Pavel Lisitsian

Pavel Lisitsian

Armenian opera singer (baritone)
Date of Birth: 06.11.1911
Country: Armenia

Biography of Pavel Lisitsian

Armenian opera singer (baritone) Pavel Gerasimovich Lisitsian (born 1911) was born on November 6, 1911, in Vladikavkaz. His father, Gerasim Pavlovich Lisitsian, worked as a drayman, and his mother, Srbui Manukovna Lisitsian, was a homemaker. Pavel married Dagmara Alexandrovna Lisitsian and had four children: Ruzanna Pavlovna, Ruben Pavlovich, Karina Pavlovna, and Gerasim Pavlovich. All of his children received higher musical education and became renowned performers, laureates of international competitions, and were awarded the titles of People's Artists of Armenia and Honored Artists of Russia.

Growing up, Pavel was surrounded by music in his family. Both his mother and father, as well as his older sister Ruzanna, were singers in the Armenian church choir. From a young age, Pavel showcased his talent for singing, performing solos and duets with his father in Armenian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Neapolitan folk songs. His musical education included choir lessons under the guidance of composers Sardaryan and Manukyan, which played a significant role in his artistic development.

At the age of fifteen, after completing nine years of school, Pavel left his parental home to work independently. He embarked on a nomadic life, working in geological exploration and diamond drilling teams. In 1927, he worked as an apprentice driller and laborer in the Sadonsky mines near Vladikavkaz. In 1928, he became a master's assistant in Mahuntsety near Batumi. In 1929, he worked as a drilling master and participated in amateur performances as a soloist in the folk choir during the construction of the Taparavan hydroelectric power station in Akhalkalaki.

In 1930, Pavel received an invitation to join the Leningrad Conservatory, but due to a lack of financial resources, he had to work at the Baltic Plant as a sheet metal worker, electric welder, and riveter. He joined the Bolshoi Dramatic Theater as a supernumerary and began his theatrical career. This marked the beginning of his ascent from a supernumerary to a leading performer. Pavel had the opportunity to observe and learn from masters of the stage and immerse himself in the traditions of the Russian acting school.

In 1932, Pavel resumed vocal lessons with M.M. Levitskaya, who determined that his voice was a baritone. He continued his studies with Z.S. Dol'skaya at the Musical Technical School, where he spent three years perfecting his vocal skills. In 1935, his mature vocal artistry was recognized by A.I. Orfenov. Throughout his career, Pavel had numerous teachers and mentors who helped him develop various aspects of his performance, including pianist-concertmasters A. Meerovich and M. Sakharov, composer A. Dolukhanyan, and conductors S. Samosud, A. Ter-Ovanesyan, V. Nebolsin, and A. Melik-Pashaev.

In 1935, Pavel became a soloist in the First Youth Opera Theater. Although he initially performed minor roles, he quickly gained recognition for his talent. The press praised his solo performance of Shaporin's romance "Nochnoy Zefir" at the Bolshoi Dramatic Theater. However, due to financial constraints, the youth theater disbanded shortly after Pavel's debut. He continued his studies at the musical technical school while also working as a welder at a factory. He later joined the Youth Group of the Leningrad Small Opera Theater.

From 1935 to 1937, Pavel performed secondary and tertiary roles in various operas, gaining valuable experience. He received guidance from Samuel Abramovich Samosud, the chief conductor of the theater, and Fritz Stiedry, the conductor of the Leningrad Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. In 1937, he joined the Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater, where he performed fifteen roles in classical and contemporary productions. His notable performances during the Decade of Armenian Art in Moscow in October 1939 garnered great success and attracted the attention of the Bolshoi Theater.

In 1941, Pavel made his debut at the Bolshoi Theater, receiving enthusiastic reviews. However, his career was put on hold when he was called to serve on the frontlines during World War II. From July to October 1941, he performed over five hundred concerts for troops at various locations. Despite being injured and hospitalized in Yerevan in late 1941, Pavel recovered and continued his singing career at the Yerevan Theater for a year and a half.

In 1943, Pavel returned to Moscow and performed at the Bolshoi Theater, singing the roles of Onegin and Yeletsky. His official debut at the Bolshoi Theater took place on April 26, 1941. Throughout his career, Pavel excelled in both lyrical and dramatic roles, and his recordings remain unmatched to this day. He performed in over thirty countries and received numerous accolades and awards. Pavel's dedication to his craft extended beyond the stage, as he also taught at the Yerevan Conservatory and served as a jury member for international competitions.

Pavel Lisitsian retired from the stage but continued to share his knowledge and expertise with aspiring singers in his rehearsal studio. He remained true to his Armenian roots, frequently performing in Armenia and promoting Armenian culture and music around the world. Pavel was also known for his ensemble singing, including chamber duets and quartets with his family members. In 1971, the Lisitsian Family Quartet debuted, performing all four vocal parts in Mozart's "Requiem."

Pavel Lisitsian's dedication to his chosen profession and his passion for music made him a beloved and respected figure in the opera world. His performances, both on stage and in concert, continue to be revered for their excellence and artistry.

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