Album Notes

Duo Maestoso- Pianists Gianeh and Ovanes Arakelyan- Gold Medalists at the 2004 World Championships of Performing Arts, Hollywood.

"Excellent pianist with plenty of Technique, Romantic Temperament, and Fire...She plays the jazzy passages of the third movement with even more panache than William Kapell."
-Richard Ginell
Music Critic of the LA Times.

"The performance of the piano concerto is full of color and sweeping power. The agility and conviction of Gianeh's playing is irresistible."
-Peter Burwasser
Fanfare Music Magazine

"I find this new recording by Gianeh Arakelyan very impressive, and not just for her piano playing, which is very accomplished, but also for the contribution of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, and its conductor, Ruben Asatryan. This is a very exciting, even driven performance, which makes the most of Khachaturian's strong rhythmic pulse. A very nice release, and I will certainly want to listen to repeatedly."
-Jerry Dubins
Fanfare Magazine



Gianeh and Ovanes Arakelyan have earned their Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, in the class of world renowned pianist, Professor Daniel Pollack.

The Duo has participated in various music competitions and festivals in the United States and abroad, including performances in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Henry Fonda Theatre, Khachaturian Grand Concert Hall, California Palace of Legion of Honor, Florence Gould Theatre, and among other prestigious halls; in performances with numerous orchestras such as the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony.

The Duo recently were invited to perform at the 39th Gala Concert of the American Youth Symphony, at the esteemed Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in the Los Angeles Music Center, performing the "Carnival of the Animals" by C. Saint-Saens with the AYS, directed by Maestro Alexander Treger.

Press Release:

"It's my pleasure to work with the Duo...Terrific, Great pianists...They have a great future!"
-Maestro Alexander Treger
Music Director and Conductor of AYS
Concertmaster of LA Philharmonic

"The Arakelyans are blessed with abundant technique, and they displayed a graceful feeling for the flourishes and wit of the piano parts."
- Richard Ginell
Music Critic of the LA Times

"I was delighted to hear the excellent performance of Ovanes and Gianeh Arakelyan of the 'Carnival of the Animals' with the American Youth Symphony. Their ensemble had energy, brilliance, sensitivity of nuances and colors, and a strong rhythmic vitality!"
-Daniel Pollack
Concert Pianist