From November 20 to December 16, the 12th Khachaturian International Festival was held, reaffirming its status as one of Yerevan’s most significant musical events. Each year, the festival brings world-renowned musicians to the capital, captivating audiences with performances of works by Aram Khachaturian, alongside classical and contemporary compositions, together with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
This year, the Khachaturian International Festival featured six concerts. Bearing the name of the great Armenian composer, the festival breathed new life into Khachaturian’s rich musical legacy while offering audiences the chance to experience unique interpretations of classical masterpieces and discover new talented musicians.
Music enthusiasts enjoyed works by Khachaturian, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Dvořák, Barber, Sir Karl Jenkins, Brahms, Berg, Liszt, and Chopin. The stage was graced by acclaimed musicians, including violinists Leia Zhu and Clara-Jumi Kang, and cellist Miriam Prandi. Additionally, Italian pianist Antonio di Cristofano delivered a solo recital. The concerts were conducted by Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, along with guest conductors Marco Crispo (Italy) and Marco Parisotto (Canada).
Notably, the festival’s opening concert on November 20, held in collaboration with UNICEF Armenia, marked the 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The evening served as a heartfelt call to action in support of children’s rights.
One of the highlights was the performance of Sir Karl Jenkins’ renowned “Symphonic Adiemus”, a captivating fusion of classical, ethnic, and jazz elements. Performed by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the Armenian National Academic Choir under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, the piece evoked the spirit of African, Asian, and Celtic cultures, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Another memorable concert paid tribute to Tatyana Hayrapetyan, a violinist, a distinguished pedagogue, and a recipient of the Soviet “Order of Honor,” on the occasion of her 100th anniversary. As an outstanding music educator, Hayrapetyan left an indelible mark on Armenia’s musical arts, dedicating her lifelong pedagogical work to advancing the nation’s performing arts.
The Khachaturian International Festival was organized by the “Aram Khachaturian” Cultural Foundation with the support of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, and under the sponsorship of the Yerevan Municipality. This year, the festival’s partner was the “Khakhamyan Heritage” company.
The festival concerts took place in packed halls, receiving resounding applause and enthusiastic ovations from attendees. It is also worth noting that since 2021, the Khachaturian International Festival has been a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA).
Access the festival’s official photos here.
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