Dating from the late 1940s, this photograph was taken at the home of the Ajemian family. Hovhaness is surrounded by a circle of (mainly) American-Armenian musician friends and supporters, as well as Americans such as John Cage, Merce Cunningham and pianist William Masselos.

A group called The Friends of Armenian Music was set up and effectively launched Hovhaness's career in New York. It centered around the Ajemian sisters and Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, a friend of Hovhaness's since his Boston days. The sister-duo of pianist Maro Ajemian and violinist Anahid Ajemian gave numerous premieres of Hovhaness music in the 1940s and 50s. Maro alone recorded around 40 works, mainly for MGM (due to the interest of Ed Cole) and a few for Columbia (produced by Anahid's husband, record executive George Avakian). These recordings finally put Hovhaness firmly on the American musical map.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, a lifelong supporter and friend of Hovhaness.  (Photographer unknown.)