Emir Kusturica’s Kustendorf Classic 2025 to feature Armenian artists

Press release by Armenian State Symphony Orchestra 

From September 4 to 6, in the famous ethno-village “Mećavnik” created by renowned film director Emir Kusturica, the next edition of the International Classical Music Festival Kustendorf Classic will take place. Each year, the festival brings together young musicians and distinguished masters from across the globe.

Upon the recommendation and with the support of Emir Kusturica’s longtime friend- violinist, producer, and founder of Almazian Productions, Khachatur Almazian- the festival program will feature guest artists representing Armenia.

The special guest of this year’s festival will be conductor Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. He will deliver an open lecture for the festival participants.

The stage of “Mećavnik” will also welcome Eva Gevorgyan- a young but already acclaimed Russian-Armenian pianist, who will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

For many years, Emir Kusturica’s festivals have been celebrated for their unique atmosphere and for attracting world-renowned names. In different editions, the guest list has included Monica Bellucci, Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, Jim Jarmusch, Valery Gergiev, Yuri Bashmet, Denis Matsuev, and many others.

Among the anticipated guests this year is mezzo-soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, one of the brightest stars of today’s international opera stage.