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Armen Sahakyan, piano
Hailed for his “virtuosity” and “crystal-clear articulation”, pianist Armen Sahakyan is an internationally distinguished pianist, winning international acclaim as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Possessing the rare combination of insight, inspiration, and an alluring technique, he continues to “fascinate audiences” around the world. (Badishe Neuste Nachrichten).
In 1993, at the invitation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dr. Sahakyan, a young artist at the age of 10, gave a series of solo recitals in France, specifically in Paris, Grenoble, and Marseille. His tour through France was proceeded by a remarkable music career. In 1995 he became the winner of the Bach Concerto Competition and the Amadeus Piano Competition. In 2000 he won the special prize for the best interpretation of modern piece at the Prokofiev International Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2004, Dr. Sahakyan performed, live on television, Gershwin’s piano concerto in F with the Armenian Symphony Orchestra. In 2008, Dr. Sahakyan was invited by SVR Radio Station in Germany to give a live recording of Bach – Busoni Chaconne. Frequently participating in international music festivals, Dr. Sahakyan received the Pavel Tretyakov medal at the Moscow International Music Festival. Due to his love for chamber music, he has collaborated with musicians such as Maria Egelhof, Boris Belkin, and Joseph Rissin. In 2008 he was selected to be the official accompanist to Master Classes held in Oviedo, Spain where he collaborated with Mikhail Kopelman, Diemut Poppen, Gustav Rivinius, Yuri Zhislin and Dora Schwarzberg.
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Dr. Sahakyan began his piano studies at the age of eight under the guidance of Eleonora Amirbekyan. He continued his education in Armenia with Professor Rosa Tandilyan. After receiving his Doctoral degree in piano performance from Yerevan State Conservatory in 2006 he moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree in piano performance with Professor Olga Rissin. In 2010, Dr. Sahakyan moved to Minnesota, USA, where he continued his studies and earned an Artist Diploma from Hamline University with Professor Alexadr Braginsky. In 2013, Dr. Sahakyan moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He is currently a faculty member of Utah Valley University Music Department. In addition, he maintains a private studio with over 40 students.