Scholarship recipients of the “Armenian Virtuosos” Program participated in the Järvi Academy and Pärnu Music Festival in Estonia, representing Armenia on the international stage

From July 3 to 16, scholarship recipients of the “Armenian Virtuosos” Educational Program implemented by the “Music for Future” Foundation, founded by Sergey Smbatyan, participated in an educational trip to Estonia, visiting Tallinn and Pärnu.

The participants included Mariam Smbatyan (16, violin), Inessa Shkarbanenko (14, violin), Ella Mkrtchyan (16, flute), Vahan Kocharyan (16, oboe), Artyom Avetisyan (14, trumpet), as well as Arsen Hambardzumyan (19, violin), a beneficiary of the “Born in Artsakh” Educational Program.

Participation of young scholarship recipients in international educational programs is one of the key directions of the “Music for Future” Foundation’s mission, aimed at engaging young musicians in the global music education environment, providing them with professional experience, and creating new opportunities for Armenian talents.

At an Internationally Renowned Music Platform

As part of the educational journey, the young musicians participated in the Järvi Academy and the Pärnu Music Festival, founded by world-renowned conductors Maestro Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, and Kristjan Järvi.

Established in 2009, the Järvi Academy, together with the Pärnu Music Festival launched in 2011, is considered one of Europe’s leading classical music platforms, bringing together young musicians, professors, and conductors from different countries around the world. It provides participants with an exceptional opportunity for professional development, exchange of experience, and the establishment of international connections.

21 Masterclasses with Leading European Specialists

Within the framework of the Järvi Academy, Armenian young musicians participated in 21 masterclasses conducted by renowned musicians and professors representing leading European music institutions.

The masterclasses were conducted by:

• Michael Foyle – violin (United Kingdom/The Netherlands)
  (Royal Academy of Music, London / Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln)
• Laura Zarina – violin (Latvia)
  (Dr. Hoch’s Konservatorium Frankfurt)
• Andre Sebrian – flute (Spain)
  (Scottish Chamber Orchestra / Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
• Yael Fiuza Souto – trumpet (Spain)
  (Basque National Orchestra / Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón)
• Thomas Indermühle – oboe (Switzerland)
  (Zurich University of the Arts / Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe)

The masterclasses provided participants with the opportunity to improve their performance skills, deepen their professional knowledge, and work directly with leading representatives of the European musical tradition.

Armenian Musicians on the International Stage

One of the key achievements of the educational trip was the participation of Armenian musicians in the Järvi Academy Symphony Orchestra.

The young Armenian musicians performed in two festival concerts held at the Pärnu Concert Hall. The opening concert of the festival was conducted by world-renowned Maestro Neeme Järvi, while the closing concert of the Academy featured advanced young conductors from the conducting program, with the participation of Maestro Järvi.

Rehearsals were held at the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet (MUBA) and the Pärnu Concert Hall.

Following the completion of the masterclasses, the participants also performed at a student concert held at St. Elisabeth’s Church in Pärnu, one of Estonia’s most significant sacred Baroque-era landmarks.

Seven Performances, Six Concerts, and an Invaluable Experience

During their stay in Estonia, the young Armenian musicians participated in 7 concert performances, including 2 performances as part of the Järvi Academy Symphony Orchestra.

They also attended 6 festival concerts, including the performance of the Nordic Pulse Orchestra conducted by Kristjan Järvi, concerts of the Estonian Festival Orchestra conducted by Paavo Järvi, as well as performances featuring their professors and instructors.

This experience enabled the young musicians not only to enhance their professional abilities but also to become directly acquainted with the highest standards of international classical music.

New Knowledge, New Connections, Strengthening Armenia’s Cultural Presence

Participation in the Järvi Academy and the Pärnu Music Festival became an important step in the creative and professional development of Armenian young musicians.

This international experience represents a significant contribution to strengthening Armenia’s cultural presence. Each international opportunity serves as a platform to present Armenian performing arts, strengthen cooperation with the global music community, and shape the future paths of young Armenian musicians.

The “Music for Future” Foundation will continue creating international educational opportunities for talented young musicians, contributing to their professional growth, artistic development, and the expansion of Armenia’s cultural presence on the international stage.

The foundation's transparency and accountability are ensured by the international audit firm EY.