Armenian composer and pianist Composing music since the age of 8. Released two instrumental music albums, composed two ballets, opera, piano concerto, compositions for chamber orchestra and chamber ensemble, music for cartoons, and short film scores. Youngest Armenian composer to ever compose children's ballet at the age of 14. Considered one of the top 10 young Armenian Composers of Edward Mirzoyan Music Festival as rated by the Composers Union of Armenia. AGBU, Edward Hosharian and Richard R. Tufenkian scholar. Composition student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Silent Tears Opera Premiere
|
Silent Tears is inspired from a story of a family I met in Yerevan, Armenia during the days of war. They fled from the city of Hadrut, Artsakh. It was devastating to see so many children having to flee their homes without their parents. The fathers were either KIA or still fighting. I heard a story of this child, whose mother sacrificed her own life to save her child. Having this story in mind, I had to write an opera that represents a true story for so many children that had to leave their homes”.The opera unfolds in two contrasting yet interconnected settings: the intimate confines of a humble household and the expansive, yet equally poignant, outdoor yard.
As the curtain lifts, we are wrapped in the gentle embrace of familial love. A dedicated mother sings a lullaby to her beloved kid in the comfort of their home, their relationship apparent in the air. With the child finally asleep, the mother goes outside into the garden, where the peaceful beauty of nature provides a sad backdrop to her solitary chore of laundry. |
However, beyond the calm surface is the terrible shadow of loss and longing. Among the fragile rustle of laundry, the mother's voice rises in a mournful tune, a heartbreaking tribute to her loving husband, who was sadly killed in the war. The peace is abruptly broken by the startling sound of sirens, signaling the start of a catastrophe. Bombs fall down from the heavens, shattering the village's precious peace. Desperately racing against time, the mother attempts to shelter her child from danger, only to be crushed by the ruthless attack.
As the smoke clears and the sounds of sorrow resound through the town, the daughter emerges from the house, her world devastated by the sight of her mother's lifeless body. In a genuine expression of grief, she cradles her mother's frozen body in a devastating scene of loss and despair. From the chaos rises the grandmother's calm voice of wisdom and power. She rallies the devastated neighborhood, asking people to leave their homes in pursuit of safety. During the chaos of departure, the grandmother and granddaughter find refuge in a shared sorrow, their voices mingling in a haunting chorus that resonates across the devastated countryside. And as they go, leaving behind the rubble of their previous life, they carry the bittersweet song of remembering, a monument to the eternal power of love and perseverance in the face of tragedy.
--Grigori Balasanyan, composer/conductor
As the smoke clears and the sounds of sorrow resound through the town, the daughter emerges from the house, her world devastated by the sight of her mother's lifeless body. In a genuine expression of grief, she cradles her mother's frozen body in a devastating scene of loss and despair. From the chaos rises the grandmother's calm voice of wisdom and power. She rallies the devastated neighborhood, asking people to leave their homes in pursuit of safety. During the chaos of departure, the grandmother and granddaughter find refuge in a shared sorrow, their voices mingling in a haunting chorus that resonates across the devastated countryside. And as they go, leaving behind the rubble of their previous life, they carry the bittersweet song of remembering, a monument to the eternal power of love and perseverance in the face of tragedy.
--Grigori Balasanyan, composer/conductor
CARNEGIE HALL

The Armenian Prelacy is excited to announce the 2024 Musical Armenia Concert, the thirty- ninth event in the much-loved series that began in 1982. The concert will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
This year, the event will feature two outstanding young artists: Grigori Balasanyan (b. Yerevan, 2004), a brilliant composer and pianist who will be featuring his original compositions solo and accompanied by a string quartet; and Tigran Mardanyan (b. Yerevan, 2003), an award-winning pianist.
Grigori Balasanyan’s compositional style strongly blends his Armenian cultural heritage with contemporary writing styles. A highlight of his career is his first ballet, recorded in 2019 by the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra and premiered in 2021 at the Yerevan State Choreographic College. It became the first children’s ballet recorded in the history of Armenian music. Mr. Balasanyan has won multiple international competitions and released two recordings. He is currently a sophomore composition student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee studying under composer Marti Epstein.
Grigori Balasanyan added.
"Last year I was walking by Carnegie Hall with my family while visiting NYC. While walking by I jokingly said how one day I would perform in Carnegie Hall after which it became a goal of mine.
