Narek - UN WEEK-END À L’EST

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Narek Kazazyan

Narek Kazazyan is an Armenian musician born on June 3, 1996, in Vanadzor. He has been studying at the Vanadzor State College of Arts since 2004, specializing in the kanun and piano departments. A member of the “New Names” association since 2006, he won several awards at a young age, including “The Best Performer of Komitas” at the international festival “Renaissance” in 2008. In 2009, he participated in the “Moscow Meets Friends” festival with the Chamber Orchestra “Moscow Virtuosi” under the direction of Vladimir Spivakov, who later invited him to perform at the orchestra’s 30th anniversary celebration.
A gold medalist in numerous international competitions, including the “Delphic Games”, he received the title of “Young Virtuoso” at the National Music Awards in 2010. In 2011, he took part in several charity concerts and international festivals, performing with the State Chamber Orchestra “Moscow Virtuosi” under the direction of Vladimir Spivakov and Vladimir Simkin at events such as “For Life”, “Russian World - in the World”, and “Vladimir Spivakov Invites”, as well as in a solo concert by Jivan Gasparyan.
In 2012, he represented Armenia at Eurovision Young Musicians, achieving third place. Narek continued to excel in various festivals, winning the Grand Prix at the “Renaissance” competition in 2015 and other prestigious awards.
In November 2022, he recorded his first CD, Âmes Arméniennes, at the Palace of Versailles, which was presented in April 2023. Alongside his performance career, he has been teaching at the Vanadzor State College of Arts for over 10 years. He has performed in the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Ukraine, France, Moscow, Sochi, Italy, Bulgaria, Malta, Turkmenistan, Switzerland, Croatia, China, Belarus, the United States, Israel, Cyprus, Austria, Germany, Monaco, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

festival special guest

André Manoukian

André Manoukian, born from Armenian parents, learned the piano and the violin before studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1977. A classically trained pianist, he developed an interest in jazz and formed a big band. In 1983, he discovered singer Liane Foly, for whom he became an (…)

festival special guest

Rima Pipoyan

Rima Pipoyan is s one of the pioneers of modern ballet and contemporary dance in Armenia. She is a choreographer, director, and dancer. Her choreographic works have been presented in various cities of Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Serbia, Croatia, Russia, Belarus, (…)