IN MEMORY: RICHARD HALAJIAN

April 30, 1952 - December 21, 2002

We are keeping a place on our Chamber Blues site for our long time violist, Richard Halajian. In addition to offering his great playing and great presence, he composed two of our major pieces in the Chamber Blues repitoire; Serenade and Pizzacatto Blue. He was a great classical player and a great improviser of jazz and blue grass with a special juice and energy. He also performed with "Mojo" the Zydeco group that he loved very much.

Our sweet Richard, member of the Chamber Blues family - in perpetuity - is with the celestial musicians.

The photo is of sweet Richard on stage at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, I think from January 2002. He is in his blissful state as he pours his love into the viola and out into the world. In the background you can see Duke Ellington smiling down upon Richard from the giant photo on the back wall of the stage.