I am extremely happy to share that I was selected to perform a whole concert in Carnegie Hall on March 3rd, 2024 presenting my composition and the Armenian community. This is indeed one of the best days of my life and I sincerely want to thank all those that believe and support me in this journey. I am incredibly thankful to the committee for selecting me.
The program is going to include a string quartet piece of mine played by the incredible Burbank String Quartet (formed by Boston Conservatory masters students Ricardo Sardinas, Gaia Sbeghen, Celeste Di Meo, and Victoria Skinner), and solo piano pieces".
This year, the event will feature two outstanding young artists: Grigori Balasanyan (b. Yerevan, 2004), a brilliant composer and pianist who will be featuring his original compositions solo and accompanied by a string quartet; and Tigran Mardanyan (b. Yerevan, 2003), an award-winning pianist.
Grigori Balasanyan’s compositional style strongly blends his Armenian cultural heritage with contemporary writing styles. A highlight of his career is his first ballet, recorded in 2019 by the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra and premiered in 2021 at the Yerevan State Choreographic College. It became the first children’s ballet recorded in the history of Armenian music. Mr. Balasanyan has won multiple international competitions and released two recordings. He is currently a sophomore composition student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee studying under composer Marti Epstein.
Grigori Balasanyan added.
"Last year I was walking by Carnegie Hall with my family while visiting NYC. While walking by I jokingly said how one day I would perform in Carnegie Hall after which it became a goal of mine.
I am extremely happy to share that I was selected to perform a whole concert in Carnegie Hall on March 3rd, 2024 presenting my composition and the Armenian community. This is indeed one of the best days of my life and I sincerely want to thank all those that believe and support me in this journey. I am incredibly thankful to the committee for selecting me.
The program is going to include a string quartet piece of mine played by the incredible Burbank String Quartet (formed by Boston Conservatory masters students Ricardo Sardinas, Gaia Sbeghen, Celeste Di Meo, and Victoria Skinner), and solo piano pieces".
Transforming, one of the absolutely best
Musical Armenia Concerts”
- Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian (NYC, USA)
"Silent Tears" opera premiered in Boston, MA
|
Introducing "Silent Tears": A Tribute to the Armenian Victims of Artsakh
In the midst of the chaos and devastation of war, the human spirit often finds its most profound expression. "Silent Tears," an opera that I have had the honor of creating, is a heartfelt tribute to the countless Armenian victims of the conflict in Artsakh. Through the power of music and storytelling, this opera explores the profound bond between a mother and her child in the most trying of circumstances. Set against the backdrop of wartime turmoil, "Silent Tears" tells the poignant tale of a mother's selfless sacrifice and a young girl's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a story of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. As the title suggests, "Silent Tears" captures the profound emotions that often go unspoken during times of conflict. Through the soaring melodies and evocative lyrics, we hope to pay homage to the memory of those who have suffered in Artsakh, and to all those who have experienced the harsh realities of war. This opera is not just a work of art; it is a dedication to the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people. It is a call to remember, honor, and reflect upon the sacrifices made by countless individuals during times of strife. The opera premiered by the Horizon Ensemble in collaboration with Boston Conservatory at Berklee soprano Dee Ypsilantis and Izzi Napoli on October 15th in Boston, MA. |
Chamber Orchestra premiering "The Fallen"
|
This is a string orchestra piece called "The Fallen" dedicated to a war that is going on in my homeland Armenia. I wrote the sketches of this piece back home when the war started. It's a critical piece to me as a living witness and composer, based on an Armenian church bell motive that is varied throughout the piece.
Special thanks to all the Boston Conservatory students, peers and friends that made this premiere happen! |
Boston Conservatory at Berklee: Composition Premieres 2022
|
|
Film scores
|
|
First Children's Ballet
This is the first ballet in the history of Armenian music intended for the youngest audiences” |
The two-movement ballet is based on a fairy tale written by the Former First Lady of Armenia, writer Nouneh Sarkissian. Balasanyan composed the score from the age of 14-15. It was directed by conductor Sergey Smbatyan and recorded by the Armenian State Symphonic Orchestra in December 2019. Vahe Babajanyan, a young danseur and teacher at the Yerevan Ballet Academy, did the choreography. The costumes were designed by Aigana Gali from London, UK.
|