David Abrahamyan Appointed Artistic Director of ICCF
The ICCF is happy to announce the appointment of David Abrahamyan as its new Artistic Director, entrusting the celebrated violist and cultural leader with shaping the festival’s upcoming editions and long-term artistic vision.
Abrahamyan began his musical training with Oleg Lev, a solo member of the Moscow Virtuosi, before continuing his studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht under Henk Guittart of the Schoenberg Quartet and Boris Belkin, graduating cum laude with a Master of Music degree. His refinement as an artist led him to further scholarships at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, where he worked with Tobby Appel and Patinka Kopec.
Throughout his formative years he sought inspiration from some of the most influential violists of our time, including studies with Tabea Zimmermann in Berlin, Antoine Tamestit in Paris, Yuri Bashmet in Siena, and Diemut Poppen in Detmold.
Still at a young age, Abrahamyan embarked on an active orchestral career, collaborating with ensembles such as the Luxembourg Philharmonic and appearing as principal viola in major European projects. He has performed under legendary conductors including Claudio Abbado, Zubin Mehta, Bernard Haitink, Jesús López Cobos, and Plácido Domingo.
As a soloist, his repertoire ranges from Telemann and Johann Christian Bach to Hindemith’s Trauermusik, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, and Bruch’s Double Concerto. Alongside his performing career, he has shown a strong commitment to education and artistic development. Between 2005 and 2009 he founded and directed the “Mejora musical” masterclasses in Asturias, inviting distinguished international professors and fostering a new generation of performers.
A passionate chamber musician, Abrahamyan has shared the stage with artists such as Daishin Kashimoto, Alina Pogostkina, Boris Brovtsyn, Ilya Gringolts, Maxim Rysanov, and many others, in leading halls across Europe and the Americas.
With this combination of international experience, pedagogical dedication, and an extensive artistic network, Abrahamyan brings to ICCF a dynamic profile well suited to expanding the festival’s reach while maintaining the highest musical standards. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter and a forward-looking vision rooted in excellence, collaboration, and discovery.
