“Armenian children are very talented”: World-renowned professors on young Armenian musicians

At the initiative of the Music for Future Foundation, young Armenian musicians have been in Dubai for the second consecutive week, participating in the international educational program of the Middle East Classical Music Academy (MECMA) and the InClassica International Music Festival.

The second week of the trip is equally rich—full of professional experience, new knowledge, inspiring encounters, and classical concerts. Every evening, the young Armenian musicians continue attending the concerts of the InClassica International Music Festival held at Dubai Opera. They have listened to the brilliant performances of world-renowned artists such as violinists Maxim Vengerov, Daniel Lozakovich, Fumiaki Miura, clarinetist Fabrizio Meloni, and pianist Behzod Abduraimov.

One of the most memorable moments took place on April 16, during a concert at Dubai Opera featuring the legendary violinist Gil Shaham, conducted by Maestro Sergey Smbatyan with the participation of the Franz Schubert Philharmonic. The Armenian students proudly and enthusiastically enjoyed this magnificent classical performance.

The young musicians are also actively participating in individual masterclasses, seminars, and lectures with internationally acclaimed musicians. Each encounter becomes a new opportunity to deepen their musical knowledge and improve their performance skills.

During the masterclasses, the dedication and readiness of the young Armenian musicians have received high praise from famous artists. The renowned Italian pianist Giuliano Mazzoccante noted:

“I’m happy to meet the talented young musicians of this wonderful foundation, Music for Future, once again. I first met them three years ago in Dubai, as part of this project, and I’m so pleased to see how much they have developed and grown since then. Armenian children are very talented, and it’s a great pleasure for me to work with them.”

Shuichi Kawata, principal trumpet of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, emphasized:

“We trumpet players know well that Armenians are famous thanks to Alexander Arutiunian. Today, during the masterclass, I felt that same musical ‘blood’ fully present in the performances of these young musicians—and that made me very happy. I am truly looking forward to meeting Armenian musicians again.

Renowned Russian saxophonist Nikita Zimin remarked:

“The boy (Mikael Harutyunyan, a scholarship recipient of the Foundation) is very talented, very sensitive and open to music. Such qualities are innate—they cannot be taught. During our masterclass, we talked about how to grow as a musician. One must know how to work, stay focused, and be self-disciplined. He already has everything—talent, quick responsiveness—and over just two lessons, I saw real progress.”

The journey continues, and each day becomes a new page—filled with fresh experience, valuable knowledge, and great inspiration. This educational program, organized by MECMA and the InClassica Festival, is held at a high level, providing the best conditions for the professional development and cultural exchange of young musicians.

The exclusive sponsor of this educational initiative is GTB Holdings, represented by Chairman of the Board Grigor Ter-Ghazaryan, whose support made this journey possible and became a valuable investment in the educational and cultural future of Armenia’s young generation.