Yerevan Armenia
JULY 4–12 2017

Press Conference 4.07.2017

“Armenia” International Music Festival and Competition: Yerevan will be saturated with classical music

“Armenia” International Music Festival and Competition, which is taking place in Yerevan from July 4 to July 12, will keep up a strong competition and many famous musicians will participate in it. The organizers of the festival and competition had a press conference at Armenpress conference hall.

The Artistic Director of the “Armenia” International Music Festival and Competition Sergey Smbatyan noted that this is a huge project with its content and mission. Sergey Smbatyan added that the Festival and Competition is unique with its format. Classical music concerts will be held every day and world famous musicians will perform.

The musical event will gather the best Armenian collectives. Smbatyan added that many high level international competitions, which is a great success in music world.

President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture Konstantin Ishkhanov noted that the organization, he is in charge of, has been created in Malta and organized competitions, festivals, master classes and the aim of the above mentioned organization is to promote classical music. He talked about Malta International Music Festival, which was held last year in April and gathered best musicians of the world. Armenia was widely represented there.

Ishkhanov added that the next Malta International Music Festival will be more expansive. Within the framework of this festival a piano competition will be held. It will have the biggest prize fund in the world- 200 000 euro. The first prize is 100 000 euro. 11 international competitions will be held in Italy, Japan, China, Spain, Austria, Germany, Armenia and other countries. And the best 5 pianists from each competition will have a chance to compete in Malta International Music Festival to fight for the laureate title. Ishkhanov added that during the competition and festival Yerevan will be saturated with classical music concerts and connoisseurs of music will be amazed with them.

The jury chairman of the “Armenia” International Music Festival and Competition Armen Babakhanyan informed that 48 young pianists (up to 34 years) from 14 countries (France, Austria, Poland, Norway, China, South Korea, Syria, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia, Georgia, Armenia) will participate in the competition. The competition will be held with two rounds. Armen Babakhanyan represented jury members of the competition Paolo Baglieri (Italy), Ratko Delorko (Germany), Vladimir Ovchinnikov (Russia), Valerian Shiukashvili (Georgia).

The organizers of the 1st “Armenia” International Festival and Competition are the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and European Foundation for Support of Culture. It is held with the support of RA Ministry of Culture. The Artistic Director of the competition and festival is Sergey Smbatyan. The event is held under the high patronage of the first lady of the RA Rita Sargsyan.