Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978) was a titan of 20th-century classical music, best known for his ability to weave the fiery rhythms and soulful melodies of Armenian folk music into grand symphonic structures. As one of the three "pillars" of Soviet music alongside Shostakovich and Prokofiev, his work remains a bridge between traditional Caucasian heritage and the global orchestral stage.

He didn't begin formal music studies until age 19, having initially moved to Moscow to study biology.

His childhood in Tbilisi, Georgia, was steeped in the music of ashugs (folk singer-poets) and street musicians, which later became the "second conservatoire" for his compositions.

Although known as a composer and conductor, he was also a cellist and even played the tuba. Masterpieces of Stage & Screen

Khachaturian's journey to becoming a "national treasure" was unconventional:

Aram Kachaturian -

Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978) was a titan of 20th-century classical music, best known for his ability to weave the fiery rhythms and soulful melodies of Armenian folk music into grand symphonic structures. As one of the three "pillars" of Soviet music alongside Shostakovich and Prokofiev, his work remains a bridge between traditional Caucasian heritage and the global orchestral stage.

He didn't begin formal music studies until age 19, having initially moved to Moscow to study biology.

His childhood in Tbilisi, Georgia, was steeped in the music of ashugs (folk singer-poets) and street musicians, which later became the "second conservatoire" for his compositions.

Although known as a composer and conductor, he was also a cellist and even played the tuba. Masterpieces of Stage & Screen

Khachaturian's journey to becoming a "national treasure" was unconventional: