Petros Keshishyan

Petros Keshishyan, world‑renowned cellist, devoted teacher, and beloved father, passed away surrounded by his family. His life was a testament to artistry, discipline, and a profound love for music that touched audiences and students across the globe.

Born in Leninakan and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, Petros showed exceptional musical promise from an early age. His talent and dedication led him to the prestigious Leningrad Conservatory of Music in Russia, where he earned his master’s degree in cello performance. His artistry quickly distinguished him among his peers, and he soon joined the symphony orchestra of the Leningrad Philharmonic under the legendary conductor Evgeniy Mravinsky. During his years in Leningrad, Petros served as a lead cellist in Mravinsky’s orchestra, performing some of the most demanding repertoire of the 20th century and shaping his signature sound—precise, expressive, and deeply soulful.

Petros’s passion for nurturing young musicians was as strong as his passion for performing. For more than ten years, he served as Director of Children’s Music School No. 24 in Leningrad, guiding generations of students with patience, rigor, and a belief in the transformative power of music.
In 1985, Petros returned to Armenia, where he began a remarkable tenure as Principal Cello Concertmaster of the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theater. At the same time, he served as a senior faculty member at the Yerevan Conservatory, balancing a demanding performance schedule with his commitment to teaching. His influence shaped the musical landscape of Armenia for decades.

Petros’s career took him around the world. He toured extensively throughout Europe—including Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—and twice toured the United States, performing in iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1992, he spent more than six months in Seville, Spain, performing during the World Expo and leading the cello section in concerts with the legendary soprano Montserrat Caballé.
Throughout his career, Petros collaborated with some of the world’s most celebrated opera singers, including José Carreras, Gohar Gasparyan, Elena Obraztsova, and Plácido Domingo. He performed under the batons of renowned conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Vladimir Temirkanov, and Alfred Krauss, bringing his warmth, depth, and unmistakable artistry to every stage he graced.

In 2007, Petros immigrated to Boston to reunite with his family. Even after a lifetime of international acclaim, his greatest joy was performing locally with his daughter, pianist Karina Keshishian. Together, they became performing members of the Concord Music Club—the oldest music club in the United States—where they shared their artistry with a devoted community of listeners. Their final performance together took place on November 2, 2025, a cherished memory that beautifully encapsulates their musical bond.

Petros’s life was deeply rooted in family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleonora Keshishian, who passed away in July 2000 and whose memory remained a guiding presence throughout his life. He is survived by his two daughters, Karina Keshishian and Ruzanna Brodsky, and by Karina’s husband, William Raymond Cannon, who became a cherished member of the family. Petros was the adored grandfather of his only grandson, Arthur David Gersht, whose presence brought him immense joy. He was predeceased by his parents Aikanush and Grigoriy Keshishyan

He is also survived by his nephew Gregory Keshishyan, Gregory’s wife Anna Banchevsky Keshishyan, and their children Pavel, Katya, and Gabbie, all of whom held a very special place in his heart. He leaves behind his younger sister, Nunik Keshishyan who lives in Armenia, her husband Garik and their children Irina and Artashes and was predeceased by his older brothers Pavel Keshishyan and Gabriel Keshishyan, the latter of whom passed away in July 2019. He also leaves behind his beloved sister‑in‑law, Svetlana Keshishyan.

In the later years of his life, Petros shared a meaningful companionship with Inna Sud, his significant other. He embraced her family as his own: Inna’s daughters Janna Sud and Masha Sud Lokshin, Janna’s husband Eugene Bushmelov and their children Maxim and Yana, and Masha’s husband Boris Lokshin and their children—Ninusya, Yasha, and Kolya—whom Petros adored with grandfatherly tenderness.

Petros will be remembered not only for his extraordinary musicianship, but for his humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the countless students he inspired, the audiences he moved, and the music he brought into the world with such grace.
He leaves behind a family who adored him, a community of musicians who revered him, and a world made more beautiful by his art.

Visiting hours in the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday March 6, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Graveside service in St. Joseph Cemetery at 12:30 pm.