Brimming with talent, prodigious, and dynamic!
The Yerevan Youth Symphony Orchestra (YYSO) made a triumphant return to the stage on August 2, 2025, at the prestigious Young Euro Classic festival held at the Berlin Konzerthaus. Founded in 2023, this is the first permanently established youth orchestra in Armenia, and their debut performance at the festival was highly anticipated.
The evening's program was a captivating blend of classical works and Armenian heritage. The performance began with Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1," setting the tone for an evening of musical excellence. The highlight of the evening, however, was the performance of Antonín Dvořák's Ninth Symphony "From the New World."
Conductor Sergey Smbatyan (37) led the orchestra with precision, bringing renowned soloist Sergei Nakariakov (48) onto the stage for the Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto. Nakariakov's virtuosity, captivating technique, and bravado were on full display, adding an Armenian character to the performance. The string tones were velvety, and the wind instruments were calm and clear, creating a sonic richness that filled the hall.
The second movement had a deeply melancholic mood, while the third movement had a folkloric, almost oriental sound. The fourth movement began dark and quiet, building up with captivating rhythms, powerful brass, and a racing tempo. The performance reached its climax in a wild finale, leaving the audience in awe.
The hall was nearly sold-out for the performance, and the applause at the end was long-lasting. The YYSO demonstrated their capabilities during the performance of Dvořák's symphony, impressively showcasing their potential as a young orchestra.
The Yerevan Youth Symphony Orchestra's appearance at the Young Euro Classic festival marked their debut at the event, which showcases top youth orchestras worldwide and promotes cultural unity through music. While no specific subsequent engagements for the YYSO were detailed in the available sources, the inclusion alongside prominent works and artists at this respected festival implies a high artistic standard and positive reception.
Sources: - Young Euro Classic festival official program and concert listing (2025-07-31 and 2025-08-02) [4][5] - Yerevan Youth Symphony Orchestra Instagram announcement about participation [1] - World Concert Hall event page with repertoire and live stream info [5]
The Yerevan Youth Symphony Orchestra's presentation of Antonín Dvořák's Ninth Symphony "From the New World" at the Young Euro Classic festival highlighted their blend of classical works and Armenian heritage in the entertainment industry. Conductor Sergey Smbatyan and soloist Sergei Nakariakov's performance showcased the ensemble's musical talent and their unique Armenian character, further elevating their reputation as an up-and-coming orchestra in the world of music.
