Aram Khachaturian

Aram Ilyich Khachaturian was a Soviet Armenian composer and conductor, born in Tbilisi and considered one of the leading Soviet composers. Without prior music training, Khachaturian enrolled at the Gnessin Musical Institute and later the Moscow Conservatory. His notable works include the Piano Concerto, Violin Concerto, and Cello Concerto, as well as the ballets Gayane and Spartacus. His 'Sabre Dance' is particularly famous. He held high posts in the Union of Soviet Composers and was deemed a 'national treasure' in Armenia.