Young Soghomon before Catholicos Gevorg IV

The picture shows young Soghomon Soghomonian, the future Komitas, at the moment when he sings before Gevorg IV, Catholicos of All Armenians.

In the monochrome image a bearded clergyman sits in a high-backed chair, a medallion hanging on a chain on his chest. A boy in a white shirt and sash stands before him looking up, and behind the boy stands a young clergyman in a black robe. An arched window is in the background.

Even in childhood his exceptional voice and musical sense attracted the attention of the clergy. That meeting became a decisive turning point in his life, leading Soghomon to a religious education and later shaping one of the greatest figures of Armenian national music.