Grigori Balasanyan: The Young Virtuoso Shaping the Future of Armenian Classical Music

At just 20 years old, Armenian composer and pianist Grigori Balasanyan has already made a significant impact in the world of classical and contemporary music. On November 16 of last year, the young composer premiered his first opera, Silent Tears, in Boston in collaboration with the Fenway Opera Club. The opera is based on a true story, depicting the 44-day war and the fate of a family caught in its turmoil. A documentary about the creation of the opera and the story behind it is currently in production in Boston and is set to be released in late spring 2025.

Balasanyan’s music frequently incorporates political and social themes, particularly major historical events. His opera Silent Tears is a striking example of this approach.

He began composing at the age of 8, and by 10, he had already released his first musical album. His works seamlessly blend Armenian heritage with modern musical elements. His portfolio includes two instrumental albums, two ballets, an opera, a piano concerto, and numerous pieces for chamber and symphonic orchestras.

At the age of 12, after reading Alice in Wonderland, Balasanyan composed a musical piece inspired by Alice and the story’s many characters. Ellen Grigoryan and Garnik Makaryan later transformed this composition into a theatrical dance show, which was staged in Armenia. Following this, then-First Lady of Armenia, Nune Sarkissian, invited Balasanyan to compose a ballet based on her children's book—an incredibly complex task for a school-aged boy. Nevertheless, within a year, he completed the ballet’s score, which was recorded in 2019 by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.

From a young age, Balasanyan dreamed of studying at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. To achieve this goal, he worked diligently to build an impressive portfolio that would secure his admission into such a prestigious institution. Today, he is a composition student at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Even during his studies, he continues to create new works that are performed across the United States. While still a high school student in Burbank, California, an animation based on his composition, Mayas, was showcased at Nickelodeon Studios. He has also composed several soundtracks for short films.

In March 2024, Balasanyan performed at Carnegie Hall as part of the 39th Musical Armenia concert series. The program featured the world premiere of his Transcendence in TurmoilString Quartet No. 2, along with his solo piano pieces Farewell, Yerevan and Armenian Rhapsody. This milestone made him the youngest Armenian composer to perform his own works on such a prestigious stage.

Balasanyan represents a new generation of musicians who not only preserve Armenia’s rich musical heritage but also expand its global reach.

Anna Vardanyan