Ilya Papoyan

Ilya Papoyan: Musical and Filial Joining to Historical Homeland

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YEREVAN-SAINT PETERSBURG – In June, the Armenian surname Papoyan appeared on posters across Yerevan. Through my friendship with pianist Ilya Papoyan on social networks, I had the opportunity to meet him during his first concert in Yerevan, which led to this interview.

Ilya was born in 2001 in St. Petersburg. In 2011, he enrolled in the Secondary Specialized Music School of the St. Petersburg Conservatory under the guidance of Olga Kurnavina. From 2019 to 2024, he studied under Prof. Alexander Sandler at the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Throughout his education, Ilya has participated in master classes led by Grigory Gruzman, Pavel Nersesyan, Andrei Diev, and Alexander Mndoyants.

Since 2013, Ilya has been recognized as a laureate in various international competitions. At age 15, he became a soloist at the St. Petersburg House of Music. He has performed extensively on prominent stages in Moscow, St. Petersburg, other Russian cities, and internationally. Additionally, Ilya has collaborated with numerous academic symphony orchestras across Russia.

Ilya, at the age of 23, you already have quite an impressive list of performances. What were the advantages and disadvantages of being perceived as a musical prodigy?

I wouldn’t classify myself as a prodigy, which is typically reserved for children who excel effortlessly in a particular field. I have developed and uncovered my abilities gradually, in a continuous search that continues to this day.

Many argue that art is not a sport, yet contests continue to be organized. Having participated in them multiple times, what is your perspective on musical competitions?

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Competitions, for me, are primarily a gateway to the grand stages where I have always dreamed of performing. They also provide invaluable experience and strengthen me musically. The Tchaikovsky Competition, in particular, stands out as the most significant and unforgettable event in a musician’s journey. Participating in this competition marks a pivotal moment where a musician ascends to new levels in career, professional, psychological, and artistic dimensions.

They say that musicians are often mirrored in their music by their personalities in life. For instance, pianist Sviatoslav Richter was reputed to be equally eccentric in both his personal life and his musical performances. Is this true in your case?

Certainly, a person’s personality inevitably shines through in their work. I suppose I’m eccentric myself. I recall an incident from kindergarten when I stood with the choir and sang a completely different song in parallel (I preferred it!). In music, I’ve always aimed to discover my own new paths of development and vision. However, one mustn’t make it a goal in itself; that risks becoming tasteless and exceeding boundaries. I believe that if a musician is truly individualistic, they should not intentionally showcase it in their work. Individuality naturally reveals itself, and one must be professionally prepared to express it.

That’s right! I suppose you are the son of an Armenian father and a non-Armenian mother.

My father, Arthur Papoyan, is half Armenian; he was born in St. Petersburg, but as a child he often visited Yerevan to see relatives. My father has passed on to my mother and me a love for Armenian cuisine; we often cook tolma and other dishes together.

Ilya Papoyan

Is there anything in your temperament and game that could be attributed to your Armenian roots?

It is common to attribute temperament to the Caucasus, so I guess I have Armenian blood in me during my bright and bravura performances. Moreover, I have a deep fondness for Armenian music. I once learned Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto in just a week, nearly without touching the instrument. Unfortunately, this concerto isn’t as widely recognized as his violin concerto, for instance. I dream of performing it again, perhaps in Armenia! 

Last June, the audience in Yerevan warmly embraced your performance. We extend our gratitude to the St. Petersburg Palaces Foundation, especially its artistic director Maria Safaryants, for organizing the music festival. Your rendition of Khachaturian was memorable. Do you plan to explore more works by Armenian composers in your repertoire?

There is a lot of brilliant Armenian music that I plan to master in the future, for example, Arno Babajanyan’s Heroic Ballad.

How did you feel during your first visit to your ancestral homeland?

I had the chance to visit Sevan in Armenia, and I was immediately captivated by its beauty, majesty and the refreshing mountain and sea air. Thankfully, I also got to experience riding a jet ski on Lake Sevan, feeling its power from within. My feelings during my time in my ancestral homeland were incredibly warm and delightful. I’m thrilled to have fulfilled two dreams in one trip: visiting Armenia and exploring Sevan!

We will always look forward to seeing you in Armenia, Ilya!

Thank you very much! I would be delighted to return to Armenia again! On September 18 and 19, I will be performing with the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Nikolai Alekseev, in Yerevan. We will be presenting the works of composer Sergey Rachmaninoff, who holds a special place in my heart! I’m excited to extend this invitation to our dear readers!

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