Tigrane Kazazian is a French-Armenian-Egyptian composer and oud player, born in 1987, in Egypt where he grew-up before living in France, Canada, and Armenia. He currently lives between Yerevan, Armenia, and France.
“Out of oblivion, a single string stretches to eternity. Its lonely sound swells as the soul travels beyond name, nation, and country. Tigrane Kazazian’s music is his heritage and gift to the world.”
– Vicky Melkonian, Hetq
The Beginning
At six years old, Tigrane would draw his father’s instrument, the oud. Fifteen years later, while listening to Georges Kazazian‘s works, he discovered his own musical language and talent as a composer.
Though far from music growing up (his father never imposed it on him), Tigrane focused on tennis from age 5, aiming for a career in the sport. It was only upon returning to Cairo at 19 years old that he borrowed a oud from his father and began his creative quest, self-teaching himself the oud, guitar, and piano.
The Journey
Tigrane left Egypt at 17 to study in France, then returned to Cairo to study at the American University. In 2007, he moved to Montreal to continue his education at Concordia University.
Self-taught, he moved to Yerevan, Armenia in October 2012 to study at the prestigious Yerevan National Conservatory. Armenia became not just a place of study, but home.
He has played at the Cairo Opera House, the Armenian Philharmonic Hall, many sold-out concerts at New Morning in Paris, and in other prestigious venues. Drawing his roots and culture from both the East and the West, his music builds a harmonious bridge between cultures, spanning from oriental music and jazz to modern Western music.
Musical Journey
Born at the foot of The Giza Pyramids in Egypt
Moved to Montreal, Canada to study at Concordia University; began self-teaching oud, guitar, and piano
Moved to Yerevan, Armenia to study at the Yerevan National Conservatory
Founded the Nour Project with his father, renowned oud player and composer Georges Kazazian
Formed the Kazazian Trio with duduk player Arsen Petrosyan and percussionist Eduard Harutyunyan
First album Cairo Nights released with Green United Music (GUM – Sony Music)
The trio evolved into the Tigrane Kazazian Quartet
Collaborated with Swiss composer Albin Brun celebrating 30 years of Swiss-Armenian diplomatic relations
Second album Still Love released with Paris-based label L’Horizon Violet, featuring Lucy Khanyan on keys, piano, and arrangements
Toured in France, Armenia, Germany, and Morocco as part of the Festival des Trois Rives (Tanger Chante Le Monde). Sold-out concerts at Paris’ iconic New Morning, covered by Le Monde, TV5, and Radio France International
Third album coming Fall 2026
Moments
“Composer and performer, Tigrane Kazazian is an enchanting musician. His long fingers soar over the oud with the apparent lightness of inspiration and passion.”
– Nadia Benjelloun, Fes Festival of World Sacred Music