Symphonic Middle East 2021

SAMIT Event Group in partnership with the European Foundation for Support of Culture present the 1st edition of the history of classical music, “Symphonic Middle East” festival which is aimed at identifying new cultural hubs and introducing the culture of classic music to every corner of the world. All the concerts will feature the talented 1st prize winners of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition.

Joseph Calleja, Sergey Smbatyan with the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra

On the 19th of June, opening of the “Symphonic Middle East” will feature one of the world’s top tenor Joseph Calleja. His expansive discography and frequent appearances on the world’s leading opera and concert stages prompted NPR to hail him as “arguably today’s finest lyric tenor.” The concert will be performed by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Sergey Smbatyan. Sergey Smbatyan’s approach to programming recognizes the importance of creating harmonious combinations of works by different composers as well as the vital need to refresh the repertoire with attractive new music.

Ji Young Lim, Remi Geniet, Sergey Smbatyan with the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra

On the 20th of June, the stage of Dubai Opera will be taken by the talented violinist Ji Young Lim, who is the winner of many international competitions and has been chosen as the recipient for Stradivari “Sasserno” which was made in 1717 after Huggins. The second part of the concert will feature the most prominent pianist of his generation Remi Geniet, laureate of numerous international competitions and the youngest prize-winner of the Bonn International Beethoven Competition.

The concert will be accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Sergey Smbatyan. His mature artistic vision combines lessons learned from the finest traditions of music-making and a profound personal commitment to transforming lives through the shared experience of performing and listening. Acclaimed for his achievements at home and increasingly in demand on the international stage, he continues to serve as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and has been Principal Conductor of the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra since September 2019.

Stella Chen, Denis Kozhukhin, Sergey Smbatyan with the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra

On the 21st of June, the concert moves to the The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates. It will begin with an amazing violinist Stella Chen – the winner of the Queen Elisabeth Grand Prize – Queen Mathilde Prize in the 2019 Queen Elisabeth International Violin Competition and technically flawless Denis Kozhukhin – the greatest pianist of our generation who successfully combines the brilliance and power of his playing with a masterful sense of form and a very unique approach.

Andrey Baranov, Sergey Smbatyan with the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra

On the 22nd of June visitors of the Theatre at Mall of the Emirates will enjoy the performance of an outstanding soloist, winner of numerous international competitions, including the Benjamin Britten and Henri Marteau International Violin Competitions, eminent violinist Andrey Baranov.