Aram Khachaturian
1903 - 1978
Armenian
Summary
Aram Khachaturian: an Introduction
The web documentary is presented by Boosey & Hawkes
and G. Schirmer/AMP and is directed by Tommy Pearson
of Red Ted Films.
Recordings heard on this video are courtesy of:
Onyx Classics
Chandos Records
Naxos
Video footage is licensed with kind permission from
'Khachaturian,' directed by Peter Rosen, produced by the
Kuhn Foundation.
Biography
Aram Ilich Khachaturian was born near Tiflis on 6 June 1903 and died in Moscow on 1 May 1978. Educated at the Gnesin School and the Moscow Conservatory, Khachaturian emerged — along with Prokofiev and Shostakovich — as one of the most popular and successful composers of the Soviet period. His unique musical idiom was indelibly marked by his Armenian heritage; his scores are noted for their sensuous, singing melodic writing, colorful orchestration, and elemental rhythmic drive. Known in the West chiefly as the composer of instrumental concerti and the vivid scores for the ballets Gayaneh and Spartacus (the former including the brilliant 'Sabre Dance'), his output also encompassed symphonies and other works for orchestra, film and theater music, works for band, chamber music, and a large number of patriotic and popular songs.
Aram Khachaturian: an Introduction
The web documentary is presented by Boosey & Hawkes
and G. Schirmer/AMP and is directed by Tommy Pearson
of Red Ted Films.
Recordings heard on this video are courtesy of:
Onyx Classics
Chandos Records
Naxos
Video footage is licensed with kind permission from
'Khachaturian,' directed by Peter Rosen, produced by the
Kuhn Foundation.
Aram Khachaturian: an Introduction
The web documentary is presented by Boosey & Hawkes
and G. Schirmer/AMP and is directed by Tommy Pearson
of Red Ted Films.
Recordings heard on this video are courtesy of:
Onyx Classics
Chandos Records
Naxos
Video footage is licensed with kind permission from
'Khachaturian,' directed by Peter Rosen, produced by the
Kuhn Foundation.
News
Performances
22nd March 2026
- PERFORMERS
- Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra
- CONDUCTOR
- Eduard Zilberkant
- LOCATION
- Davies Symphony Hall, Fairbanks, AK, United States of America
24th March 2026
- SOLOISTS
- Parrel Appolis
- PERFORMERS
- Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
- CONDUCTOR
- Douglas Bakenhus
- LOCATION
- Magale Recital Hall, Natchitoches, LA, United States of America
28th March 2026
- SOLOISTS
- Sienna Yoo
- PERFORMERS
- Napa Valley Youth Symphony
- CONDUCTOR
- Alexander Kahn Ph.D.
- LOCATION
- Jarvis Conservatory, Napa, CA, United States of America
28th March 2026
- PERFORMERS
- Santa Monica College Orchestra Mvt. 5 only
- LOCATION
- Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
29th March 2026
- PERFORMERS
- Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis
- CONDUCTOR
- Matt George
- LOCATION
- St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN, United States of America
Features

- Khachaturian - Iconic Ballets to Orchestral Brilliance
- In 2025, Aram Khachaturian's music still resonates brilliantly. Find Wise Music Group's brief overview of some of the best and lesser-known works from his catalogue, which sometimes stray from the beaten track and offer new opportunities to rediscover his work.

- Best Wise Music Recordings of 2025
- 2025 saw the release of a myriad of recordings of works by Wise Music composers. From classical powerhouse labels to indie new music organizations, major symphony orchestras to chamber ensembles, opera houses to choirs, a broad range of collaborators has brought these works to life, generating both critical acclaim and powerful at-home listening experiences.

- Russian Masters: Khachaturian Gems and Rarities
- The music of Khachaturian inspires musicians, choreographers, artists, and audiences around the world.