Torkian composes music and plays several instruments, including the Iranian tar, the Turkish saz, and the GuitarViol, an electric guitar-like instrument that uses a bow and is adapted from a 14th-century instrument.
Several of the lyrics in his songs draw on or include traditional Middle-Eastern prayers, songs or chants. His music has also appeared in several films, such as The Chosen One (1995), America So Beautiful (2001), Plastic Flowers Never Die (2008), and Crossing Over (2009).
He is married to singer Azam Ali and they have one son. He previously was married to Yatrikadevi Shah-Rais and was co-owner of the retail store Koan Collection in Los Angeles (which has since closed).
Artashes Avetyan
