Garbis Zobian

Romanian operatic tenor of Armenian ethnicity, Garbis Zobian was born in Kastemuni, Turkey, May 24, 1915 and passed away in 2002, New York, US. Characterized as 'heroic tenor', he was known for his best performance in Othello role. In 1968 Zobian emigrates from Romania to Lebanon, and after to US, established in New York. Zobian was Armenian by origin. During the great persecution of the Armenian minority in Turkey, between 1914 and 1918, as a child was detained together with his mother in a concentration camp. He suceeded in escaping to România where he has grown up (from 1923) into an outstanding artist. 1934 - graduated High School Piatra Neamț Zobian concentrates on the tradional Enrico Caruso repertoire. Verdi, Bizet, Leoncavallo, Halevy and Meyerbeer was his favorites composers. 1944 - moved from his hometown Galați to București to continue his musical education. 1946 - debuted as operatic tenor vocals at Romanian Athenaeum - București, alongside soprano vocals Virginia Zeani. 1949 - Zobian was hired to sing at Romanian Opera - București Traveled a lot in many countrys to sing in many opera concerts. 1973 - returned to România to sing at his last concerts before retirement: 26 June - at Romanian Opera (Opera Română) București in ”Aida” by Verdi 29 June - at Romanian Opera (Opera Română) București in ”Carmen” by Bizet 1984, April 9 - returned for last time in România for ”Gloriile Operei” (”Opera Glories” Show) presented Arta Florescu - soprano vocals.