Born in Yerevan and trained at the Moscow Conservatory studying under Prof. Eduard Grach (2000-2006) and at the Royal College of Music in London under Prof. Itzhakh Rashkovsky (2006-2008). He is a prize winner of many international competitions, including the 12th International Tchaikovsky Competition (2002, fourth prize), the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition in Sion (Switzerland, 2004, first prize and three special prizes), the Isang Yun Competition in Tongyeong (South Korea, 2007, first prize and audience favourite award), and the George Enescu Competition in Bucharest (2011, second prize). He performs in the world’s major concert venues as well as participating in the Verbier Festival, the Stars on Baikal Festival, and the Arts Square Festival among many others. In 2010 his solo album Opera Fantasies was released by the American Delos label. Since 2002 he has been a soloist for the Moscow Philharmonic and since 2008 has taught at the Moscow Conservatory.
Which people would you invite as guests to your dream dinner party?
The girl of my dreams.
What is your favorite meal?
One of my mother's dishes.
Do you have a favorite motto or proverb that you live your life by?
Strive, struggle and search.
Which person or people inspire you the most?
Different great people.
What would you like people to say about you?
I'd like them to say what I would say about myself.
How do you overcome the stage fright? / What is your ritual before going on stage?
Just try to concentrate, control your emotions and be in the mood for an excellent performance.
When you perform... who are you playing for?
For the public.
What job would you least like to do?
As didn’t try other professions, I can’t answer.
Is there a joke about musicians that you would like to share with us?
There are many funny stories about our beloved colleagues - viola players.
What's the "most played" non-classical track on your phone?
"Memory" from the musical "Cats."
You are on a desert island and can bring only 3 items, what do you bring?
Violin, a book and a telescope.
What is your favorite noise/sound? What is the most annoying noise for you?
Favourite : the best quality sound on the violin! I don’t like grinding.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Not sure yet, probably on a desert island.
What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word Tchaikovsky?
Veritable Russian composer.
What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word competition?
Joy, excitement, passion, competitive spirit.
If you were 80 years old, what advice would you give to young people today?
Be responsible for your actions.