The Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition Concludes at China National Opera House Under the Artistic Direction of Sergey Smbatyan

The Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition concluded on November 11, 2026, with a gala concert and award ceremony at the China National Opera House. The competition was led by its Artistic Director, conductor Sergey Smbatyan, Founder, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. Following international preliminary rounds and the final round held in Beijing, the winners and laureates of the competition were announced.

The competition brought together talented young musicians from different countries around the world, creating an international platform for showcasing professional skills, exchanging creative experiences, and fostering cultural dialogue through classical music. At its heart was the promotion of Aram Khachaturian’s compositional legacy among young performers from around the world who gathered in China.

This year’s competition was distinguished by its broad geographical reach. The international preliminary round, held from July to September, was followed by regional rounds across Europe, Asia, Armenia, and various regions of China. The competition featured five categories: piano, violin, viola, cello, and chamber ensemble. It was also accessible to an international online audience, which had the opportunity to follow the participants’ performances.

The winners in the four main instrumental categories of the competition are Zhao Yuyu (viola), Niu Zhenghao (cello), Guo Fening (violin), and Elena Bataye (piano).

In the final round, the participants performed with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan. Performing with the orchestra on an international stage was a valuable professional experience for the young musicians, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic excellence and showcase their creative potential.

The competition aims to discover and support young musical talents, foster international creative collaboration, and celebrate the legacy of the great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, whose music continues to inspire musicians and audiences of different generations around the world.

Khachaturian competitions have been held in China since 2023, while the First Khachaturian International Youth Competition took place in 2024.

Alongside the competition, the Khachaturian International Youth Music Week was also held, featuring masterclasses, educational programs, and concerts.

The Khachaturian International Youth Competition is organized by the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation and JINGSE International Education Technology Company.