Vili Kazasyan

Vili Kazasyan is a Bulgarian composer and conductor from Armenian origin. Vili Aram Kazasyan was born on December 8,1934 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He graduated in "engineering" at the Technical University (1959), then he has studied at the National Music Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria (1970-1972). He was a member of Union of Bulgarian Composers and Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers. He received the title 'Honored Artist" (1978) and the Order "Cyril and Methodius" (Twice), the Award "Golden Lyre" of for the overall activity of the Bulgarian National Radio's Big Band; Union of Bulgarian Composers' Grand Prix for Lifetime achievement (1987); the Award "Golden Orpheus" for Lifetime achievement (1992); numerous awards for annual "New Bulgarian music." He was a Conductor of the Pop Orchestra (now Big Band of Bulgarian National Radio). In 1953 , he has played in the second edition of "Jazz of the Young." His career is permanently associated with the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio, where he successively was a pianist, and conductor for 38 years (1960 - 1998 ). In 2008, he was Chairman of the jury of the show Music Idol . He is the author of children's songs , film music, and music to theater, television films. His debut as a musician and composer was in the 50th - as a pianist in "Young Jazz". He has played in the Pop Orchestra at the Satire Theater , he founded "Studio 5". He had great contribution for the first steps and development of the pop -music festival " Golden Orpheus " and the television competition for pop songs "Melody of the Year." He has organized a number of vocal compositions ( " Do-re-mi-fa ", " Studio B "), broadcast editing (Humor, satire and fun) of Bulgarian National Radio. He has wrote a multitude of songs and pieces for the big band, performed by popular bands, singers and actors - Kosta Tsonev , Violeta Bahchevanova , Todor Kolev , Asen Kissimov . Maestro Vili Kazasyan has performed as conductor of radio orchestras in Berlin , Moscow , Leipzig , he participated in the festivals in Athens , Poland, Dresden . Maestro Kazasyan has won numerous music awards, including Orphan Wanderer 2005 for overall contribution to Bulgarian National Radio. He has a daughter - Hilda Kazasyan, who is a jazz singer. Vili Kazasyan died on July 12, 2008 in Sofia, Bulgaria.