After receving unexpected news about illness of dearly awaited composer and cellist Givanni Sollima visiting Cello Cēsis festival, in the concert of September 15 we will hear the rising cello star Narek Hakhnazaryan.

Since winning the Cello First Prize and Gold Medal at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011 at the age of 22, Narek Hakhnazaryan has performed with most major orchestras and in recital and chamber music across the globe at many of the world’s most prestigious festivals. A former BBC New Generation Artist, Hakhnazaryan is currently one of the Vienna Konzerthaus’s Great Talents appearing regularly at the Konzerthaus in recital, chamber music and with orchestra. He has been described as “dazzlingly brilliant” (The Strad) and “nothing short of magnificent" (San Francisco Chronicle) and of his LAPO debut, the LA Times said “His command of the instrument is extraordinary”.