“Armenian Virtuosos” Scholarship Recipients Took Part in the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras of the World

1 hour ago
3 min read

Moscow and Sochi, Russian Federation | August 16–26, 2026

Young musicians from different countries, one orchestra, and one universal language: music. This was the spirit of the August journey that brought Armenia’s young musicians to Moscow and Sochi to take part in the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras of the World and the “Parade of Youth Orchestras” symphonic marathon.

From August 16 to 26, scholarship recipients of the “Armenian Virtuosos” educational program implemented by the Music for Future Foundation, together with beneficiaries of the “Born in Artsakh” educational program, had the opportunity to perform on an international stage and work alongside young musicians from around the world.

Armenia was represented by “Armenian Virtuosos” scholarship recipients Ashot Margaryan (16, percussion), Hovhannes Kherimyan (18, percussion), Tigran Harutyunyan (17, French horn), Narek Arakelyan (15, cello), Alla Ayvazyan (16, cello), Hamlet Eminyan (16, bassoon), and Lilit Stepanyan (17, clarinet). They were joined by beneficiaries of the “Born in Artsakh” educational program, Arsen Hambardzumyan (20, violin) and Nver Baghdasaryan (16, double bass).

One Orchestra, Young Musicians from Around the World

At the heart of the festival is the idea of bringing together young musicians from different countries and creating bonds of friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding through music.

This vision came to life through the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, which brought together young musicians from more than two dozen countries alongside representatives of Russia, including Armenia.

In a short period of time, young musicians representing different musical schools, cultures, and traditions became one ensemble—rehearsing together, listening to one another, and shaping a unified orchestral sound.

Under the direction of Maestro Yuri Bashmet, the orchestra performed on August 23 at the Grand Amphitheater of Zaryadye Park in Moscow, followed by a concert on August 25 at the Main Concert Hall of the Sirius Concert Center in Sochi.

The young musicians also performed as part of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Saratov Philharmonic, conducted by Anatoly Semyonov.

Behind the Stage: Work, Rehearsals, and Experience

The international concerts were preceded by intensive rehearsals and professional sessions. The young Armenian musicians worked with Maestro Yuri Bashmet, conductor Anatoly Semyonov, as well as musicians of the Moscow Soloists Chamber Ensemble and leading Russian orchestras, including Kirill Kravtsov, Alexey Naidyonov, Maxim Khlopyov, Yuri Babiy, Pyotr Bugrimenko, Stanislav Davydov, and Andrey Zubov.

Each rehearsal was part of the journey: listening, repeating, refining, trying again, and ultimately working toward the unified sound that would come alive on stage.

These encounters provided the young musicians with valuable professional experience, allowing them to learn from leading specialists and gain a deeper understanding of the power and discipline of orchestral music. The festival experience extended beyond rehearsals and concerts. The young Armenian musicians also attended a concert by the All-Russian Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yuri Bashmet.

Beyond Music

For the participants, the journey was also an opportunity for cultural exchange and new encounters. The days spent alongside musicians from different countries created new connections, impressions, and musical experiences that will continue to resonate long after the festival. For a young musician, an international stage is more than simply a place to perform. It is an opportunity to see one’s abilities in a broader context, learn from others, and discover the wider world of which their music is becoming a part.

For the young musicians of the “Armenian Virtuosos” program, participation in this festival was precisely such an experience—a new stage, new people, new professional horizons, and another important step toward becoming part of the international musical community.

-- Concert Recordings։

“Day Three of the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras of the World in Moscow” “Parade of Youth Orchestras”: Live Broadcast, August 25