Arno Babajanyan 9th republican contest of young pianists kicks off in Armenia

The 9^th republican contest of young pianists after the great Armenian composer Arno Babajanyan began in Armenia’s capital at 6:00 pm on Friday.

Before the contest began, the participants, their parents and teachers visited the monument to the great composer to honor his memory.

Honored Art Worker Zhak Hakobyan, Founding Director of the Arno Babajanyan Fund, congratulated the children and expressed hope they would continue the great composer’s cause.

“This is a most interesting contest. All of you are winners regardless of whether you will get the prize or not. Taking part in such a contest is actually a victory. I wish you success,” said Lilia Mirzoyan of the Modern Art Department, Armenia’s Ministry of Culture.

The contest of young pianist is а triennial event.

Talking to Tert.am, Hakobyan said that a draw ceremony preceded the contest. “Seventy-five players are taking part in the contest, including players from Nagorno-Karabakh and Javakhk. The players form two groups – ones aged under 12 and ones from 12 to 16,” Hakobyan said.

The contest will last until May, with the winners to be announced and receive numerous prizes.

“We have numerous prizes for the first six winners. The Arno Babajanyan Fund has provided two separate prizes for the best performance of Arno Babajanyan’s compositions – for both the age groups.”

The Antares publishing house intends to present books to the contestants and their teachers. The Composers’ Union grants them holiday in Dilijan.