The 4th Double Crane International Music Festival, scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 10 in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, serves as a bridge transcending language, nationality, and cultural boundaries through music. Co-organized by Taiwanese-American musician Huang Yingyi and local cultural figures from the United States, this international artistic event aims to nurture young musical talents and deepen cross-cultural exchanges. It invites outstanding Chinese music students to actively participate and showcase their professional skills on the world stage.
The festival, organized by the Acevedo Music & Art Education Foundation Inc., upholds its core mission of “cultivating the next generation of musicians.” Through professional training and cultural dialogue, it embodies the idea of using art to promote understanding and inclusivity. Having made its mark in China, Taiwan, Italy, and the United States in previous editions, this year marks the festival’s first foray into Eastern Europe, continuing its vision of international artistic collaboration in Yerevan, a city rich in historical heritage and cultural vibrancy.
Led by Pasadena City’s Intercommunal Relations Committee chair Nat Nehdar and foundation director Huang Yingyi, this edition of the festival has earned the collaboration invitation from the National Komitas State Conservatory of Armenia to jointly create an international platform for teaching and performances. Students of renowned cello teacher Su Yixin will also be participating, injecting new generational musical energy into the event.
Chinese-Indonesian young pianist Chen Zhongshu, who participated in the 3rd edition of the festival, has once again registered to journey to Armenia. Having recently collaborated with local orchestras in performing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto in C Major,” he has demonstrated mature stage presence, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the Double Crane Music Festival in cultivating international young musicians.
Huang Yingyi expressed that Yerevan, with its millennia-old history, is one of the significant cultural and artistic hubs in Eastern Europe. The activities of this edition will encompass multiple concerts held in important local venues and community halls. Apart from receiving intensive professional training, participants will also gain practical experience on the international stage, performing with 25 students from the Music Department of Yerevan State University, engaging in chamber music and symphonic performances, and cultural exchange activities to deepen mutual artistic dialogues.
In terms of faculty composition, the festival has invited several international musicians as instructors, including German cellist Walter Wolhart, Russian musician Ruslan Biryukov, pianist Dmitry Rakhmaninov, as well as Chinese pianists Zhang Jingjing and Huang Yingyi. They will be joined by several professors from the National Conservatory of Armenia, providing one-on-one individual courses and guidance in international master classes.
Enrollment programs cover violin, viola, cello, piano, and vocal training. Participants can also register for the 4th Double Crane Youth International Music Competition to compete for scholarships. The cost of the event is $2,000 (excluding airfare), including individual and master class sessions, competition and opportunities for international concert performances, three meals a day, accommodation in a four-star hotel, and weekend cultural visits. The deadline for registration is March 15, with limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Huang Yingyi believes that music requires no translation as the melody itself is the language of mutual understanding. The Double Crane International Music Festival looks forward to expanding the horizons of young musicians through professional training and cultural exchanges, allowing them to create more harmonious resonance in the world through cross-cultural encounters. ◇