The Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition Launches in 2026

The Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition will officially take place in 2026 with five professional disciplines: piano, viola, violin, cello, and chamber music.

The competition was announced on January 26, 2026, at a press conference held at the China National Opera House. Guests included Liu Yunzhi, President of the China National Opera House and Honorary Artistic Director of the Competition; Martin Tovmasyan, Executive Director of the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation; Misak Balayan, Head of the Cultural Department of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in China; representatives of Jingse (Beijing) International Education Science and Technology Co., Ltd.; and other distinguished attendees.

In 2026, the competition will expand both its geographical reach and participation formats. Its mission goes beyond discovering young talents: it aims to create an international cultural platform that combines professional standards, public arts education, and contemporary communication.

A key development of the 2026 edition is the expansion of disciplines. Alongside piano, violin, and cello, the program now includes viola and chamber music, creating a broader framework across keyboard, string, and ensemble performance.

For the first time, in-person regional preliminary rounds will be held in different parts of the world between July and September 2026. Outstanding participants will advance to the final round in Beijing in November, strengthening the competition's international presence and competitive level.

New public engagement initiatives will include online voting and an Audience Prize. In addition to evaluation by an international jury, audiences around the world will be able to follow performances online and support their favorite young musicians.

The competition is open to musicians under 18 and includes amateur and professional divisions. The jury will bring together renowned soloists, conductors, and music educators. Performances will feature the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sergey Smbatyan, and all events will be broadcast live.

Alongside the competition, the Khachaturian Youth Music Week will return with masterclasses, educational programs, concerts, and innovative public events, connecting competition, education, communication, and cultural dialogue.

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