biography

Komitas (born Soghomon Soghomonian) was an Armenian composer, musicologist, and priest, widely regarded as the founder of modern Armenian classical music. He studied music in Paris and dedicated his life to preserving Armenian folk music, transcribing hundreds of traditional songs. Komitas combined Western classical music with Armenian folk elements, significantly influencing Armenian music. During the Armenian Genocide in 1915, he was arrested and traumatized, which led to mental health issues. He spent his final years in a psychiatric hospital in Paris. Komitas is remembered as a key figure in Armenian cultural heritage.