The Khachaturian International Competition is one of the world’s most respected annual events in the field of classical music. Khachaturian’s works transcend borders, touching the hearts of audiences around the globe. His legacy stands as a pillar of 20th-century classical music and a timeless cultural treasure shared by humanity. Established in 2003 to honor the legendary Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, the competition pays tribute to his creative genius and his profound contribution to world musical culture. Held each year on June 6, Khachaturian’s birthday, the competition rotates among four disciplines—violin, piano, cello and conducting—and attracts exceptional musicians from around the world.

The board members of the competition includes distinguished politicians, artists, and cultural leaders such as Sergey Smbatyan, Prof. Jonathan Freeman, Prof. David Attwood and Valery Gergiev. Since 2013, the competition has been a proud member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) in Geneva, a recognition of its artistic excellence and international stature. Over its 22-year history, the event has welcomed participants from more than 20 countries, including Russia, the United States, America, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Spain,Italy, Belgium , England and China.

In 2023, marking both the 120th anniversary of Khachaturian’s birth and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the 19th Khachaturian International Violin Competition was successfully held in Beijing’s Shijingshan District — the first time in the competition’s two-decade history that it was hosted outside Armenia. Jointly organized by the People’s Government of Shijingshan District and the Khachaturian Cultural Foundation, and co-hosted by the Shijingshan Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the 19th Khachaturian Competition Organizing Committee, and JINGSE(Beijing) International Education Technology Co., Ltd., the event became a milestone in global classical music exchange and a cultural bridge between China and Belt and Road countries.

Following the success of this landmark event, the competition established a long-term development plan in China. With the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, the China National Opera House, the Shijingshan District Government, and both embassies, the Khachaturian International Youth Competition will now be held biennially in China, marking the country’s official role as a permanent host of this prestigious international event.

The next major event in the series — The 22nd Khachaturian International Cello Competition (Senior Division) — will take place in Beijing in December 2025.

In December 2025, Beijing will stand at the center of the global classical music stage once again. The 22nd Khachaturian International Cello Competition will not only carry forward the legacy of the 2024 series, but also serve as a bridge toward the 2026 International Youth Competition, completing the Khachaturian brand’s artistic presence in China. Let us look forward to an inspiring new chapter of music, creativity, and cultural dialogue.