I have always found Tigran to be that rare individual, possessing both the passion and work ethic required to achieve goals that others might shy away from. What’s more, Tigran is a responsible and genial individual, a person who contributes openly, free of any agenda, in discussions with his colleagues. I am confident that his unmatched passion and enthusiasm will translate very successfully into any position that he feels qualified to pursue. In summary, I recommend Tigran without reservation. 
- Kent Devereaux
President, New Hampshire Institute of Art

Arakelyan took all four movements at a good clip. His tempo worked excellently in the muscular, punchy first movement...the third movement was white-hot yet lyrically phrased.
- Seattle Weekly By Gavin Borchert 

Knowing Tigran from my work with him in the Rainier Symphony, I sought him out to lead the Mahler Festival.  We needed a leader who could understand the long term and short term needs of the program we are building and could command the respect of the highly skilled musicians who play with us every year.  
Tigran’s musicianship and ability to command the respect of the orchestra has been all I expected of him. He has an uncanny ability to see what is needed from those around him in a way that was lacking in many conductors we have had in the past.  Last summer we performed Mahler’s demanding Symphony #5 with universally positive feedback from both the orchestra and the audience.  His reputation in the Northwest has, in a very short time, put him at the helm of both adult and youth programs that have flourished under his leadership.   
-Mark Lloyd
Board President, Northwest Mahler Festival

​The Armenian Mirror-Spectator called him a "rising star".

"Maestro Arakelyan is following his rousing audition concert last April with a concert entitled A Night at the Ballet, Opera and Symphony." - Port Ludlow Voice

Indeed, Tigran is an extraordinarily multi-talented young musician, fluent in and passionate about modern music and ensemble work. He is kind, courteous, and sensitive to the needs of his students and associates, with whom he seeks to share his technical and theoretical knowledge, expertise, and experience.
- Vatsche Barsoumian
Director of Lark Musical Society

Tigran worked with us for 3 summers, excelling at every component of the program. He has an uncanny ability to grasp complex ideas and develop creative solutions for difficult problems. He charts his own course in his endeavors, which allows him to not only prove his talent and ability, but to stand out from the crowd. As you are aware, in the competitive nature of the arts, this unique gift of his is something to be both treasured and nurtured. He was able to expertly prepare himself for the job, and was able to coach the orchestra like a seasoned professional. 
- Victor Vener
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, California Philharmonic

Mr. Arakelyan has upheld the promise he demonstrated during the audition.
He is very efficient in use of the orchestra’s time. He has clear ideas of what he wants to accomplish musically, has advanced the level of musical interpretation by greater development of nuance in tempo and dynamic variation from those of previous conductors, and has demonstrated the ability to inventively work through musical difficulties. Tigran has demonstrated a willingness and effort to participate in planning and social meetings, and has worked to gain an understanding of the orchestra as a group of people. He has also, very importantly, demonstrated an ability to deal with the sometimes delicate personal relationships that are critical to genial and productive group cooperation, and has effectively combined a willingness to work with board preferences while clearly maintaining his authority position as conductor. I speak for a unanimous board sentiment that we are very pleased to have chosen Tigran to be our conductor and recommend him without reservation for any conducting position.
- James Lux
President of the Board of Directors, Whidbey Island Orchestras

I have had the opportunity to see and hear Tigran's rehearsing and leading an orchestra in performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's 1st Symphony, as well as in premiere of "Torch #1" by young contemporary composer Arshak Andriasov. In both works Mr. Arakelyan demonstrated confidence, ability to easily communicate with orchestra both verbally and with baton, and instrumental knowledge.  It is also quite a joy to hear Tigran Arakelyan play flute - he is an accomplished and imaginative instrumentalist
 - Victor Romasevich
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, 1st violinist 
                         California Chamber Players, violinist, founding member                          

Tigran’s knowledge of music  and good technique were matched by his organizational skills, charismatic manner on the podium and clear passion for the music. His combination of talent, skills and interests has made him into a musician with curiosity, responsibility and a growing artistry.
- Paul Taub
Executive Director, Seattle Chamber Players
Professor of Music, Cornish College of the Arts  

Mr. Arakelyan is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the pieces to be performed and provides clear instructions on how to give a piece the best nuance. Beyond working well with the Board of Directors, and the Musicians, Tigran Arakelyan engages the audience in a wonderful relaxed manner. As a treasurer, during Tigran's time the revenue increased 75% due to larger audiences and his proactive approach to find supporters.
- Ron Meade
Former Treasurer and Board Member, Whidbey Island Orchestra