy; she lost her 26-year old son Roman. The pain was enormous, yet the Diva kept on composing. She composed over 150 songs. Almost three years later Elvina’s heart stopped - she passed away on June 9, 2007 at her home in Glendale from heart failure. Her voice however will never stop… her music will keep playing… and her songs will be performed by famous Armenian; American and great vocal artists throughout the world. In Elvina’s bright memory, Brian McKnight has performed and dedicated a video to her of his song “One Last Cry.” Many other musical superstars have been fascinated by Elvina’s persona and expressed great gratitude toward her for contributing to the music world. Elvina was, and remains an extraordinary unique being, amazingly talented musician and as long as her songs keep playing… Elvina will always live and her star will always shine.