Composer Aram Khatchadourian visiting AGBU Hovagimian Manougian school

1961 May 10: Composer Aram Khatchadourian visiting AGBU Hovagimian Manougian school… We had the opportunity to welcome the visit of the famous composer and conductor Aram Khachaturian, who conducted the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Beirut. Along with other schools, the distinguished guest also visited our Hovagimian-Manougian school on May 10. On this occasion, an internal event was organized in the "Caloust Gülbenkian" hall, gathering the AGBU Tarouhy Hagopian, Antelias Elementary and Yervant Demirdjian schools students. in his welcoming note, The school principal, Mr Ara Topdjiian, said, "A greatness cannot be described in words, and when someone wants to try something like that, some of the greatness shall be lost." Gomidas gave Armenian folklore in his works, but Khachaturian shared international folklore with a beautiful harmony that characterizes the genius composer. In his speech, Aram Khachaturian emphasized. "Dear young students, don't waste your time and let every minute of your time be organized. Time is the most precious value in the world..." "...I was born in Georgia, and I have been living in Georgia for forty years, but I will never forget that I am Armenian and a son of the Armenian people. I owe most of my works to the Armenian hermitage. It would be best to be interested in your people, their progress and bright future...."