Armenian State Symphony Orchestra to open its 21st concert season on September 9

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will launch its 21st concert season on September 9 with an opening concert at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Ahead of the new season, Tigran Virabyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, and Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, had a press conference.

The speakers highlighted the upcoming season, including forthcoming programs, guest soloists and conductors, cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, and new initiatives. They also reflected on the orchestra’s landmark 20th concert season.

According to Tigran Virabyan, one priority of Armenia’s cultural policy is to activate cultural life across the regions further. A major project has been developed as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

As part of the initiative, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will perform “Symphonic Rock” and “Symphonic Folk” programs at Hayk Square in Vanadzor on September 18. On September 21, the orchestra will also take part in the festive closing concert at Republic Square in Yerevan.

Sergey Smbatyan said the orchestra’s 21st season will feature performances by a number of internationally acclaimed musicians. The opening concert will feature renowned Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov as soloist.

Smbatyan also introduced some of the season’s leading guest artists and conductors, including violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, pianist Bruce Liu, cellist Guy Johnston, pianist Alice Sara Ott, violist David Aaron Carpenter, and other prominent musicians.

According to Smbatyan, one of the highlights of the 21st concert season will be the Armenia concert of Ion Marin, a highly acclaimed conductor renowned for his work in both the symphonic and operatic repertoire. The concert will take place on September 30.