Victorya (15) and Lyana (14) Ulikhanyan, sisters from Yerevan, have already distinguished themselves as young musicians who elevate Armenia’s presence on international stages. Winners of the Linda Gumuchian Centenary Prize this year, they stand as a testament to the immense potential of Armenia’s youth and the need for collective support to help them achieve their dreams.
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Victorya Ulikhanyan: A Violinist and Composer with a Creative Vision
Victorya has pursued violin and composition with equal dedication. A student at the P.I. Tchaikovsky Music School, she studies violin under Stella Altunyan in Armenia and Vladyslava Luchenko in Europe. Her talent has been recognized through numerous awards, including First Prize at the BTHVN Wien International Music Competition (2022), the Edward Mirzoyan Composing Competition (2022, 2024), and the North International Music Competition in Stockholm (2020).
Victorya’s compositions reveal a thoughtful approach to musical storytelling, blending technical mastery with emotional depth. During the 2024 Zartonk Academy held in Yerevan, her trio performed for Levon Chilingirian left a strong impression with its vibrant colours and evocative melodies. As a violinist, she has performed solo with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and continues to captivate audiences in prestigious venues across Europe and Armenia.
Lyana Ulikhanyan: A Cellist Capturing Hearts Around the Globe
Lyana has been studying cello since the age of four. Her early talent earned her the Grand Prize in a 2018 competition by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, where she received a cello as her award. A student of Denis Severin at the Tchaikovsky Music School, her extraordinary abilities have earned her acclaim across Europe and beyond. Lyana’s achievements include First Prizes at the CellEAST International Cello Competition in Bucharest (2024), the International Cello Competition in Bratislava (2024), and the Geneva Junior Music Competition (2023).
Her performances with orchestras such as the Nova Orchester Wien (NOW!), the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra have showcased her deep musicality and ability to connect with audiences. Lyana has also benefited from masterclasses with renowned cellists, including Misha Maisky, Wen-Sinn Yang, and Danjulo Ishizaka, and recently at Zartonk with Narek Hakhnazaryan, further refining her craft.
Supporting Armenia’s Future
Victorya and Lyana are already representing Armenia on the world’s most prestigious stages, showcasing not just their individual talents but also the country’s potential to nurture exceptional artists. However, their continued success requires more than their hard work—it requires a commitment from all of us to have their backs.
Armenians worldwide must realize that the future of our nation lies in empowering its people. By supporting young talents like Victorya and Lyana, we invest in a brighter, more inspiring future for Armenia. These sisters are living proof of what can be achieved when talent is met with opportunity, and it is up to us to ensure they have the resources to continue their remarkable journey.
This is the time for deep reflection and collective action. Victorya and Lyana are paving the way for Armenia’s presence in global music to grow stronger. Let us stand behind them, ensuring they can reach even greater heights.
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