Armenian Rising Star of Eurovision Elen Virabyan
Elen Virabyan is a flutist and co-founder of the Yerevan International Flute Festival (YIFF). She is a prize-winner of Eurovision Young Musicians 2026, twice first-prize winner of the Dutch International Flute Competition and Gnessin Flute Compeition, first-prize winner of the Tampere Flute Competition, and a laureate of the Tokyo Flute Audition.
What were the 3 most important turning points in your development as an artist?
My parents, my music school, and my work ethic.
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Could you describe the role and activities of the flute community in Armenia? What can you tell us about international Armenian events organized for flutists?
In recent years, flute art has been actively developing in Armenia. There are flute concerts, summer flute schools, masterclass series, and much more. The central event and driving force of this development has become the Yerevan International Flute Festival (YIFF), founded in 2023. The founder and artistic director of the festival is my father, Vardan Viramyan. I serve as co-founder. Together with our friends and like-minded partners — the project "Flute Bridges," the State Philharmonia of Armenia, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia under the direction of Eduard Topchyan, and flutists Narek Avagyan and Zara Parvanyan — we have created a platform for bringing world flute professionals together with students from Armenia and other countries. YIFF has become one of the world's crossroads for flutists, building flute bridges. We are very proud of our festival; it reflects our love for the flute and its development in our region.
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What do you enjoy most about performing? What were the 3 most important turning points in your development as an artist?
What I enjoy most is giving energy to the audience and receiving it back. It's a kind of exchange of passions and emotions. That's where I feel in my element. I also love performing in large, beautiful, historic concert halls. And when there's a powerful orchestra behind you — that's when you feel the full passion, the fusion of the composer, the orchestra, the soloist, and the audience. Nothing can be as captivating.
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What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
Just recently I received third prize at Eurovision Young Musicians 2026 in Armenia.
I plan to spend all of July resting, recharging, and preparing new repertoire.
In early August, as part of the international project "Flute Bridges," I will take part in the international flute school "Flute Tour in Armenia."
At the end of summer, I will perform with an orchestra at an international music festival in Europe. Unfortunately, I can't reveal the details just yet.
In mid-September, I will perform in the final of the prestigious Concertino Praga competition with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, where I will perform the entire Violin Concerto by Aram Khachaturian. Then three performances at the Youth Festival in Bohemia (Czech Republic).
I'm really looking forward to my solo concert in Saint Petersburg in October.
Negotiations are also underway for a performance in Canada in mid-October. I hope it all works out.
In early November — the 3rd Yerevan International Flute Festival. I will perform in three concerts: with the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia, with the chamber orchestra KV art, and also in various flute ensembles with world-class stars — our guest artists at the festival.
Taking this opportunity, I invite all students to come to our flute celebration, which will take place from November 2 to 7 in Yerevan.
After the festival, I plan to go to Bulgaria for a flute competition in Varna.
I could go on like this forever 😊
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What are your personal and professional goals?
I want to grow as a great musician and artist, to inspire myself and others. To become a good soloist, build a solo career, and perform with the best orchestras in the world.
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What inspires you most in life?
I'm inspired by traveling, meeting new and interesting people, reading good books, and spending time in nature. These experiences help fill my emotional reservoir.
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What was your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest professional challenge was balancing studies, intensive practice, and international performances at a young age. It requires great discipline, focus, and emotional commitment. But I believe that every challenge helps us grow, and I'm grateful for every opportunity, even when it gets tough.
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Who were your mentors in music? And what did you learn from them?
My mentors are my parents. My mother, Zara Parvanyan, is my flute teacher at the Gnessin Special Music School. She taught me all the technical subtleties of playing. My father helps me understand the emotional depth and meaning behind every piece. Thanks to them, I've learned a great deal and continue to learn.
I also receive a lot of help from flute specialists around the world at various masterclasses within different projects, and on this occasion, I send them my greetings and gratitude.
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What 3 pieces of advice would you give to a young flutist?
Practice mindfully, learn from your mentors while staying true to yourself, and never stop growing as a person — because music is the language of the soul. But without a solid foundation of technique, you won't get far either, so work hard.