Published: 14 September 2011
Category: Artists

Intermusica is delighted to announce the signing of Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, Gold Medal Winner at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition, for Worldwide General Management.

At the age of only 22, Hakhnazaryan was one of the youngest competitors, and throughout the competition impressed the distinguished jury, which included Sir Clive Gillinson, Mario Brunello, David Geringas, Ralph Kirschbaum, Lynn Harrell and Krzysztof Penderecki, with his powerful and poetic playing and his natural musicianship. Martin Engstrom, Founder and Executive Director of the Verbier Festival said:

"“I had the pleasure in seeing Narek Hakhnazaryan perform the Rococo variations at the Tchaikovsky Competition 2011 prize winners concert. He immediately drew my attention through his beautiful sound and impressive delivery. I would have liked to hear him play more. Meeting him afterwards I was equally impressed by a charismatic and sympathetic young man. I have invited him to the Verbier Festival 2012 and look forward in following his career developing in the next few years.”"

Following his gold medal win at the XIV Tchaikovsky Competition, forthcoming dates include:

21 September 2011 - London Symphony Orchestra / Valery Gergiev, The Barbican, London

21 October 2011 - Recital, Mariinsky Concert Hall, St Petersburg

29 October 2011 - Mariinsky Orchestra / Valery Gergiev, Baden-Baden Festival

29 November 2011 - Recital, Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti, Rome

1, 2, 4 December 2011 - Verdi Orchestra / Xian Zhang, Auditorium di Milano

Hakhnazaryan will also give performances with the Mariinsky Orchestra at the Warsaw Beethoven Festival, with the Tonkünstler Orchestra at the Grafenegg Festival, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra at Suntory Hall, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and at Berlin Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Tivoli Festival in Copenhagen, NCPA Beijing, and venues across Italy and the USA.

Click here to watch Narek Hakhnazaryan in performance at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition.

"“Narek Hakhnazaryan is a phenomenal cellist. Watching talent of this age on this level is always a thrill. He produces a powerful and colourful sound in all registers, nails every big shift and flashes all the virtuoso’s tricks with insolent ease. He should have a stellar career.”"
Washington Post

"“Mr Hakhnazaryan projected intensity from the moment he took the stage. A hearty response from the audience brought two encores. To the very end, his intense focus and expressive artistry never flagged.”"
New York Times

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