The State Youth Orchestra – the official orchestra of the Chopin International Piano Competition

In August 2014 headed by its artistic director and principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia was invited to perform in Foshan city (China) as the official orchestra of the 9th Chopin International Competition for Young Pianists.

This competition is one of the most significant events of the Russian cultural life. It is widely recognized all over the world and regularly the competition is being held also in China.

In 2014, the contestants were divided into two age groups – junior (under 17 years) and youth (17-22 years). The jury consisted of well-known musicians from all around the world.

Within the framework of the competition the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia appeared with its finalists, as well as during the Gala-Concert. Furthermore, the Youth Orchestra presented also a unique concert program at the Foshan Radio and Television Concert Hall.

The organizers of the competition usually call this music feast a tripartite joint project of Armenia, Russia and China.

It is especially remarkable, that the initiators of the invitation of the Armenian team to China were Irina and Gennady Alferenko – the members of the Board of Trustees of the competition.

Over the last year the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia has been invited to perform as the official orchestra of the international projects for the third time. Earlier, the Youth Orchestra presented the achievements of the Armenian performing school in Beirut and Italy, within the frameworks of the Al Bustan and Music Riva International Festivals.