Howard Chitjian was a renowned classical music artist who was born on December 12, 1939, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. Chitjian grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Chitjian began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later studied with renowned pianist and teacher Lillian Steuber, who had also taught such luminaries as Van Cliburn and André Watts. Chitjian continued his studies at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. Chitjian's career as a concert pianist began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso performer. He made his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1964, playing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. He went on to perform with many other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Chitjian was known for his passionate and expressive playing, as well as his deep understanding of the music he performed. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. He also championed the music of lesser-known composers, such as the Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. Chitjian's career was marked by many highlights and achievements. In 1971, he won the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition, which helped to launch his international career. He also won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1966, and was a recipient of the Martha Baird Rockefeller Fund for Music. Chitjian's performances were often praised by critics and audiences alike. The New York Times called him "a pianist of great power and sensitivity," while the Los Angeles Times described him as "a master of the keyboard." He was also known for his engaging and informative lectures, which he often gave before his performances. Chitjian was a prolific recording artist, and his recordings were widely acclaimed. He recorded the complete piano works of Chopin for the Musical Heritage Society, as well as the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven for the Newport Classic label. He also recorded works by Rachmaninoff, Liszt, and other composers. In addition to his performing and recording career, Chitjian was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the University of Southern California, the California Institute of the Arts, and the Colburn School of Performing Arts. He was known for his patient and encouraging teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers as performers and teachers. Chitjian's life and career were tragically cut short when he died of cancer on December 31, 1999, at the age of 60. He was mourned by his many fans, colleagues, and students, who remembered him as a brilliant musician and a kind and generous person. In conclusion, Howard Chitjian was a gifted and accomplished classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. His passionate and expressive playing, deep understanding of the music he performed, and dedication to teaching inspired many people and left a lasting legacy. He will always be remembered as one of the great pianists of his generation.

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