New Achievements in Europe: "Armenian Virtuosos" Scholarship Recipients Embark on Educational Trips to Prestigious Music Academies

The Music for Future Foundation, founded by Maestro Sergey Smbatyan, continues its mission of integrating talented young Armenian musicians into the international professional music community. July 2026 marked an intensive month of artistic growth and international experience for two scholarship recipients of the Foundation's Armenian Virtuosos educational program: cellist Aren Toplaghaltsyan and violinist Eduard Dayan.

Aren Toplaghaltsyan's Success in Italy and Switzerland

This summer, 13-year-old cellist Aren Toplaghaltsyan took part in two prestigious international music programs. From July 6 to 12, Aren participated in the 9th Chieti Classica International Music Festival in Chieti, Italy, held under the artistic direction of renowned pianist Giuliano Mazzoccante. During the festival, he attended five masterclasses with internationally acclaimed cellist Alexander Chaushian, gaining invaluable professional experience. In addition to attending Chaushian's concert, Aren also performed in the Chieti Classica Youth – "Space for Young People!" concert, showcasing his musical artistry.

Aren's educational journey continued in Sion, Switzerland, where he participated in the prestigious Tibor Varga Music Academy from July 13 to 19. During five masterclasses with Professor Denis Severin, he refined both his technical skills and artistic interpretation. Throughout the academy, Aren performed both as a soloist and as a member of a string quartet formed by academy participants.

Eduard Dayan's Professional Development in Switzerland

Seventeen-year-old violinist Eduard Dayan attended the Youth Classics Swiss International Music Academy (SIMA) in Rheinau, Switzerland, from July 10 to 19. Held under the artistic direction of violinist Philipp Draganov, the academy took place at the Musikinsel Rheinau ("Music Island Rheinau") campus.

Eduard's intensive program included: Four individual masterclasses with Professor Philipp Draganov; Four chamber music coaching sessions with German violist Hartmut Rohde; Four concert performances, including three solo recitals and one chamber music concert.

One of the highlights of the academy was Eduard's participation in the Gala Concert at the Zurich University of the Arts, where he performed with the Bodensee Philharmonie Konstanz.

Beyond performance training, Eduard also had the opportunity to meet world-renowned violin makers Stefan-Peter Greiner and Stefan von Baehr, discussing the craftsmanship, tonal refinement, and optimization of string instruments.

Education as the Foundation for the Future

These international educational experiences provided the Music for Future Foundation's scholarship recipients with far more than opportunities to enhance their musical skills. They also offered invaluable exposure to diverse musical traditions, artistic perspectives, and professional environments across Europe.

We are proud of our scholarship recipients' dedication and achievements and firmly believe that these experiences will become an important milestone on their journey toward even greater artistic success.

The Music for Future Foundation remains committed to supporting talented young musicians by creating opportunities to study, perform, and grow on some of the world's leading educational and concert stages.