Yerevan - Khachaturian International Competition
The Khachaturian International Competition is one of Armenia’s most prestigious classical music competitions, held annually in Yerevan since 2004. Named in honor of the legendary Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978), the competition is dedicated to discovering and promoting young, exceptional musical talents from around the world in the fields of piano, violin, cello, and conducting.
Held each year beginning on June 6, the birthday of Aram Khachaturian, the competition is both a celebration of his enduring artistic legacy and a vital platform for the new generation of musicians poised to shape the future of classical performance.
The Khachaturian International Competition 2025 will officially launch on June 6 in Yerevan, Armenia, celebrating the legacy of the great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian and serving as a platform for the discovery and promotion of exceptional young talent in the field of orchestral conducting.
Held annually since 2004, beginning on Khachaturian’s birthday, the competition is one of Armenia’s leading cultural events. It is organized by the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. The competition is a proud member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) and adheres to the federation’s international standards of transparency, artistic integrity, and excellence.
The 2025 edition focuses on conducting and will host 18 emerging conductors from around the world from June 6 to 12. These participants will work closely with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and perform before an internationally renowned jury composed of: George Pehlivanian, Vahagn Papian, Darrell Ang, Ni Fan, Ruben Jais and Piotr Sułkowski.
The competition will include two rounds, followed by a Gala Concert and Award Ceremony on June 12, during which prizes and special awards will be presented to outstanding participants.
The Opening Ceremony will be held on June 6 at 19:00 at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, featuring a gala concert with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra led by Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the orchestra. Sergey Smbatyan is also Artistic Director of the Khachaturian International Competition. The concert will include a performance by world-renowned violinist Ning Feng, featuring selections from Khachaturian’s ballet Spartacus and his Violin Concerto in D minor.
As a flagship cultural initiative of Armenia, the Khachaturian International Competition plays a vital role in promoting musical excellence, supporting young artists, and fostering international cultural dialogue — all while paying tribute to the life and work of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated composers.
Contact
KHACHATURIAN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
1a Mark Grigoryan str., suites 300-302
0001
Yerevan
Armenia
