A group of interesting and young musicians were introduced to the audience 10 years ago – on January 25, 2006.
The State Youth Orchestra of Armenia (SYOA) founded by 18-year old Sergey Smbatian and his group of young musicians were able to occupy their unique place in the musical arena of Armenia as well as the international one within a short period of time.
“Armenpress” interviewed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of SYOA Sergey Smbatian about the creation of the Youth Orchestra, its achievements and jubilee.
The Youth Orchestra became State Youth Orchestra in 2008
When we became a state orchestra we did not even know what it meant. It is difficult to create a staff and to prove within 3 years that they are professionals.
Our historical concert took place in Berlin in 2007. After the standing ovation, the director of Konzerthaus concert hall said that he had not seen such a reception for many years. Berlin is a city of standards in the sphere of music: we realized that all we had believed in was right and we were on the right path.
Jubilee concert
The jubilee concert took place on January 25.
Before the concert te artistic director stated that: “This concert is very important for us: we sum up the 10 years we had and we are starting a new stage. It is very important in terms of principles as the concert will be viewed as the result of the work done. Various artists congratulate us on the occasion of our jubilee, including megastar Serj Tankian. This speaks of many things. I can say many good things about the orchestra as the orchestra is my life. My positive emotions are natural, but when such an artist as Serj Tankian sees the quality of our work and says “why not, let’s cooperate”, it is the greatest guarantee of international success”.
Krzysztof Penderecki comes to Armenia especially for the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia
Maestro Penderecki’s visit is very important. Nobody can doubt that Penderecki is a musician that would never come to Armenia if he did not believe in the orchestra and its future. Penderecki is a symbol, a living legend, a musician to be proud of. When I think that he will arrive in Armenia especially for us, I feel incredible emotions. This is an incredible achievement.
The State Youth Orchestra of Armenia was founded in 2005 by conductor Sergey Smbatian, who is also its artistic director and principal conductor. Young and talented musicians’ maturity to follow the right path of life, diligence and devotion to the art had a significant contribution to the establishment of the Orchestra. In 2008 on the special decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia the orchestra was granted the title of State Orchestra for their high professionalism and expansion of contemporary music.
