Arlington Honors Composer Alan Hovhaness with Street Sign and QR Code

On October 22, 2025, the town of Arlington, Massachusetts, paid homage to one of its most illustrious natives, Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness. A new street sign was unveiled at 5 Blossom Street, marking his childhood home, accompanied by a QR code generator link that provides access to his life story and symphonic achievements.

A Celebration of Legacy

The unveiling ceremony was a gathering of family, friends, and cultural dignitaries. Among the attendees were William and Colleen Holst, Hovhaness’s stepson and daughter-in-law, who traveled from Seattle for the occasion. Dr. Ara Ghazarians, curator of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, also attended, alongside long-time Arlington residents Alan Jones and Michael Armanious, as well as Dr. Johnston, a childhood friend and driving force behind the tribute.

Dr. Ghazarians described the new sign as a pivotal moment in Arlington's cultural heritage, emphasizing the role of the QR code in engaging both young and old. He expressed gratitude to the Select Board and town officials for their support, while giving special thanks to Dr. Johnston for realizing a dream decades in the making.

A Composer's Journey

Born in 1911, Alan Hovhaness demonstrated musical talent early on, composing pieces from the age of eight. By sixteen, he was teaching piano and had already premiered operas at Arlington High School. A 1929 graduate of the same school, Hovhaness went on to earn prestigious accolades such as the Guggenheim and Fulbright awards. He served as the organist at St. James Apostolic Church and later became the composer-in-residence for the Seattle Symphony.

Throughout his prolific career, Hovhaness composed 68 symphonies, numerous operas, and over 434 opus numbers, making him one of history's most productive composers. His extensive archive, one of the largest in the world, is housed at the Armenian Cultural Foundation in Arlington.

Arlington's Ongoing Tribute

Arlington has long celebrated its renowned son with various honors. March 11, 1985, was declared Alan Hovhaness Day and a memorial was dedicated to him in Whittemore Park on May 17, 2009. His legacy is preserved at Arlington High School through letters and photographs, while Robbins Library and local music programs continue to celebrate his contributions.

As Dr. Ghazarians aptly put it, the street sign is more than a mere marker; it serves as an invitation to explore and create. By scanning the QR code at 5 Blossom Street, visitors can delve into the fascinating story of a young boy who grew amidst the hickory and ash trees, only to reshape the world with his musical compositions.

This tribute ensures that the remarkable legacy of Alan Hovhaness will continue to inspire and educate future generations in Arlington and beyond.