Alan Hovhaness grew up in a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating home, thanks to his well-educated parents. They fostered an environment that encouraged learning, creativity, and exploration, shaping his artistic journey from an early age. Surrounded by diverse influences, Hovhaness developed a deep appreciation for music and culture, inspiring him to blend various traditions into his compositions and explore new creative directions throughout his life.
- Mother
Alan Hovhaness’ mother, Madeleine Scott, was an American of Scottish heritage who graduated from Wellesley College, a prestigious women’s college. She married Haroutioun Hovanes Chakmakjian, an Armenian professor of chemistry at Tufts College, bringing together two different cultures in Alan’s upbringing. While there’s less information available about how Madeleine influenced Alan’s music compared to his father, it’s clear that her presence played a significant role in shaping his early experiences.
Haroutioun Hovanes Chakmakjian (1878–1973) was a remarkable Armenian-American chemist, linguist, and writer. He was a professor at Tufts College, where he made important contributions to the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. One of his notable achievements was creating a detailed English-Armenian dictionary, considered the first of its kind in modern times. He also wrote a 700-page book on the history of Armenia. His work has had a lasting influence on both the scientific world and the Armenian diasporas worldwide.
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A Dictionary, a Legacy: Chakmakjian’s Gift to Armenian-Americans
Dr. Chakmakjian was a notable Armenian-American scholar who made important contributions to science and cultural spheres. He helped improve our understanding of various scientific concepts as a chemistry professor. Alongside his work in science, he created an important English-Armenian dictionary. He wrote a detailed history of Armenia, which is vital in maintaining Armenian heritage in the United States. His work continues to inspire and support a strong sense of Armenian-American identity.
A Grandfather’s Legacy: Science, Survival, and Sacrifice
My grandfather was a man of resilience and brilliance. A survivor of the Turkish massacres in the 1890s, he fled as a teenager, making his way across Europe and eventually settling in America by posing as a Frenchman. With determination, he pursued an education and became a biochemist, later serving as a professor at Tufts University.
He was more than just an academic—he was a magician in my childhood. In his laboratory, he would captivate me with chemical “tricks,” transforming clear liquids into vibrant colors with a simple wave of his hand. His home near Boston was filled with unique wonders, from an old reed organ to the taste of Armenian yogurt (“madzoon”).
Yet, in his final years, he faced solitude and suffering. A tragic fall left him helpless, and despite a friend’s pleas, I struggled to reach out. The guilt of my silence lingers, a reminder of how a simple word or gesture could have brought him comfort. His greatest gift to me wasn’t just his life savings for my education but the lesson that even the slightest connection can bring light in someone’s darkest moments. (Source: Jean Nandi: A Life of Unconventional Wisdom)