A true feast of the classical music – the 1st “Armenia” International Festival and Competition has come to the end. “Armenia” satisfied even the capricious connoisseurs of the classical music, presenting both masterpieces of classical music and pieces by contemporary composers.
The “Armenia” International Festival and Competition held between July 4-12, 2017 was not another regular cultural event. It was an event that managed to unite three major collectives – the Armenian National Philharmonic, the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and the National Chamber Orchestra under one umbrella! It was an exceptional case in Armenian cultural life.
A festival and competition – two in one: here is the formula for success of the “Armenia”. Famous cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, pianists Nareh Arghamanyan and Lilit Grigoryan, violinists Roman Kim and Fedor Rudin, Khachaturian Trio, Abgar Muradyan Duo performed during 9 festival concerts. And, undoubtedly, the peak of the festival was the performance of the world famous violinist Maxim Vengerov.
“There are lots of music festivals, but the “Armenia” International Festival and Competition is unique. A festival-competition format is special for the young performers.
I have heard about the “Armenia” International Festival and Competition in different countries, specifically in France and Germany, and from various sources. It is a great pleasure for me to be a part of the first festival”,-world famous violinist Maxim Vengerov noted before his performance.
Cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan added: “I am very happy that Armenia hosts such high-level Competition and Festival. The Armenian audience enjoys high-level music”.
Within the framework of the festival, famous artists presented masterpieces of classical music to the audience. The compositions by the composer-in-residence of the festival Alexey Shor were also performed.
The piano competition was held parallel to the festival and 48 pianists from 14 countries competed. During their visit they got a chance to discover Armenia, to enjoy the concerts of the festival and communicate with world famous artists and gain huge experience!
The total prize fund of the competition was 20 000 Euro (the 1st prize – 10 000 Euro, the 2nd prize-5000 Euro, the 3rd prize- 3000 Euro and special prize-2000 Euro). The first prize winner was Hripsime Ahgaqaryan (Armenia), the second prize winner was Khachik Andreasyan (Armenia), the third prize received Dominik Wizjan (Poland). The special prize was awarded to Seolhwa Kim (South Korea). The best 5 finalists were granted vouchers of participation to Malta International Piano Competition held within the framework of the Malta International Music Festival.
The jury of the competition consisted of world-famous musicians Paolo Baglieri (Italy), Ratko Delorko (Germany), Vladimir Ovchinnikov (Russia), Valerian Shiukashvili (Georgia). They were headed by the jury chairman professor, pianist Armen Babakhanyan.
“The festival was really impressive with its scope: three orchestras, four conductors, many international stars and the majority of them were from Armenia. I would like to highlight the piano competition that was held within the framework of the festival. It was a pleasure to see that my compositions were included as a mandatory program for the competition”,- Alexey Shor noted.
The most important cultural event of the year was organized by the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and European Foundation for Support of Culture. It was held under the high patronage of the first lady of the RA Rita Sargsyan and with the support of RA Ministry of Culture.
It should be mentioned that this was not the first time that the Youth Orchestra organized a high scale international event. For four and thirteen years it has been organizing the Khachaturian International Festival respectively, which has managed to find its unique places in the Armenian cultural life.
The Artistic Director of the festival and competition Sergey Smbatyan noted that the “Armenia” has been a huge project with its content and mission. Maestro added that this festival once again proved to the world that Armenia is a platform where high-level international events are implemented.
…Another important event has come to the end and the world revealed a constellation of talents. We will undoubtedly see them on the international stages. The next step is Malta International Piano Competition. During the event, Armenia will be represented by two talented pianists. The expectations are very high.
Anahit Gevorgyan