The 8th “Armenia” International Music Festival took place in Yerevan from September 16 to October 28 showcasing a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces and works by Armenian composers. Under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan, the festival presented an impressive concert program over five performances.
This year’s festival featured compositions by renowned composers including Camille Saint-Saëns, Felix Mendelssohn, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexey Shor, Grigor Yeghiazaryan, Alexander Spendiaryan, Edward Mirzoyan, Tigran Mansurian, Eduard Hayrapetyan, and Armen Smbatyan. Internationally acclaimed artists performed, including pianists Yekwon Sunwoo, Hayk Melikyan, and Nikita Mondoyants; cellist Maximilian Hornung; and violinist Stephen Waarts. The concerts were conducted by Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, along with conductors Nabil Shehata, Luis Andrade, and Rémi Durupt. Additionally, the visiting musicians conducted masterclasses for students from the “Music for Future” foundation, sharing their expertise with the next generation of musicians.
Organized by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and supported by the RA Ministry of Economy’s Tourism Committee, the festival is held annually from September to October, coinciding with an influx of tourists to Armenia. Its goal is to promote cultural tourism in the country. Notably, many tourists attended the concerts, allowing them to experience the artistry of renowned soloists while also discovering the mastery of Armenian performers and composers.
Read also
A highlight of the festival was the concert titled “Symphonic Europe,” which featured Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Alexander Spendiaryan’s “Three Palm Trees” Symphonic Picture, and Alexey Shor’s Carpe Diem Concerto for violin and orchestra. Violinist Stephen Waarts was the soloist, performing alongside the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Luis Andrade. The concert was attended by Vassilis Maragos, Head of the European Delegation to Armenia, as well as various representatives from international organizations and accredited ambassadors in Armenia.
You can find photos from the festival here. For updates on upcoming concerts by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, please subscribe here.
For more information about the festival program here.
