▰ John Haig Bilezikjian Died January 19, … More Information |
John Haig Bilezikjian, born February 1, 1948 passed from this life on January 19, 2015 in Mission Viejo, California. John was 66.
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Obituary: John Bilezikjian was Americas Oud Virtuoso. A soloist at heart, John was a great admirer of the violinist Jascha Heifetz. Indeed, Johns playing—no matter the genre—was marked with emotional intensity and great attention to detail. Growing up with a mother who sang him Armenian lullabies, a father who played violin, and a grandfather who played oud, it is no wonder that John developed an interest in music from an early age. His teachers all agreed that he showed great promise on the violin. When, at age nine, he applied his talents to the oud, it was not long before he began performing at church functions, parties, and nightclubs. As his performance career took off, he was guided by a deep sense of responsibility his parents. John worked relentlessly to keep alive the songs and dances of western Armenia. He paid careful attention to authenticity of sound and movement while also creating his own distinct style. Thanks to his familys extensive collection of 78rpm recordings featuring Armenian, Greek, and Turkish musicians, he also developed a love of the music that grew out of the Ottoman court tradition. He was well-versed in the makam modal system and the improvisational art of taksim. Members of the folk and belly dance communities are indebted to John and his music. Since the 1960s, he was a regular performer at legendary Southern California venues like the Seventh Veil, the Fez, and the Ash Grove. Also, Johns research into Sephardic music proved useful to many singers and Hazzans interested in the historical traditions of Spanish Jews. Johns expertise extended into western classical and popular music. He was known for his impressive arrangements of pieces by Johan Sebastian Bach, Isaac Albéniz, and Ernesto Lecuona. He performed as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Los Angeles Mandolin Orchestra, and the Pacific Palisades Symphony, among others. Audiences at Johns solo concerts spoke fondly of his adaptations of Beatles tunes, and audiences in Spain demanded encore after encore when John joined Leonard Cohen on an international tour. Additionally, John was Hollywoods first choice when film scores called for an oud: John can be heard on many motion picture soundtracks, including Schindlers List, The French Connection, and Hidalgo. Johns own record label Dantz Records hosts an extensive and varied collection of his music. Included are Armenian folk songs and dances, belly dance music, classical music, and the soundtrack to the movie Pomegranate. Surely, Johns legacy lives on in these recordings. John was also a gifted teacher. He taught private lessons and composed the Hal Leonard Oud Method book. Students at many Southern California universities, including UCLA, USC, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, and CSU Northridge, benefited from his guest lectures on Armenian music and oud technique. Special mention must be made of Johns wife Helen, who worked lovingly and tirelessly to support his performance career. As singer and dancer, she joined him in many performances and shared his values of artistry, professionalism, and hard work. Together, their love of Armenian music and culture was a true gift to Southern California and beyond. HISTORY Born John Haig Bilezikjian (named after his paternal grandfather, Haig) on Feb. 1, 1948, he was soon followed by his brother Eddie, two years later and his sister Alice Ann, ten years younger. He came from good parents and was not deprived of anything. The name Bilezikjian comes from the Turkish word ilezik meaning Bracelet, coupled withe the traditional ending of ian or yan affixed to all Armenian surnames designating son of. Johns paternal great grandfather, Nazareth Bilezikjian, was patriarch of the most affluent family in the Western village of Marash. His son, Haig Bilezikjian went to Aintab and found Nectar Karajian (prettiest girl in the village). were married on the docks and because of the marauding Turks they traveled to Bulgaria where Johns father Andrew Bilezikjian was born in 1919, and