The finals are over and with much celebration!

The judges file into the concert after about 1.5 hours of deliberations to make the winners announcements. 7 FINALISTS! Returning to hallowed grounds in the Moscow Conservatorium, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall with a surprise announcement!…

Tchaikovsky Competition – Round 2 begins!

The second round starts. This time the competitors have an hour to impress the judges.  Backstage the next competitor hammers away in the warmup room, the men in white coats and gloves shuffle around the 5 pianos as they are to be used and…

Tchaikovsky Competition – Final Day, round 1

Backstage there is increased activity, apart from the organizers and stagehands the media throng is increasing with a microphone, camera or video camera in everyone’s face. You must be careful what you say or do as all of a sudden a camera…
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Tchaikovsky Competition – Quote of the Day – round one

19/06 Quote of the day ‘great apple’! Comment from Fujita Mao. After playing an incredible last performance of the day he was obviously hungry. I was half way through munching a large green apple when I bumped into him back stage as he…

Tchaikovsky Competition – Day 1, the competition begins

Xie Ming strides onto the stage with an air of confidence. The hall is full, a dozen cameras are rolling for the worldwide TV broadcast, commentators are finalising their ideas in hush tones on the balcony, photographers jockey for the best…

Tchaikovsky International Competition -Piano Selections and Opening Gala!

Things are hotting up in Moscow with the piano selections are now underway.  All the manufacturers have been working diligently on their instruments, and now is the test as to which piano the competitors will choose to play in the competition…

Postcards from Moscow – 16th Tchaikovsky Competition 2019

Ara has arrived in Moscow, Russia for the 16 International Tchaikovsky Competition that runs for 12 consecutive days. Travelling to Moscow was tiring and interesting. After a long trip, Ara caught up on some much-needed sleep & explored…
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A sneak peak into our Workshop!

Did you know that we have an on-site workshop at our Willoughby showroom? You may see Ara from time to time come up for air as he whisks through the showroom in his apron on his way to lunch! We recently completed a full restoration on…

Emerging Artists 2018 ‘Most Outstanding Performer’

The Theme & Variations Emerging Artists in Recital Program was officially created by Ara & Nyree Vartoukian in 2009.  The program was established to give students an insight into the exciting world of piano performance, by providing…

SSO shine the spotlight on Ara Vartoukian

In celebration of our official 15 year partnership, Sydney Symphony Orchestra shine the spotlight on our very own Ara Vartoukian........ Ara VartoukianOAM is a name synonymous in Sydney with the growth of young and aspiring pianists. As the…