Armenian Cellist Highly Praised in First Post-Competition Appearance in US

The Boston Chamber Music Society concert on Sunday was memorable for the presence of young Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan (pictured), who recently won the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. (He also holds an Artist’s Diploma from New England Conservatory.) Stephen Friedlaender, BCMS board president, said this was his first post-competition Boston appearance.

Why Hakhnazaryan is so highly touted became clear during his performance of Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 73, on the program’s first half. He gets a radiant sound from his instrument, phrases naturally, and has superb bow control. Perhaps the most impressive thing was that he made it seem so fluid and effortless, even in the vigorous third piece. Here is a musician on the fast track, and deservedly so, reports Boston.com.

Recall, Hakhnazaryan won the gold medal and first prize in cello in the 14th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, following a scandal which saw Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia (Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra) Mark Gorenstein insult Hakhnazaryan. An official statement on the competition website stated that the organizing committee condemning Gorenstein’s remarks appeared soon after. The conductor apologized, but was later dismissed from his post.