“Armenian Virtuosos” Scholarship Recipients Take the Stage at the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras of the World

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

The scholarship recipients of the Armenian Virtuosos Educational Program of the Music for Future Foundation, founded by conductor Sergey Smbatyan, together with beneficiaries of the “Born in Artsakh” Educational Program, participated in the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras of the World and the “Youth Orchestra Parade” Symphony Marathon from August 16 to 26. The young musicians performed on international stages and worked alongside young musicians and leading professionals from different countries.

Armenia was represented at the festival 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 Arsen Hambardzumyan (20, violin) and Nver Baghdasaryan (16, double bass), beneficiaries of the “Born in Artsakh” Educational Program.

One Orchestra — Young Musicians from Around the World

As part of the festival, the young musicians joined the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, which brought together participants from more than two dozen countries alongside Russia, including Armenia.

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

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

Professional Experience with Leading Musicians

The concerts were preceded by intensive rehearsals and professional meetings. The young 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 Davidov, and Andrey Zubov.

The festival also provided opportunities for cultural exchange and professional networking. Working alongside young musicians from different countries allowed the participants to gain new experience, establish professional connections, and become familiar with the specifics of international orchestral collaboration.

One of the key directions of the Armenian Virtuosos Educational and Development Program is creating international educational and performance opportunities for young musicians. Participation in such programs enables them to work with leading professionals, perform on international stages, and broaden their professional horizons.