Two departed giants of the American musical scene, the late George Avakian and Anahid Ajemian, were remembered in a tribute concert on March 15, 2018. The program remembered two people linked by their devotion to the arts, by their notable contributions to American and international music—but mostly by their tender marriage of some seven decades.
The evening of music and warm reminiscences took place in the Bruno Walter Auditorium of the New York Public Library—where the Avakian-Ajemian papers constitute a special collection in the Music archive.
The two honorees were remembered as a perfectly-matched pair: both geniuses in their fields, who were firmly grounded in their humanity and love for others.
An iconic record producer and music impresario, George Avakian (1919-2017) discovered and promoted many of the greatest names in 20th-century American culture, among them Eddie Condon, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Keith Jarrett, Johnny Mathis, Bob Newhart, and Duke Elington.
Anahid Ajemian (1924-2016) was a master violinist, patron of the arts, and beloved teacher to a generation of musicians, who with her sister, pianist Maro Ajemian, championed the works of modern composers like Alan Hovhaness and countless others.
In remarks at the March 15 tribute, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian reflected on the deep bonds of love connecting the two honorees. “The most important artist in Anahid’s life was George, and the most important artist in George’s life was Anahid,” he said. “Their 68-year marriage was an inspiration to the people of our community—not the least of whom were their own children, Maro, Anahid, and Gregory, who have become exemplary human beings and artists in their own right.”
“I want to add that for both George and Anahid, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral here in New York always held a special place in their hearts. They regarded it with great reverence, as a monument both to God and to the survival of the Armenian people. Both generously gave of their talent and counsel. Both George and Anahid felt that their own vocations in life were an extension of the great creative legacy of their Armenian ancestors. And now, their names, too, will be immortal among their countrymen.”
Performing selections from Bach, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Chopin, Teschemacher, and Ellington were Mark Shuman, Todd Crow, Sahan Arzruni, Dan Levinson, and Ehud Aherie.
Singer Johnny Mathis, whom George Avakian discovered and signed in 1955, paid tribute to his friends in a heartfelt video message.
Offering their warm memories of the couples’ professional and personal lives were daughters Maro Avakian and Anahid Avakian Gregg, Peter Balakian, Caroline Urvator, Hank O’Neill, Dan Morgenstern, Ricky Riccardi, and David Ostwald.
Matt Snyder and Matt Leskovic spoke on behalf of the Library Archives.
–Christopher H. Zakian
Above: A vintage photo of Anahid Ajemian and George Avakian in a playful domestic setting, from the New York Public Library’s Avakian-Ajemian Papers archive.