by Hrag Vartanian
Orbelian is an American Russian success story. Born and raised in San Francisco to Armenian and Russian émigré parents, he was appointed musical director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra (MCO) 10 years ago.
His career is marked by some stellar achievements that reflect the level of his talent. At the age of 11, he performed with the San Francisco Symphony and later went to the Soviet Union on a music scholarship. After graduating from New York's Julliard at the age of 18, he began a successful solo career performing with most major orchestras.
The MCO, one of the most prestigious in the world, has been performing to sold out performances since 1956. With Orbelian's arrival in 1991, the MCO began a new, more international phase of its existence. As a conductor, he is vigorous and he has helped cement the MCO's reputation as a first-tier orchestra.
The tireless Orbelian also founded the annual Palaces of St. Petersburg International Festival, which draws hoards of classical music fans to the flamboyant palaces of Russia's second city. He also founded Moscow's "Musical Treasures at the Museums of the Kremlin" concert series.
In a city that has always enjoyed Armenian talent in its concert halls, Orbelian has guided the MCO into performing more than 120 concerts annually and the MCO was given the honor to add the term "Academic" to its official Russian name (Russian State Academic Chamber Orchestra).
