Hometown: Yerevan, Armenia
Major: Cello Performance
Degree: Artist Diploma
Previous School: Moscow State Conservatory, Russia
Current Teacher: Laurence Lesser
Why did you choose to study at NEC and what do you like about studying here?
“At the Ravinia Festival, I performed and studied with many of the string faculty who teach at NEC, including Mr. Lesser. Many of my friends had already told me before that NEC was one of the best places to study music. After visiting NEC a couple years later, I knew that I wanted to study with Mr. Lesser. As an Artist Diploma student, I also don’t have to worry about tuition and the curriculum provides me with the flexibility to tour for my solo concerts as a musician of Young Concert Artists.”
What major competitions have you won?
“In 2008, I won first prize in the Young Concert Artists International Competition, which granted me a solo recital tour at some of the greatest concert halls in the states, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. I was also a prize winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition, first place winner of the Johansen International Competition, first prize winner of the Aram Khachaturian International Competition, and prize winner of the Isang Yun International Competition.”
Are there any performance or opportunities that you are looking forward to at NEC?
“As an Artist Diploma student, I’m very excited at the opportunity of performing a solo recital in Jordan Hall. The venue is beautiful and sounds amazing. I am also looking forward to my April 7 Symphony Hall performance with the NEC Philharmonia. I will be performing the Schumann Cello Concerto with Hugh Wolff in the same hall where the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs!”
What do you like about Boston?
“I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere that Boston has, ever since I first visited. There are many colleges and young students in the city, which gives it a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. I also enjoy the architecture of many of Boston’s buildings, which remind me of the architecture in England.”
What do you like to do outside of class?
“I really enjoy soccer, and am a huge fan of Manchester United. I know that a lot of soccer fans say that they are fans of Manchester United, but I’ve been a fan since I was five years old. In my free time I also enjoy reading poetry and attending jazz clubs and concerts. I’ve also traveled extensively, and one of my favorite destinations is Italy. I love its beauty, weather and history and I enjoy the overall culture and temperament of the Italians.”
What kind of music do you like listening to?
“I often listen to jazz and Oscar Peterson is one of my favorite musicians. I also enjoy artists or bands who I feel have very positive energy and creative talent, such as Prodigy, Radiohead and Queen.”
Narek Hakhnazaryan is the recipient of the Abraham Skernick Memorial Presidential Scholarship, and the Alice and Violeta Ohanasian/Friends of Armenian Culture Society Scholarship.
2010-07-01
CLAUDE DEBUSSY