Aram Khachaturian, born on June 6, 1903, in Tiflis (now Tbilisi, Georgia), was a Soviet Armenian composer renowned for his vibrant incorporation of folk melodies into classical music. Despite starting his formal music education relatively late at the age of 19, Khachaturian quickly distinguished himself as a talented composer. He studied at the Gnessin Musical Institute and the Moscow Conservatory under Nikolai Myaskovsky.

Khachaturian's early works, such as the Piano Concerto (1936), gained him international recognition. He is best known for his ballets Gayane (1942) and Spartacus (1954), with the "Sabre Dance" from Gayane becoming particularly famous worldwide. His compositions are characterized by colorful harmonies, captivating rhythms, and sensuous melodies, often drawing from Armenian and other regional folk music traditions.

Throughout his career, Khachaturian held significant positions within Soviet cultural institutions, including Secretary of the Union of Soviet Composers from 1957 until his death. Although he faced political challenges, notably being denounced as a "formalist" in 1948, he was later restored to prominence and became a celebrated figure in Soviet and Armenian music. Khachaturian passed away on May 1, 1978, in Moscow, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most esteemed composers of the 20th century.