Born in 1901 near Istanbul, Hrant was declared blind four
days after birth. Despite frequent treatments, his condition did not improve.
In the Istanbul
he studied with famous teachers including Kemani Agopos Ayvazyan, Dickran
Katsakhian, and Udi Kirkor Berberian. Unfortunately, it was hard for him to find
work because of his blindness, so he made a living selling musical instruments.
His big break came when he travelled to America to see eye specialists, and he
was invited to give a series of concerts. Hrant returned to Turkey, and became
known as a solist frequently performing on Istanbul Radio, and later devoted
much of his time teaching young oudists and singers. Udi Hrant died August 29th
1978, and is buried at the Armenian cemetery in Sisli, Istanbul. A more detailed
biography can be found
here.
