Maxim Vengerov: It is honor for me to give concert in Yerevan

World-famous violinist Maxim Vengerov (Monaco), who is in Yerevan on the sidelines of the first Armenia International Contest-Festival, on Tuesday shared his impressions of the cultural event, and the visit to Armenia.

“I am very happy to be in Yerevan; it is a wonderful country. It is always gratifying to communicate with the people and the creative public here,” he said at a news conference.

Wednesday is the final day of the festival, which kicked off on July 4.

The orchestra led by the musician will play Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy, Violin Concerto by Johannes Brahms and Lonely Sail for Violin and Orchestra by Alexey Shor.

Vengerov said he strongly hopes that the contest winners will work to the best of their efforts to represent the country in the positive light.

“The festival is a platform offering musicians a chance to create, exchange experience, broaden their scope of mind and get familiarized with other colleagues. Every festival has its specific orientation. So this festival is unique too,” he added.

The cultural event is a joint initiative by the Armenian State Youth Orchestra, European Cultural Foundation, and the Ministry of Culture of Armenia. It is being held under the high patronage of First Lady Rita Sargsyan.

The festival has brought together 48 young musicians (below age 34) from 14 world countries. Only 20 qualified for the second round.