Alhambra, California Aug 17, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Alisa Darbinyan has taught violin to more than 95 children across the Glendale area, co-founded a touring music ensemble and performed alongside internationally recognized musicians. This month, her sudden absence has left her students, their families, her employer and the local music community concerned about her wellbeing and uncertain when she will return, just as her students prepare for a major concert this fall.
Darbinyan, a professional violinist and music educator, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on August 2 while preparing to travel domestically with her husband, Haik Abovian, a U.S. citizen. Her family says they last spoke with her on August 12 and have not been able to reach her since.
A Community Awaiting Her Return
Darbinyans students are currently preparing for a November 1 classical concert at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, a performance she has spent months helping them ready for. According to her employer, Darbinyan is responsible for the musical education of more than 95 children in the area.
I visited Alisa while she was detained, said Sona Vardanyan, owner of Sonata Music School. She was exhausted, frightened and deeply worried about her students. She is a dedicated teacher whose students and their families depend on her. They keep asking where she is and when she is coming back.
Alisa teaches children much more than violin, Vardanyan added. She gives them discipline, confidence, responsibility and stability. Her absence is affecting an entire community of children and families.
Family Still Waiting to Hear From Her
Darbinyans husband, Haik Abovian, says the family has had no confirmed communication with her since August 12.
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Since August 12, I have not heard her voice, Abovian said. I am deeply concerned about her and want to know that she is safe and well.
In a statement relayed through her family, Darbinyan said: I keep thinking about my students and what they are going to do without me. I am separated from my husband, and now I cannot reach my family.
A Career Built on Music
Darbinyan began studying violin at age six at Sayat-Nova Music School and later graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. She co-founded the Liberta ensemble in 2012, toured more than 20 cities across eight U.S. states, and has taught at multiple Southern California music schools. Her performance history includes appearances alongside internationally recognized musicians, including Richard Clayderman, Homayoun Shajarian and the Siavash Orchestra.
Current Situation
Darbinyan is currently in ICE custody in connection with a pending immigration matter, according to her family.
A Community Ready to Support Her
For now, Darbinyans family says their most immediate concern is reliable communication with her and confirmation that she is safe and well. Her husband says he wants to know she is being cared for and can reach her attorney. Her employer says Darbinyans students and their families are asking the same questions, wondering when their teacher will be back among them. With the Alex Theatre concert approaching, her students are continuing preparations while awaiting her return.
About Alisa Darbinyan
Alisa Darbinyan is a professional violinist and music educator based in Glendale, California. A graduate of the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan, she has taught violin to more than 95 students at Southern California music schools and co-founded the touring ensemble Liberta. Her students are currently preparing for a classical concert on November 1 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale.
Source :Family Spokesperson
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.