Young composer Grigori Balasanyan will soon present his second opera to the public

Young and promising composer Grigori Balasanyan recently graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee — a full year ahead of schedule. This was reported by Tert.am.

The Conservatory also selected the young composer to serve as a commencement speaker and deliver a speech during the graduation ceremony. However, Grigori will continue his studies at his alma mater, now as a master’s student.

Today, 21-year-old Grigori Balasanyan is recognized both in Armenia and abroad. The young composer's music stands out for its emotional depth, strong national identity, and contemporary sound.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the path he has taken so far and explore his plans for the future.

Entering the World of Music

Grigori’s journey with music began at the age of six, when he was first introduced to the piano. Even in his early teens, he was already composing large-scale works.

He released his first music album at the age of ten. “When I was twelve,” Grigori recalls in an interview, “a dance performance of Alice in Wonderland, based on my original score, was staged in Armenia. The production was choreographed by Ellen Grigoryan and Garnik Makaryan.”

“My first ballet, inspired by a fairy tale written by Armenia’s former First Lady Nouneh Sarkissian, was recorded in 2019 by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2021 at the Yerevan State College of Dance. It is considered the first children’s ballet in the history of Armenian music,” the young composer shared.

Representing Armenia on International Stages

On November 16, 2024, Grigori Balasanyan’s first opera, Silent Tears, premiered in Boston in collaboration with the Fenway Opera Club. Based on a true story, the opera portrays the 44-day war and the fate of one family. It was performed twice that day—both times to a full house.

The audience responded warmly to the young composer’s work, with some deeply moved by both the music and the powerful events depicted in the opera.

Earlier that year, on March 3, Balasanyan made his debut at Carnegie Hall as part of the Musical Armenia concert series, where he presented a program of original compositions.

Studying at the Renowned Boston Conservatory at Berklee

In one of his interviews, the young composer emphasized how important it is for him to receive a professional education and grow at one of the world’s leading institutions. In 2022, Grigori was accepted into the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Notably, he was awarded a scholarship for his studies from the conservatory.

“The United States gave me a platform to develop my creative skills in music,” he said in an interview. “Here, I have the freedom to express my ideas through music, and I deeply value the support I receive from the American community. My music doesn’t just stay on paper here—there are always people eager to collaborate, to create new projects, and to contribute to the country’s cultural life. I truly appreciate the love for music in the U.S. and the countless opportunities this country has given me to advance in my field.”

Upcoming Projects

Young composer Grigori Balasanyan, whom some music industry experts regard as the new Aram Khachaturian of classical music world, continues to create, introducing Armenian culture and traditions to the world. Soon, the composer will present his new opera, The Virgins of Hripsimé, to music lovers around the world.

Lilith Tamrazyan