The Successful Mission of the “Music for Future” Foundation in Dubai

From April 6 to 22, the “Music for Future” Foundation initiated a significant educational trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to participate in masterclasses and lectures organized within the framework of the Middle East Classical Music Academy (MECMA), as well as to attend the InClassica International Music Festival.

Music, Education, and Inspiration: Armenian Young Talents on the International Stage

The trip brought together talented young Armenian musicians aged 11 to 18 from various music and art schools and colleges across Armenia. Specializations included string instruments (violin, cello), wind instruments (flute, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, saxophone), and piano. The students participated in 120 masterclasses across 9 instruments, attended 10 lectures, and experienced 16 concerts performed by world-renowned musicians.

Reaching New Heights in Performance with the Best Professors

By taking part in this educational trip, the young musicians had the opportunity to meet and study with some of the world’s top musicians. They developed their technical and performance skills, communicated with leading industry professionals, and attended their concerts—experiences that contributed significantly to their artistic growth and professional development.

Masterclasses were conducted by 21 distinguished artists and musicians, including: Cordelia Höfer-Teutsch (Austria), Giuliano Mazzoccante (Italy), Albert Mamriev (Germany), Pablo Galdo (Spain), Arkadi Zenziper (Germany), Sergey Dogadin (Austria), Zohrab Tadevosyan (Spain/Armenia), Alexander Ramm (Russia), Jasmine Choi (South Korea), Luisa Sello (Italy), Nikita Zimin (Russia), as well as musicians from the renowned Franz Schubert Philharmonic (Spain) and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (Japan).

This exceptional interaction with internationally acclaimed artists enhanced the technical and expressive capabilities of the Armenian youth, boosting their confidence and motivation.

As part of the Academy, children also attended professional lectures delivered by Alan Chircop (Malta), Artistic Director of the InClassica International Music Festival, pianist, and conductor.

“Thanks to the ‘Music for Future’ Foundation, I was able to participate in the ‘Educational Trip to Dubai’ program. A long-time dream of mine came true—I met flutist Jasmine Choi and had a masterclass with her,”

says Alek Sahakyan, a 12-year-old flutist and scholar of the “Music for Future” Foundation.

“I had a great time in Dubai. I especially enjoyed the masterclasses, particularly with Maestro Mazzoccante. I had so much fun with old and new friends at the pool during our free time. The sea, the friends, the weather, the concerts, the classes… everything was just amazing. I’d love to go again,”

says Ani Botsinyan, a 12-year-old pianist and program participant.

The Involvement of Armenian Teachers: A Pillar for Ongoing Development

Music teachers from Yerevan’s educational institutions also took part in the trip as passive participants in all masterclasses and lectures. They had the opportunity to engage with representatives of different classical performance schools, learn from internationally recognized musicians, absorb new interpretations and approaches to classical works, and enjoy days rich in musical culture. This experience will allow Armenian teachers to bring new perspectives and valuable insights to their institutions, benefiting the education and development of Armenia’s young musicians.

“It was an unprecedented educational program organized with utmost professionalism and quality. Huge admiration and gratitude to the ‘Music for Future’ Foundation for giving our students the chance to receive masterclasses from top musicians, attend professional lectures, and be present at all InClassica concerts at the magnificent Dubai Opera, where they heard performances by world-famous artists. I believe the future holds big stages for these young musicians,”

says Anush Khachatryan, Director of the Alexander Achemyan Music School.

“The ‘Educational Trip to Dubai’ organized by the ‘Music for Future’ Foundation was truly impressive. I am confident it was an excellent opportunity for young musicians to acquire new knowledge. Being part of the program was also immensely beneficial to my own teaching. The advice given during the classes was incredibly valuable, and I am sure it will have a positive impact on my future work. I’m grateful for the wonderful opportunity for professional exchange,”

shares Lilit Harutyunyan, teacher at the Avet Gabrielyan School of Arts.

“This was my second trip to Dubai with Sergey Smbatyan’s ‘Music for Future’ Foundation. The program was organized at a very high level. The masterclasses were excellent, with top-level teachers like Giuliano Mazzoccante, Albert Mamriev, and Cordelia Höfer working with our students, giving them practical advice and helping them work through their repertoire. The impressions are indescribable. These children truly represent the golden foundation of our most talented youth. I believe the impact of this trip will stay with them for a long time,”

emphasizes Karine Ananyan, teacher at the Parsegh Kanachyan School of Arts.

The Talent of Armenian Children Recognized by World-Class Musicians

Internationally acclaimed musicians highly praised the dedication, skill, and eagerness of the Armenian youth.

Giuliano Mazzoccante, a renowned Italian pianist, noted:

“I’m happy to meet the young musicians of this wonderful foundation again. I first met them three years ago in Dubai during this project, and I’m delighted to see how much they’ve grown and developed since then. Armenian children are very talented, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.”

