Yuno Avshalumov

Yuno Zakharyevich Avshalumov ( ; 1934–1981) was a Soviet composer, conductor, and teacher of Mountain Jewish descent. In recognition of his contributions to Soviet culture, he was honored with the titles of “Honored Worker of Culture of the Dagestan ASSR” (1967) and “Honoured Cultural Worker of the RSFSR” (1981). Biography Yuno Avshalumov was born in Derbent, Dagestan ASSR, into the family of Zakharyo Avshalumov, the director of the Judeo-Tat Theatre. When the Great Patriotic War began, Yuno Avshalumov was seven years old. His house grew quiet and empty as his father and friends left for the front. Life became very difficult. In Derbent, as in the rest of the country, hunger prevailed. Zakharyo Avshalumov, Yuno Avshalumov’s father, died during the war. Despite the hardships of war and famine, Yuno Avshalumov dreamed of learning to play a musical instrument. In 1943, his mother sent him to study under the talented clarinetist Mukhoil, who taught him to play the tar. In 1952, he enrolled in the Makhachkala Music College, specializing in choral singing and conducting. During his third year, Yuno Avshalumov was called up for service in the Soviet Army, where he served in a musical plat