later Albert was born. Johns Maternal great-grandfather, Mugherdich Siroonian came from Kheghe and he escaped to Bulgaria. The same warning came to them that prompted Alices father Bedros (Peter) Ohanessian to abandon his village of Mush. The two families moved to Bulgria, where they lived across the street, met and married. Bedros was a freedom fighter and he was forced to flee to America where the fear of reprisals forced them to change their name to Darer or priest, reflecting the fact the Alice Bilezikjians family was four generations of priests. Alice Bilezikjian was born in East Saint Lewis , Illinois and raised in Detroit. On a trip to L.A. relatives introduced her to Andrew Bilezikjian and they were married. JOHNS CHILDHOOD From his earliest childhood, John recalled his mother singing to him the sad love songs and nostalgic lullabies of Armenia and his father playing Violin. He fell in love with the violin, which his father and uncle both played. John was the only child who learned Turkish and Armenian, primarily because doing so enabled him to unlock the meaning of the words he heard on the phonograph. It also allowed him to understand what his parents were saying when he wasn supposed to hear. He recounts how his father would try to surprise the children by telling Alice, his mother in the Arnenian-Turkish dialect Im going to the store to buy some shirin shey (sweet thing). John would overhear and tell his brother and sister Dads going to buy some ice cream! Studying with his father, who was classically trained, he was playing Paganini by the age of ten. However, at nine years old he had discovered the Oud, which his grandfather had stored in the attic. He began to teach himself and gave his first professional oud performance at twelve. As a teenager, John began formal studies of Armenian at school, and became president of St. Jamesers youth group. He also trained to become a deacon in the Armenian church, assisting the Archbishop in chanting the divine liturgy, position he continued until entering college in 1966. He started his own band he Hallahs with continued... |
▰ Irene Helen Bilezikjian Died April 25, … More Information |
Irene Helen Bilezikjian, of California, passed away peacefully April 25, 2013. Irene was 86. Obituary published: April 26, 2013 in "OCR" |
▰ Irene Helen Bilezikjian Died April 24, … More Information |
Irene Helen Bilezikjian, age 86 of California, ascended to heaven into the loving arms of all whom have gone before she April 24, 2013. Obituary published: April 25, 2013 in "OCR" |
▰ Irene Helen Bilezikjian Died April 23, … More Information |
Irene Helen Bilezikjian, of California, entered the Kingdom of Heaven April 23, 2013. Irene was 86. Obituary published: April 24, 2013 in "OCR" |
▰ Irene Helen Bilezikjian Died April 17, … More Information | Irene Helen Bilezikjian, born August 14, 1926 entered Heaven's gates on April 17, 2013 in Laguna Niguel, California. Irene was 86. |
▰ Irene H Bilezikjian Died April 17, … More Information | Irene H Bilezikjian, born August 14, 1926 went to be with her Lord and Savior April 17, 2013 in Newport Beach, California. IRENE was 86. |
▰ Irene Helen Bilezikjian Died April 17, … More Information |
Irene Helen Bilezikjian, born August 14, 1926 joined the Lord April 17, 2013 in Corona Del Mar, California. Irene was 86.
Family members and close friends: , Mike Aikman, Lynne Bilezikjian-fitzpatrick |
▰ Alice Bilezikjian Died May 11, … More Information |
Alice Bilezikjian, age 81 of California, born in E St Louis, Illinois, passed from this life on May 11, 2002. Obituary published: May 12, 2002 in "Los Angeles T" |
▰ George F c Biley Jr Died November 19, … More Information | George F c Biley Jr left this earth on November 19, 1990 to meet with Jesus, his Lord and Savior in Whittier, California. |
▰ Roberta Phyllis Biletsky Died August 10, … More Information |
Roberta Phyllis Biletsky, of California, departed this life Sunday August 10, 1998. Roberta was 52. Obituary published: August 11, 1998 in "Press Demo" |
▰ Tracey Natalie Miss Biletnikoff Died February 20, … More Information |
Tracey Natalie Miss Biletnikoff, of Redwood City, California, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord February 20, 1999. Tracey was 20. Obituary published: February 21, 1999 in "NC Times" |
