Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Recorded on October 3, 1989, for the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Speaking of Music series, this archival recording features broadcaster Charles Amirkhanian interviewing legendary Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness. The program offers a rare look into Hovhaness' creative process as he discusses his musical roots and demonstrates his unique piano techniques live. The conversation is paired with powerful performances by New York pianist Şahan Arzruni, who delivers a vigorous interpretation of Hovhaness’ early keyboard works while providing his own musicological analysis. The recording culminates in a stirring, rare performance of movements from "Invocations to Vahaken," featuring Arzruni alongside acclaimed percussionist William Winant.
Recorded on October 3, 1989, for the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Speaking of Music series, this archival recording features broadcaster Charles Amirkhanian interviewing legendary Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness. The program offers a rare look into Hovhaness' creative process as he discusses his musical roots and demonstrates his unique piano techniques live. The conversation is paired with powerful performances by New York pianist Şahan Arzruni, who delivers a vigorous interpretation of Hovhaness’ early keyboard works while providing his own musicological analysis. The recording culminates in a stirring, rare performance of movements from "Invocations to Vahaken," featuring Arzruni alongside acclaimed percussionist William Winant.