Shuji Kawata, principal trumpeter of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, stated:

“We trumpet players know that Armenians are famous thanks to Alexander Arutiunian. During today’s masterclass, I felt that same musical ‘blood’ fully expressed through these young musicians’ performances, and it brought me great joy. I truly look forward to meeting Armenian musicians again.”

Nikita Zimin, renowned Russian saxophonist, commented:

“The boy (scholarship recipient Mikael Harutyunyan) is very talented, sensitive, and open to music. Such qualities are innate—they cannot be taught. During our masterclass, we discussed how to develop further. It’s important to know how to work, stay focused, and be self-disciplined. He already has everything—talent, quick responsiveness—and I already saw progress during our sessions.”

Pablo Galdo, Spanish pianist, added:

“Having been invited to Dubai to teach at the Middle East Classical Music Academy, I have a very positive impression of the young musicians from Armenia. It was a pleasure working with them. I hope to meet Armenian children again in the future, and perhaps even visit Armenia.”

Austrian pianist Cordelia Höfer-Teutsch emphasized:

“I am truly impressed to see that young Armenian musicians have a very solid foundation and preparation. I am confident that these young people here have a very bright future. I am extremely happy to hear that talented young musicians in Armenia are receiving support. I would really wish we had more foundations like ‘Music for Future’ in Austria, providing such assistance.”

German pianist Albert Mamriev mentioned in his speech:

“I would like to sincerely thank this foundation that supports young talents, led by the renowned conductor Sergey Smbatyan. This is an invaluable contribution to the future of young Armenian talents. It is extremely important that, in these difficult times, there are people willing to support the young generation of their country. I must admit that I greatly enjoyed working with the young musicians of Armenia. It was a warm, friendly, and, in my opinion, very high-quality interaction. I hope they will not forget the assignments and observations I made during the lessons. They are all different, each uniquely talented and promising. Many of them already possess solid piano technique and abilities. I hope that in the near future we will see them participating in and winning numerous international competitions and festivals.”

Italian flutist Luisa Sello noted:“This is my first time in Dubai, and I am honestly amazed to meet so many young and at the same time talented musicians here who have come from Armenia. They are very motivated, well-educated, and well-prepared. I discovered that these young musicians are supported by an Armenian foundation, an idea initiated by conductor Sergey Smbatyan. I am inspired by this concept—to support children precisely when they need it most: to gain new knowledge, experience, travel abroad, meet other children and new teachers, and attend concerts of the world’s best musicians. This is the musical life that will help them grow and develop in the right direction. I also try to support children in Italy, as much as I can. The fact that Mr. Smbatyan is directing his efforts toward such projects and all the work being done around this idea—the creation of the ‘Music for Future’ Foundation, the staff standing by the children, the teachers, the parents—their work truly deserves praise. I would also like to highlight the wonderful and productive atmosphere at the academy organized in Dubai.

I sincerely hope to meet these talented children again and share my experience with them—as an artist, as a teacher—and to witness their continued growth, which was already visible in these few days. I hope they share this enthusiasm as well and will want to meet me again in the future. I wish them all great success.”

InClassica Festival: Masterclasses on a Global Stage

As part of their educational trip, the participants attended concerts of the InClassica International Music Festival, organized by SAMIT (Show Art Music International Tours) Event Group, held at one of Dubai’s most renowned concert halls—Dubai Opera. The concerts featured world-famous artists, including violinists Maxim Vengerov, Gil Shaham, Daniel Lozakovich, Fumiaki Miura; clarinetist Fabrizio Meloni; pianists Mikhail Pletnev and Behzod Abduraimov; cellists Gautier Capuçon and Edgar Moreau; and others, as well as the celebrated Franz Schubert Philharmonic (Spain) and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (Japan), under the direction of renowned conductors such as Conrad van Alphen, Thomas Grau, Marios Papadopoulos, Sergey Smbatyan, among others.

GTB Holdings: An Investment Shaping Culture and Education

This educational journey became a reality thanks to the exclusive sponsorship of GTB Holdings, represented by Chairman of the Board Grigor Ter-Ghazaryan, whose support became a valuable contribution to the education and cultural future of Armenia’s young generation.

We express our deep gratitude to MECMA Academy and the InClassica Festival for conducting this educational program at a high level, ensuring the best conditions for the professional growth and cultural exchange of young musicians.

This initiative by the ‘Music for Future’ Foundation is yet another testament to the fact that determined and purposeful work can change the destinies of young people—connecting them with the world’s top educational and cultural centers. This journey was not just an experience, but a clear roadmap of hope and future—built on knowledge, dedication, and collaboration.