Artistic Director and Conductor of Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir Sebouh Apkarian passed away at his home in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Monday, Aug 4, Asbarez reported.

Maestro Sebouh Apkarian was born in Cyprus. He was a composer, conductor, painter and educator. He founded the Armenian Radio Program at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, where he served for 46 years.

He graduated the Melkonian Educational Institute where he also taught music and conducted the school choir, following the steps of his music teacher and mentor Vahan Bedelian. After the graduation, he continued his studies in Paris.

As an opera singer, he performed in Nicosia, Athens, Beirut, Aleppo, Cairo, and Paris.

He was the composer of many songs, choral works, chamber music, oratories, cantatas, symphonic suites, and musical caricatures. Many of these compositions have been performed in Tokyo, Paris, Cyprus, Beirut, and in cities throughout the U.S.

His work and performances with Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir are characterized by many as the most significant contribution towards the promotion of Armenian culture during the last decade.