The opera Silent Tears by the talented young composer Grigori Balasanyan, dedicated to the 44-day war, premiered in Boston

The premiere of the young composer Grigori Balasanyan’s first opera, Silent Tears, took place on November 16, 2024, in Boston, in collaboration with the Fenway Opera Club. The opera is based on a true story, depicting the 44-day war and the fate of one family. On November 16, it was performed in two concerts, both to full-house audiences. The audience warmly received the young composer's work, with some deeply moved by the music and the events portrayed in the opera. Now, the composer plans to stage the opera in other cities across the United States.

Silent Tears is not the young composer’s first work. Tert.am Life spoke with  Grigori about his journey and achievements.

–  Grigori, can you tell us how you entered the world of music?

– I began my musical journey at the age of 8. My first music album was released when I was 10 years old. At the age of 12, a dance performance based on my original music, Alice in Wonderland, was staged in Armenia. The production was directed by Ellen Grigoryan and Garnik Makaryan.

My first ballet, based on a fairy tale by Armenia’s former First Lady Nune Sarkissian, was recorded in 2019 by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2021 at the Yerevan State College of Choreography. It is considered the first children's ballet in the history of Armenian music.

On March 3, 2024, as part of the Musical Armenia concert series, I made my debut at Carnegie Hall, presenting my original compositions. The annual Musical Armenia event showcases talented Armenian musicians and composers to the audience. It was an honor for me to perform on this stage, and I am deeply grateful to both the organizers and the audience for their warm reception

– You were admitted to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2022. How did this impact your creative life?

– There, I have presented numerous compositions, ranging from solo pieces to ensemble works. I received financial support for my education directly from the Boston Conservatory. In addition, many other organizations and foundations have awarded me scholarships to continue my studies and further develop my talent.

The United States has given me a platform to develop my creative abilities in music. Here, I am free to express my perspectives through music, and I truly appreciate what the U.S. community offers me. My music doesn’t just stay on paper—it always finds an audience. There are always people interested in collaborating on new projects and contributing to the country’s cultural life. I deeply value the love for music in the U.S. and am grateful for all the opportunities this country provides for me to advance in my field.

– What are your plans for the near future?

– I am graduating from university a year earlier than planned. I have already applied to several universities and hope to continue my studies in the U.S. to earn a master’s degree, followed by a PhD. I have scheduled interviews with several institutions, and a final decision will be made in April. Currently, I am working on a new opera, The Virgins of Hripsime.

Author Marine Voskanyan