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3rd Khachaturian International Festival Symphony concert held on October 24 was dedicated to the 95th anniversary of famous Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian. The program included works by Arutiunian, as well as Russian and French composers' works, an Armenian premiere (Pyotr Tchaikovsky - “Romeo and Juliet” Overture-Fantasy, Camile Saint-Saëns - “La Muse et le poète” for Violin, Cello and Orchestra - Armenian premiere, Alexander Arutiunian - Dance Suite , Theme and Variations for Trumpet and Orchestra).

State Youth Orchestra of Armenia performed with renowned musicians: violinist Zohrab Tadevosyan (resident of Spain), cellist Mikayel Hakhnazaryan (resident of Germany), and trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov who represents Israel and Russia.

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of State Youth Orchestra of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan said that the concert was very important to him and the orchestra. "5 years ago, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of Alexander Arutiunian. Today he is not with us anymore, but we his music remains and we do love it. This event imposes certain obligations. We will never forget Maestro's positive emotions which he sent to us during our concerts sitting at the hall. We were just starting our work; the orchestra was newly formed when we performed Arutiunian’s creations for the first time. You have to see musicians’ eyes when they heard inspiring, encouraging words of Maestro"- said Sergey Smbatyan, adding that Arutiunian’s works are often performed by the Youth Orchestra. According to Smbatyan’s point, Maestro Arutiunian is a composer who has represented already established symphonic music of 21st century.
Sergei Nakaryakov is one of the most renowned trumpeters of the world. He performs concerts in different countries with the most famous conductors, orchestras and performers. He has released more than 15 CDs. Sergei Nakariakov visits Armenia for the 5th time but this is the first cooperation with the Youth Orchestra. He mentioned that his first contact with Armenian music was at the age of 10, when he first performed with the orchestra, representing Concerto by Alexander Arutiunian. Since then the concerto lives in his heart. Talking about the work of the Youth Orchestra, Sergei Nakaryakov noted that the way the orchestra sounds is impressive.
Cellist Michael Hakhnazarian, who performed for the first time “La Muse et le poète” for Violin, Cello and Orchestra of Camile Saint-Saëns together with the Youth Orchestra and violinist Zohrab Tadevosyan, said that he is pleased to represent a new composition. Michael Hakhnazaryan stresses that Armenia has a rather rich musical world. He singles out Khachaturian International Festival especially. Meanwhile, the cellist underlines that although he knows Zohrab Tadevosyan since childhood, they have met in Europe not once, but they came together only in 2015, thanks to Khachaturian Festival.

It should be mentioned that Michael Hakhnazarian lives in Germany; in 2008 he has joined the Berlin Kuss Quartet and has world's major concert performances on tour. He is principal cellists of Munich Chamber Orchestra and regularly performs with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest musician.

Violinist and teacher Zohrab Tadevosyan, who currently lives in Spain, noted that Khachaturian Festival is organized at a high level. The musician considers that the participation in festivals is a huge increase and a chance to communicate with musicians from different countries and thus a great achievement.

The 3rd Khachaturian International Festival is held under the patronage of RA President Serzh Sargsyan. This musical celebration is realized by the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (general partner VivaCell-MTS), with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture. The festival is sponsored by "Pyunik" Charitable Foundation, “Luding" Company, "Jermuk Group" and "Ani Plaza".

You can watch the Symphony Concert of October 24 on SYOA TV by the following link