· Classical
Anniversary Events of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra
A press conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra was held, during which speakers presented the anniversary year’s events and highlights, including the upcoming concert of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang on April 14.
The speakers included Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Daniel Danielyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Sergey Smbatyan, and the Orchestra’s Director Sargis Balbabyan.
Welcoming the attendees, Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan noted that the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra is one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, playing a significant role in Armenia’s musical life and in shaping the public’s aesthetic taste.
“For years, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra has достойно represented Armenia’s performing and classical arts worldwide. Over the past 20 years, the Orchestra has performed extensively both in Armenia and abroad. Thanks to the state’s cultural policy and investments in recent years, leading Armenian orchestras have been regularly performing in the regions as well. Last year, the Symphony Orchestra and our other institutions held numerous concerts and events across the regions, presenting works by renowned Armenian and international composers.
The Orchestra also performed in Germany last year, with a significant portion of funding provided by the state. This year, concerts are planned in Shanghai, also supported by the government. On April 14, the concert of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang will take place, for which the state has allocated substantial financial support,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Addressing state policy in the field of music, Daniel Danielyan emphasized that within its activities and strategy, the Symphony Orchestra places great importance on performing and promoting works by contemporary Armenian composers both in Armenia and internationally.
The Orchestra’s Director, Sargis Balbabyan, presented the concerts and programs carried out within the anniversary year, noting that the 20th anniversary concert season, launched in September, includes some exciting projects and large-scale performances in Yerevan, the regions, and abroad.
“We have developed particularly engaging programs for young audiences as part of the 20th anniversary season, aiming to bring them closer to classical music. Our research shows that these initiatives are already having a strong impact, attracting new listeners,” he said, also providing details about the Orchestra’s upcoming tours.
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan highlighted that among the Orchestra’s greatest achievements are its major projects, including Symphonic Folk, Symphonic Forest, Symphonic Mansurian, and Symphonic Rock.
“This is a major accomplishment for us. Through these projects, educational programs, and regional concerts, we are shaping a value system. In 2025, the Orchestra performed 133 concerts: 65 in Yerevan, 15 in the regions, and 53 abroad. This is a benchmark that even some of Europe’s leading orchestras find impressive, which is a great achievement for us. We are truly grateful to the state, without whose support it would not have been possible to implement these initiatives at such a high level,” he noted.
Speaking about the upcoming concert with Lang Lang, Sergey Smbatyan emphasized its significance:
“Performing together with him is truly inspiring. He agreed not only to perform with the Orchestra but also to have the concert recorded, which is a major achievement. His performance in Armenia’s leading concert hall means he is celebrating our 20th anniversary with us, and his global audience will be following the concert.”
The world-renowned pianist will perform in Yerevan for the first time.
The speakers included Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Daniel Danielyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Sergey Smbatyan, and the Orchestra’s Director Sargis Balbabyan.
Welcoming the attendees, Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan noted that the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra is one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, playing a significant role in Armenia’s musical life and in shaping the public’s aesthetic taste.
“For years, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra has достойно represented Armenia’s performing and classical arts worldwide. Over the past 20 years, the Orchestra has performed extensively both in Armenia and abroad. Thanks to the state’s cultural policy and investments in recent years, leading Armenian orchestras have been regularly performing in the regions as well. Last year, the Symphony Orchestra and our other institutions held numerous concerts and events across the regions, presenting works by renowned Armenian and international composers.
The Orchestra also performed in Germany last year, with a significant portion of funding provided by the state. This year, concerts are planned in Shanghai, also supported by the government. On April 14, the concert of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang will take place, for which the state has allocated substantial financial support,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Addressing state policy in the field of music, Daniel Danielyan emphasized that within its activities and strategy, the Symphony Orchestra places great importance on performing and promoting works by contemporary Armenian composers both in Armenia and internationally.
The Orchestra’s Director, Sargis Balbabyan, presented the concerts and programs carried out within the anniversary year, noting that the 20th anniversary concert season, launched in September, includes some exciting projects and large-scale performances in Yerevan, the regions, and abroad.
“We have developed particularly engaging programs for young audiences as part of the 20th anniversary season, aiming to bring them closer to classical music. Our research shows that these initiatives are already having a strong impact, attracting new listeners,” he said, also providing details about the Orchestra’s upcoming tours.
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan highlighted that among the Orchestra’s greatest achievements are its major projects, including Symphonic Folk, Symphonic Forest, Symphonic Mansurian, and Symphonic Rock.
“This is a major accomplishment for us. Through these projects, educational programs, and regional concerts, we are shaping a value system. In 2025, the Orchestra performed 133 concerts: 65 in Yerevan, 15 in the regions, and 53 abroad. This is a benchmark that even some of Europe’s leading orchestras find impressive, which is a great achievement for us. We are truly grateful to the state, without whose support it would not have been possible to implement these initiatives at such a high level,” he noted.
Speaking about the upcoming concert with Lang Lang, Sergey Smbatyan emphasized its significance:
“Performing together with him is truly inspiring. He agreed not only to perform with the Orchestra but also to have the concert recorded, which is a major achievement. His performance in Armenia’s leading concert hall means he is celebrating our 20th anniversary with us, and his global audience will be following the concert.”
The world-renowned pianist will perform in Yerevan for the first time.
