“I go my own way, with my own rhythm and my own music.” – Elen Khachikyan

– How did you choose music as your life path?

-I am a pianist, and I have been playing for 10 years. I chose music because it gives me freedom. When I play, I feel free from everything—daily life, stress, limitations. Through music, I can express what is hard to put into words—my thoughts, emotions, and moods. Music is a world where I feel truly myself. It has made me more sensitive, more reflective, and has helped me understand myself better. I can no longer imagine my life without music.

– Which composers feel closest and most influential to you?

-I’m not sure… I actually tend to avoid this question because my favorite composers change depending on my emotions, my age, and, in some way, my professional experience. At different stages, I have different preferences. But right now, at this stage, I am very drawn to contemporary music.

If I were to name some, it would probably be Beethoven, Medtner, Godowsky, Brahms, Hovunts, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Saint-Saëns, Khachaturian—and I really love Verdi’s operas. There is a deep sense of drama in their music that moves me.

– What goals and dreams do you have as a musician?

-My dreams are many. As a musician, I want to continue growing, discovering, and expressing myself in new ways. I hope my music truly reaches people—moves them, comforts them, or simply transports them to another world for a moment. I love sincerity in art, and I want to always approach my work that way.

Professionally, I dream of performing on big stages, having exciting collaborations, and most importantly, playing what I genuinely feel. On a personal level, I want to remain free. It’s important to me that I’ve never tried to compare myself to anyone else. I follow my own path, in my own rhythm, with my own music.

– What values guide you in your musical journey?

-For me, the most important value is sincerity. Without sincerity in music, everything sounds false—even a perfectly executed complex piece cannot save it.

Hard work is also essential—no matter how talented you are, nothing can be truly created without effort.

Respect is irreplaceable too—respect for the music, the audience, and the stage. When I am on stage, it’s not just a performance; it’s an entire world that I must enter with full responsibility and love.

And most importantly, never lose your love for what you do. When love is gone, everything becomes mechanical, which is unacceptable to me. But love alone isn’t enough. Properly conveying emotions is equally important—you need to understand what you are playing, what the composer experienced, why they wrote that piece, and with what feelings. When you know all of this, you can express the message more deeply, creating an emotional balance—neither too much nor too little. In my view, that is the moment when music becomes true art.

– How do you envision your role as a musician in culture and society?

-For me, being a musician is not just a profession. I see myself as a bridge between art and people. Music can move, calm, remind, and even heal. Sometimes people cannot express their emotions in words, and music does it for them.

In culture, I see my role as a small voice joining the greater harmony. I want my performances to help people remember to feel, to think, to listen. As a part of society, I hope my music can bring a little more light into people’s lives.

– What is your main inspiration and drive to continue learning and growing in music?

-Love, freedom, sincerity, self-expression, emotion, depth, the language of silence, the ability to listen within, self-awareness, understanding boundaries, escaping reality and, at the same time, being so close to it, the voice of the heart, honesty, movement, growth, exploration, experiences, excitement, simplicity.

– How would you describe the importance of art and music in the life of an individual and society?

-Art, and especially music, plays a very important role in both individual and societal life. It helps a person understand themselves, feel, and express emotions. In society, it preserves culture, shapes values, and brings people together. Music is not just a collection of sounds—it is the language of the soul.

– What challenges or difficulties have you faced as a young musician, and how do you overcome them?

As a young musician, the main challenges have been related to limited opportunities—access to quality concert halls, competitions, and high-level educational platforms. Sometimes it has been difficult to feel understood or valued by those around me, but I have always tried to stay focused on my goals, work on myself, and not stray from my path.

– How do you see the role of the “Music for Future” Foundation for you and other young musicians like you?

-For me, this kind of support is invaluable because it provides the opportunity to learn from the best, connect with like-minded peers, and represent Armenian culture on international stages. The Foundation’s work not only contributes to individual growth but also strengthens the presence of Armenian music worldwide.

– How do you overcome creative challenges or a lack of inspiration?

I have never really experienced a lack of inspiration because I truly love what I do. My source of inspiration is music itself. I do not fear challenges; on the contrary, I welcome them. They allow me to understand how strong my love for my profession is, how determined and persistent I am, and how important it is to keep moving forward no matter what.

– What do you want to convey to people and the world through your performances?

-Through my performances, I want to convey sincerity, love, depth, and honesty. I hope that the audience not only listens to the music but also feels what lies behind it. For me, it is important that through my playing, people can pause for a moment, reflect, feel, and connect with their true selves.

– Besides music, what are your interests? Do you have any hobbies or activities that inspire you?

- I hardly have any free time, but I try to make the most of every moment—even on the bus! Half joking, half serious. 😊 I really love reading—books, letters, articles, interesting facts. When I start reading, I completely disconnect from reality. I also enjoy sports, though I’m not very active, just enough to keep my muscles in shape. I love working in our garden and flowerbeds, swimming, watching movies, playing and singing different songs. Currently, I am learning to play the guitar, and I also play the accordion.

– Do you have a favorite motto or saying that inspires you on your life path?

-Music gives the world a soul, the mind wings, imagination the freedom to soar, and life a sense of wholeness.” These words are very close to me because this is exactly how I see the role of music in my life. Music gives a soul to the sounds of the world, wings to my mind, freedom to my imagination, and meaning and completeness to my life. It is not just art—it is my life.

– In which concert hall would you like to perform one day, and why that particular venue?

-I would love to perform at the Musikverein in Vienna because it is one of the capitals of classical music, and the stage there is filled with history and immense energy. Performing there would be a great honor and a moment of personal growth for me.

– Who would you like to perform or collaborate with?

-I would love to perform with Yuja Wang.

– At which music institution would you like to continue your education?

I wish to continue my education at prestigious music institutions that not only provide a high level of technical mastery but also foster an environment for creative development, intellectual depth, and professional growth. Such institutions include the Zurich University of the Arts, the University of Mozarteum Salzburg, leading Musikhochschulen in Germany, as well as the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, which holds a significant place in classical music education due to its rich history and performance opportunities.

Each of these institutions is unique to me, offering different approaches, teaching traditions, and musical cultures. Pursuing education at these schools would not only be a professional step but also a journey of self-discovery and cultural exchange.