Aram Khachaturian

1903 - 1978

Armenian

Summary

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.

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.

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
    • 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
    • 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

Photos

Discography