Marianna Surgunovi
The Armenian community has played a significant role in the cultural, social, and economic development of Iran for centuries. Iranian Armenians have contributed immensely to various fields, including arts, music, literature, and architecture, enriching the fabric of Iranian society. Their dedication and talents have left an indelible mark on the nation’s heritage.
Musician and Cultural Bridge
Marianna Surgunovi is a good example of this rich Armenian legacy within Iranian arts, particularly in the realm of ballet and music, although, because of the Islamic Revolution, she never got any recognition for her services to the Iranian National Ballet Company.
Pianist, composer, and accompanist, Surgunovi was born in Tehran, Iran. Her mother, who was from Tiflis, Georgia, was also involved in the performing arts and worked as an actress, further influencing Marianna's artistic upbringing. Her father was from Astrakhan, Caucasus, though both parents were born in the Gilan province of Iran. A fourth-generation Iranian, Surgunovi's grandfather, Stephan Surgunoff, was the pioneer founder of Iranian Fisheries, Shilat. She and her older brother graduated from the American Community School in Tehran. A child prodigy, Surgunovi began studying piano with Mme. Luba Sarkissan, an Armenian teacher, and later with composer/pianist Emanuel Melik-Aslanian.
Contribution to the Iranian National Ballet
Upon completing school, Surgunovi was invited by Nejad and Aida Ahmadzadeh to join the newly started Ballet School of Fine Arts as a piano accompanist. Initially tasked with playing pre-written music, Surgunovi began composing and improvising her own repertoire for ballet classes and performances. Her fluency in Russian proved valuable to the school, as she translated for Russian teachers and students. Surgunovi recorded her compositions for class on a CD. Two of her pieces were played for the Girls Gymnastics at the last Asian Games held in Tehran.
Family and Heritage
Surgunovi comes from a prominent Armenian family. Her father, Leon Surgunoff (later Surgunovi by Iranian government decree), was the first shipping transporter in the Caspian, representing the German "Atlas" Company.