Deseret News, Utah
June 17 2006
Armenian pianist staying in Utah
By Rebecca C. Howard
Deseret Morning News
Aram Arakelyan left his home in Armenia when he was 17 to compete in
the Young Artists division of the Bachauer. That was five years ago,
and he hasn’t been home since.
Aram Arakelyan
"I do get homesick," he admitted, adding that he talks with his
parents – whom he hasn’t seen since he left – several times a week.
But for Arakelyan, it’s worth it. "I feel strongly that it’s one of
those things that’s meant to be. I don’t feel that it’s an accident
that this is what I’m doing. This is an enormous part of my life. I
feel that it’s definitely a gift from (God)."
The Arakelyan of today is a far stretch from the boy who, by his own
admission, didn’t practice much. "It was more of a fight between my
mom and I whether I should practice or not for a long time."
But at the age of 14, Arakelyan found a teacher who lit his enthusiasm
for music. "After seeing that I could do it, that it was possible,
it just kind of started growing on me. It was kind of a life-changing
experience, you might say."
Now Arakelyan is completing a bachelor’s degree at Utah State
University under the tutelage of Gary Amano. He said Bachauer director
Paul Pollei helped him find his teacher and college after the Young
Artists competition.
Arakelyan says that he plans to continue studying in the United
States, hoping to get I at least one more degree, and "see whatever
life brings after that."
If you go
What: Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition Where: Rose Wagner
Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South When: Monday-Friday, noon-5
p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
How much: through June 28, $15; June 29 and 30, $22-$42 Phone:
355-2787 or 888-451-2787 Web:
,1 249,640187544,00.html