World-class pianist, Hills resident Vatche Jambazian prepares for the Australian National Piano Awards

HE HAS lived and performed in theatres and halls from London to Spain and even New York, but world-class pianist Vatche Jambazian (pictured) says there is no place like the Hills.

Vatche Jambazian is an international pianist originally from Castle Hill.

HE HAS lived and performed in theatres and halls from London to Spain and even New York, but world-class pianist Vatche Jambazian (pictured) says there is no place like the Hills.

The 31-year-old international concert pianist, who grew up on the northern beaches and Castle Hill, has returned from his studies in the US to take part in the Australian National Piano Awards from September 3 to 8.

“The last three years I have been living performing and studying in New York,” Jambazian said.

“But it all started when I had my first big break in London several years ago.

Vatche Jambazian is an international pianist originally from Castle Hill.

“I was playing for a range of musicians over there and one of the violinists had to cancel a concert at the last minute. Her management brought me in to fill the space and that is when my career began to flourish.”

At the age of 16 Jambazian made his international debut while performing a televised recital as part of the Independence Day celebrations in Yerevan, Armenia — his parents’ homeland.

He was accepted into the renowned Juilliard School in New York to study his masters and then went on to undertake his doctorate in Musical Arts at the Manhattan School of Music.

“When I was accepted to Juilliard, my career just exploded,” he said. “I have been performing across the globe ever since. I had my Sydney Opera House debut last June and even had the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York.”

“I first tackled this competition at the age of 23 … I wasn’t prepared but I loved every moment. It is nice to go back, have fun and try my luck again,” he said.

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