Renowned Armenian composer Levon Oganezov dies at 84

Levon Oganezov, the Armenian-born Russian composer, performer and TV presenter, has died aged 84 after a long battle with cancer, his family said.

The news was announced by his daughter, Maria Shklover, in a post on Facebook on Sunday. She said he would be remembered by fans for his artistry and sharp wit, and by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and close friend.

Oganezov, a People’s Artist of Russia, died on 13 December. He would have turned 85 on 25 December.

He was best known as the host of popular TV shows, including The White Parrot Club, Whispers Around the Piano and Life Is Beautiful.

As a musician, he worked with some of Russia’s most prominent performers, accompanying artists such as Iosif Kobzon, Vladimir Vinokur and Larisa Golubkina.