The Kapan International Music Festival, which brings a fresh cultural pulse to the city of Kapan and the Syunik Province, is set to return for its third edition, once again uniting acclaimed Armenian and international musicians from around the world.

Scheduled to take place from July 4 to 15, the festival will feature a wide array of distinctive concert programs, masterclasses, artist talks, and engaging public discussions. Since its inception, Kapan Fest has welcomed pianist Anna Sarkisova from the United States, who returns year after year, drawn by the festival’s warm atmosphere and the audience’s genuine appreciation for high art.

In an interview with Armenpress, Sarkisova shared her admiration:

“All of us musicians eagerly await the month of July, when we can travel to Kapan. Thanks to the professionalism of the organizers, the festival is held to an exceptionally high standard. Every effort is made to create an inspiring environment for both faculty and participants. Having performed at numerous international festivals, I can confidently say that Kapan Fest is on par with the best of them.

The recent acquisition of a new-generation Steinway D grand piano-transported from Belgium across Europe to Armenia - has significantly enhanced the festival’s artistic quality. We are now exploring the possibility of acquiring a second instrument to further enrich future performances.”

She emphasized that the organizers are fully committed to making both guests and audiences feel welcome - an effort that has greatly contributed to the festival’s growing appeal and reputation.

Participants often remark that time seems to fly by during the festival. The concerts, held at the Organ Hall of the Kapan State Art College, consistently attract full audiences.

“Once, our performance began at 10:30 p.m., although the concert had officially started at 8:00 p.m. I feared the audience might have grown tired and left -but not a single seat was empty. I have performed on many stages, but the warmth and attentiveness of the Kapan audience is truly exceptional.

They eagerly await the festival and offer it their wholehearted support. Every time I step on stage in Kapan, it is a deeply emotional moment for me, because I am performing in my homeland. I had never been to Kapan before the festival, and my first performance there remains one of the most moving experiences of my life,” said Sarkisova.

This year, Kapan Fest will feature musicians from France, Germany, Belgium, the United States, Slovakia, Russia, Denmark, Portugal, and several other countries.

The most eagerly anticipated guest is world-renowned pianist and GRAMMY Award winner Martha Argerich, who will perform in three concerts in Kapan, accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. This will mark Argerich’s first-ever visit to Armenia.

“She is deeply excited and enthusiastic about the trip. As someone who values countries with rich history and culture, she is very much looking forward to experiencing Armenia and meeting our musicians,” Sarkisova noted, adding that music lovers from Yerevan and other regions are expected to travel to Kapan to attend her performances.

Argerich’s participation is expected to significantly elevate Kapan Fest’s international profile and facilitate future collaborations with other world-class artists.

As part of the festival’s educational mission, a series of masterclasses will be offered to young performers, including students from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. According to Sarkisova, Kapan Fest received a large number of applications, and more than 50 participants were carefully selected.

Local faculty members from the Kapan State Art College are also actively involved, bringing their students to attend the masterclasses.

“This is extremely important. Kapan was once a major cultural hub, but much has changed. For educators, it has become increasingly difficult to cultivate children’s interest in classical music. The festival is helping to reverse that trend. Last year, applications to the piano and violin departments at Kapan’s music college were limited. This year, we have seen a notable increase. That, for Kapan, is a significant achievement,” Sarkisova emphasized.

The overarching goal of Kapan Fest is to establish Kapan as a vibrant musical center and to spark broader public interest in both the city and the Syunik region.

“The festival takes place in Kapan not only because the city boasts an outstanding concert hall, but also because Syunik - with its breathtaking landscapes and distance from Yerevan - is a hidden gem. Foreign visitors are consistently charmed by it; many liken it to a miniature Switzerland.

We must invest more actively in our regions-not only economically, but culturally. There is no other festival in Yerevan quite like Kapan Fest,” affirmed Sarkisova.

She added that festivals of this caliber not only enrich cultural life in the regions but also contribute meaningfully to the development of tourism.

The founder of the Kapan International Music Festival is the distinguished Belgian-Armenian cellist Sevak Avanesyan. The festival’s principal partner is the Kapan Municipality, with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, and numerous other sponsors and supporters.

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1223878