▰ Tracey Natalie Biletnikoff Died February 20, … More Information |
Tracey Natalie Biletnikoff, age 20 of Redwood City, California, joined the Lord February 20, 1999. Obituary published: February 21, 1999 in "San Diego U-T" |
▰ Sharon Ranell Biles Died November 12, … More Information |
Sharon Ranell Biles, age 57 of Coalinga, California, was anxious to meet her Maker and Master November 12, 1999. Obituary published: November 13, 1999 in "Fresno B" |
▰ Ross Lawrence Biles Died March 17, … More Information |
Ross Lawrence Biles, of California, born in Yakima, Washington, entered Heaven's gates on March 17, 1996. Ross was 73. Obituary published: March 18, 1996 in "Yakima H-R (WA)" |
▰ Ronald Cole Biles Died August 29, … More Information |
Ronald Cole Biles, 61, went to be with the Lord on August 29, 2006 in California. Obituary published: August 30, 2006 in "Contra Costa" |
▰ Robert Paul "Bobby" Biles Died July 24, … More Information |
Robert Paul "Bobby" Biles passed away July 24, 2003 in California. Obituary published: July 25, 2003 in "Contra Costa" |
▰ Pauline Gladys (Jones) Biles Died February 27, … More Information |
Pauline Gladys (Jones) Biles, age 78 of California, born in Oklahoma, entered into eternal rest February 27, 1996. Obituary published: February 28, 1996 in "Contra Costa" |
▰ Pauline Gladys (Jones) Biles Died February 29, … More Information |
Pauline Gladys (Jones) Biles, of Concord, California, went to be with the Lord on February 29, 1996. Pauline was 78. Obituary published: March 01, 1996 in "Contra Costa" |
▰ Margaret "Margie" (Espinoza) Biles Died May 22, … More Information |
Margaret "Margie" (Espinoza) Biles, age 56 of California, went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2010. Obituary published: May 23, 2010 in "Sacramento Bee" |
▰ Margaret "Margie" (Castillo) Biles Died May 24, … More Information |
Margaret "Margie" (Castillo) Biles, 56, of California, entered the Kingdom of Heaven May 24, 2010. Obituary published: May 25, 2010 in "Sacramento Bee" |
▰ Margaret Louise Biles Died February 16, … More Information |
Margaret Louise Biles, born June 21, 1924 passed from this world into the next February 16, 2012 in San Jose, California. Margaret was 87.
Family members and close friends: , Dennis & Linda Francis |
▰ Lorene (Steip) Biles Died February 10, … More Information |
Lorene (Steip) Biles, age 80 of Los Angeles, California, entered eternal life February 10, 2004. Obituary published: February 11, 2004 in "Wiarton Echo (ON)" |
▰ John Jr Biles Died January 23, … More Information |
John Jr Biles, age 82 of California, born in Bend, Oregon, went into the presence of the Lord on January 23, 2008. Obituary published: January 24, 2008 in "Elk Grove Cit" |
▰ John Alexander Biles Died June 27, … More Information | John Alexander Biles, born May 4, 1933 entered into eternal rest June 27, 2014 in Pacific Palisades, California. John was 81. |
▰ John Edward Biles Sr Died December 22, … More Information | John Edward Biles Sr , born May 31, 1907 passed away peacefully December 22, 1974 in Whittier, California. JOHN was 67. |
▰ John Alexander Biles Died June 27, … More Information | John Alexander Biles, born May 4, 1933 joined the Lord June 27, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. John was 81. |
▰ Helen (Conn) Biles Died August 07, … More Information |
Helen (Conn) Biles, of Laguna Hills, California, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord August 7, 1996. Helen was 95. Obituary published: August 08, 1996 in "Orange Co R" |
▰ Eva Marie Blanche Biles Died April 29, … More Information | Eva Marie Blanche Biles, born October 8, 1896 entered into eternal rest April 29, 1975 in Whittier, California. Eva was 78. |
▰ Ella Biles Died July 29, … More Information | Ella Biles, born September 11, 1903 ascended to heaven into the loving arms of all whom have gone before her July 29, 1969 in Whittier, California. ELLA was 65. |
▰ Eleanor Elizabeth Biles Died February 19, … More Information | Eleanor Elizabeth Biles, born July 26, 1927 went into the presence of the Lord on February 19, 2016 in Ventura, California. Eleanor was 88. |
