METHUEN, Mass. (AP) – Organist Berj Zamkochian, who played for six U.S. presidents, the Pope, and the Japanese imperial family, has died of cancer. He was 74.

Zamkochian, the son of Armenian immigrants, built a local following at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, where he played more than 20 concerts over two decades.

“It’s a devastating loss to the world music community,” Zamkochian’s cousin, Eleanor Ayanian-Kostandin of Hampton, N.H., told The Eagle-Tribune newspaper.

Zamkochian played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops and orchestras in Moscow, Japan, Austria, and across the United States.

Among the the U.S. presidents Zamkochian performed for were John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush.

He toured Italy last year, where he played for Pope John Paul II, Ayanian-Kostandin said. Zamkochian was not feeling well, but was inspired by the pope’s ability to continue despite serious illnesses, and played anyway, Ayanian-Kostandin said.

When he returned home to Massachusetts he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and hospitalized. He died Monday.

Zamkochian did not marry and had no children, Ayanian-Kostandin said.

“He told me once he was married to his music,” she said.

A funeral Mass is schedulted for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church, 200 Lexington St., Belmont, followed by burial. There will be a musical prelude at 10:30 a.m.