With Armenian American Songs & Stories just days away, the musicians preparing to perform Hovhaness’s music received a wonderful introduction to Phoenix-area classical listeners through KBACH Classical 89.5 FM (KBAQ). KBACH host Greg Kostraba welcomed violinist Levon Zarasian, pianist Lawrence “Larry” Loeber, and Hovhaness’s stepson and Hovhaness-Fujihara Music Company president William Holst for a special Heart of the Arts conversation about the September 19 concert at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale.
The interview was particularly meaningful because KBACH occupies an important place in Arizona’s classical-music community. The listener-supported public radio station broadcasts classical music around the clock throughout metropolitan Phoenix, while programs such as Heart of the Arts introduce listeners to the musicians, ensembles and cultural organizations bringing classical music to life across the region. For Hovhaness-Fujihara Music Company, having Alan’s music discussed on Phoenix’s classical station shortly after our move to Arizona is an encouraging beginning to a new chapter in preserving and sharing his legacy.
The Musicians Talk About Hovhaness
During the interview, Levon Zarasian and Larry Loeber offered something especially valuable: the perspective of professional musicians who have spent time actually preparing Hovhaness’s music.
Zarasian described Oror, the Armenian word for lullaby, as a “beautiful, haunting melody,” recalling his own discovery of the work and previous performances of it. He also discussed the distinctly Armenian character he hears in Varak and the String Quartet No. 6, Adana. Of Varak, Zarasian hears a remarkable progression: the opening has the character of the Armenian Mass—sacred and contemplative—before the music moves into a faster, festive section resembling a dance or celebration.
Loeber offered another perspective. Asked what Hovhaness’s music reminded him of, his answer was striking: “very much his own thing.” He spoke about the fluid rhythmic patterns in Hovhaness’s piano writing and the freedom the later music gives performers in timing, phrasing and touch. Loeber will also have an unusual connection with the composer on Saturday evening: he will be performing on Alan Hovhaness’s own Yamaha grand piano, now located to St. Apkar. He described the instrument during the interview as having a beautiful tone and being very responsive.
From Seattle to Scottsdale
The conversation also gave William an opportunity to explain how this concert came about. “When Coleen and I moved from Seattle to the Phoenix area, Alan’s piano came with us. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian helped connect us with Father Zacharia Saribekyan and St. Apkar, and the idea of a concert began to grow from those conversations. Father Zacharia then brought Levon into the project, and Levon helped assemble the musicians who will bring this program to life.”
This group of performers also creates a meaningful connection with The Phoenix Symphony. Several musicians participating in the St. Apkar program have associations with the orchestra, including Zarasian and Loeber. The Phoenix Symphony itself has kept Hovhaness before Arizona audiences: in February 2024 it performed his best-known orchestral work, Symphony No. 2, Mysterious Mountain, at Symphony Hall. The St. Apkar concert now offers Arizona listeners something quite different—an opportunity to encounter Hovhaness through intimate chamber, vocal, piano and spiritual works, including music rarely heard in concert.
A Reminder: Saturday, September 19
Armenian American Songs & Stories will be presented Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM, at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale. The black-tie evening honors the life and music of Alan Hovhaness and will include the world premiere of his String Quartet No. 6, Adana.
The program will take listeners through very different sides of Hovhaness: the haunting early Oror; the Armenian spirituality of Varak; the mystical and contemplative works; the wonderfully human humor of Fred the Cat; and finally Prayer of Saint Gregory. During the KBACH interview, we also talked about Alan’s difficult experience at Tanglewood, his subsequent turn toward his Armenian heritage, and his later studies of the musical cultures of India, Korea and Japan—all part of the extraordinary journey that helped create the musical voice we recognize as Hovhaness.
Perhaps Larry Loeber summarized that voice most effectively when Greg Kostraba asked him whether Hovhaness reminded him of other composers.
His answer was essentially: no, Hovhaness sounds like Hovhaness.
That is exactly what we hope audiences will discover Saturday evening.
Listen to the KBACH Interview