▰ Eleanor Elizabeth Biles Died February 19, … More Information | Eleanor Elizabeth Biles, born July 26, 1927 ascended to heaven into the loving arms of all whom have gone before her February 19, 2016 in Westminster, California. Eleanor was 88. |
▰ Don Leon Iii "Buzzy" Biles Died January 07, … More Information |
Don Leon Iii "Buzzy" Biles, of California, born in Mississippi, entered into eternal rest January 7, 2011. Don was 59. Obituary published: January 08, 2011 in "Grass Valley U" |
▰ Don Leon Iii "Buzzy" Biles Died January 08, … More Information |
Don Leon Iii "Buzzy" Biles, of California, born in Biloxi, Mississippi, passed from this life on January 8, 2011. Don was 59. Obituary published: January 09, 2011 in "Auburn Journal" |
▰ Daniel Henry Biles Died March 12, … More Information | Daniel Henry Biles, born April 11, 1882 went to be with the Lord on March 12, 1964 in Whittier, California. DANIEL was 81. |
▰ Burly D Biles Died August 13, … More Information |
Burly D Biles passed away August 13, 2002 in Orangeville, California. Obituary published: August 14, 2002 in "Contra Costa" |
▰ Billie Jean (Phillips)[Cummings] Biles Died March 04, … More Information |
Billie Jean (Phillips)[Cummings] Biles, age 70 of Sacramento, California, entered into eternal rest March 4, 2006. Obituary published: March 05, 2006 in "Sacramento Bee" |
▰ Billie Jean (Phillips)[Cummings] Biles Died March 03, … More Information |
Billie Jean (Phillips)[Cummings] Biles, of Sacramento, California, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord March 3, 2006. Billie was 70. Obituary published: March 04, 2006 in "Sacramento Bee" |
▰ William Thompson "Bill" Biler Died October 13, … More Information |
William Thompson "Bill" Biler, of California, born in Missouri, entered into eternal rest October 13, 2004. William was 69. Obituary published: October 14, 2004 in "Southeast Missourian (MO)" |
▰ Reba Christine Biler Died August 17, … More Information |
Reba Christine Biler, age 81 of Saratoga, California, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord August 17, 1990. Obituary published: August 18, 1990 in "San Jose M-N" |
▰ Baby Bilen Died November 22, … More Information | Baby Bilen, born November 22, 2019 entered the Kingdom of Heaven November 22, 2019 in National City, California. Baby was 0. |
▰ Jack J Bilello Died September 15, … More Information |
Jack J Bilello, of Villa Park, California, entered the Kingdom of Heaven September 15, 2014. Jack was 85. Obituary published: September 16, 2014 in "OCR" |
▰ James Peter Bilelis Died January 01, … More Information | |
▰ Vernie Lee Bilek Died September 17, … More Information |
Vernie Lee Bilek, age 81 of California, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord September 17, 2007. Obituary published: September 18, 2007 in "Press Demo" |
▰ Vernie Lee Bilek Died September 15, … More Information |
Vernie Lee Bilek, 81, went to be with the Lord on September 15, 2007 in California. Obituary published: September 16, 2007 in "Press Demo" |
▰ Robert Carl Bilek Died June 17, … More Information |
Robert Carl Bilek, of California, born in Westbrookville, New York, went into the presence of the Lord on June 17, 2011. Robert was 85. Obituary published: June 18, 2011 in "The Calif" |
▰ Richard R Bilek Died January 29, … More Information |
Richard R Bilek, age 90 of California, born in St Paul, Minnesota, ascended to heaven into the loving arms of all whom have gone before Richard January 29, 2003. Obituary published: January 30, 2003 in "San Jose M-N" |
▰ Richard R Bilek Died January 26, … More Information |
Richard R Bilek, age 90 of California, born in Minnesota, entered the Kingdom of Heaven January 26, 2003. Obituary published: January 27, 2003 in "San Jose M-N" |
▰ Mike P Bilek Died August 15, … More Information |
Mike P Bilek, of Orange Co, California, entered the Kingdom of Heaven August 15, 2001. Mike was 71. Obituary published: August 16, 2001 in "OCR" |
▰ Mike P Bilek Died August 16, … More Information |
Mike P Bilek, of California, died on August 16, 2001. Mike was 71. Obituary published: August 17, 2001 in "Los Angeles T" |
▰ Lewis F Bilek Died July 05, … More Information | Lewis F Bilek, born February 23, 1911 left his earthly home and passed through the Veil to his Eternal Home July 5, 1980 in Whittier, California. LEWIS was 69. |
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