HE’S GOT $2M HANDS: FORMER BASKETBALL PRO AND PIANIST GUY MANOUKIAN SAYS HE CANNOT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT MUSIC

The Straits Times
April 6, 2009 Monday
Singapore

Over the telephone from Beirut, Lebanon, the classically trained
solo pianist says he was urged to do so by his record label and his
manager because he was once also a professional basketballer.

The 32-year-old married man who does not have any children plays
the sport occasionally. He says: ‘I can’t imagine my life without
music. Music is my life and I could never treat it as a job.’

Manoukian, who is also a lawyer, will perform his unique brand of
what he calls ‘Oriental house music’ at the Esplanade Concert Hall
on April 14.

He says his music has evolved over the years. He moved away from
classical music when he realised the limitations of covering other
artists.

Manoukian started composing his own music at eight and later
incorporated both Arabic and Armenian musical styles. His music became
a hit worldwide and caught the attention of the likes of music icon
Wyclef Jean, whom he calls a ‘musical genius’, and rapper 50 Cent. He
composed Jean’s 2007 hit song, On Tour.

He is excited about playing in Singapore for the first time. Having
once stopped over in Changi Airport en route to Bali, he was taken
by its similarity to his home country of Lebanon.

He says of Singapore: ‘It is such a cosmopolitan society. I was amazed
when I saw it and was sure that I wanted to come back and play.’

Another draw, he adds, is the world-class venue of the Esplanade,
whose reputation he has heard about.

The veteran performer started playing when he was four. When he was
seven, he performed for then Lebanese president Amine Gemayel at his
presidential palace. He modestly describes the momentous occasion as
‘not such a big deal’.

The youngest of three boys stays level- headed, thanks to his family,
he says.

‘Family is a very important factor in my life. They keep me grounded
and humble.’

He adds that his father was a huge influence, often playing to him
different kinds of music, ranging from Mozart to Latin. With eight
albums under his belt since his first in 1997, Manoukian still seeks
his parents’ approval before releasing a new one.

You may not think classical musicians will drive audiences crazy but
a girl once threw her bra at Manoukian during a performance in Cairo.

‘I’m never bothered by a fan who wants my time. I’m open to them and
grateful for them. They are the ones who keep my career going.’

He promises to do his best at his concert here: ‘I want them to
take away the experience of my land, which is mysterious, passionate
and seductive.’