In memory of Asadour Santourian
Asadour Santourian, 68, passed away peacefully on Aug. 18 in Talent, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones. He was an accomplished administrator for decades in the classical symphonic music industry, where he worked with musicians, conductors and other talent to bring classical music to the public.
He was renowned as a mentor of emerging talent and assisted in the career development of several Armenian artists. Among those he worked with are conductor Aram Demirjian, vocalist Mane Galoyan, violinist Sergey Khatchatryan, cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan and violinist Diana Adamyan.
Asadour’s career carried him to Los Angeles, Boston, Tanglewood, Aspen, Minnesota and Rotterdam. Wherever he worked, his impact was significant, driven by his passion for music and compassion for people.
He arrived in America from Beirut in 1969 at the age of 11 with his family and settled in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, where his uncle was the pastor at St. Gregory Armenian Church. The middle of three sons, Asadour was the son of Sarkis, an orphan of the Armenian genocide, and Sarah, a native of Kessab, Syria, from the proud and strong Terterian family.
Asadour, with a beautiful tenor voice and gregarious nature, quickly became a respected member of the Armenian community, gracing the sanctuary weekly as a member of the choir and joining the AYF youth group.
After graduating from Classical High and Boston University, Asadour’s career blossomed as he began his journey with the music he loved. He had moved to Oregon to retire, but his passion for music drew him to work with the Rogue Valley Symphony. Once again he left a huge footprint in the community.
A karasoonk (40-day) memorial service was held at St. Gregory on Sept. 18, officiated by Der Bedros Shetilian. Prior to the services, instrumental pieces of the music he loved were offered by musicians who were both colleagues and dear friends. Graveside services took place the following day at the family plot in New Britain, Connecticut.
