YEREVAN–Noted Armenian stage actor and opera singer Avak Petrossian passed away in Yerevan. Prime minister Antranik Markarian established a special committee with the Minister of Culture–Youth Affairs and Sports as its chair to oversee funeral arrangemen’s.
Petrossian was born in Giamrez in 1922 (in the Abovian region). He graduated from the Yerevan Conservatory in 1942. Starting from 1934 he was a member of the State choir–eventually becoming a soloist after 1939. Starting from 1941–Petrossian was a soloist for the Yerevan Opera and ballet group. He became the first singer-actor of the State Opera and played the parts of Santoor in "Davit Beg," Dirit in "Arshak I," Garo in "Ardzvapert," Sos in "Sos and Vartiter," Vahan in "Herosoohi," Seyran in "Namoos," Saro in "Anoosh," Asoogh and Seighk in "Almasd," Kior Oghli in "Kior Oghli," Ratames in "Aida," and Manrigo in "Sroobadoor."
Petrossian collaborated in the works of famous Armenian–Russia and Western European composers–and also wrote numerous Armenian folk songs.
For his role as Vartan in Stepanian’s "Herosoohi" Petrossian was honored with a USSR state award. He was also awarded the coveted Red Flag medal .
With the passing of Avak Petrossian–the Armenian people lose one of its most famous artists.