Orchestra Fantastique
Orchestra Fantastique is the latest evolution of Tigran Arakelyan’s lifelong mission to bring orchestral music to new audiences, unconventional spaces, and underserved communities. Since beginning his conducting career in 2009, Arakelyan has been a pioneer in breaking classical music out of the traditional concert hall—most notably conducting the first orchestral performance in a Pacific Northwest bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Since then, he has led orchestras into cafes, bars, homeless shelters, hospitals, abandoned buildings, and many other non-traditional venues.
His work with Orchestra Fantastique provides musicians with the rare opportunity to perform in unique settings, bringing orchestral music to new listeners and filling spaces where it has never been heard before. His 2009 debut was hailed by Seattle Weekly for its "confident" and "exciting" interpretation. Arakelyan’s leadership also extends to numerous community initiatives, earning him recognition as one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals.
To further this impact, Orchestra Fantastique emphasizes:
His work with Orchestra Fantastique provides musicians with the rare opportunity to perform in unique settings, bringing orchestral music to new listeners and filling spaces where it has never been heard before. His 2009 debut was hailed by Seattle Weekly for its "confident" and "exciting" interpretation. Arakelyan’s leadership also extends to numerous community initiatives, earning him recognition as one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals.
To further this impact, Orchestra Fantastique emphasizes:
- Immersive Audience Connection: By removing the physical and social barriers of the traditional stage, the orchestra transforms listening into a shared, visceral experience where the music breathes in community spaces.
- Collaborative Innovation: The ensemble collaborates with non-classical artists and local businesses, blending genres and disciplines to reflect the vibrant, diverse culture of the modern world and the communities.
- Global Vision, Local Roots: The orchestra remains deeply rooted in local advocacy, performing in spaces where live classical music has never been heard before.
- Masterpieces and New Music: Arakelyan continues to champion both orchestral staples and contemporary compositions in unconventional venues.
- New Genres and Non-Traditional Collaborations: Tigran has led orchestral collaborations with hip-hop artists, jazz musicians, poets, dancers, and multimedia creators. He also features instruments that rarely take center stage, such as the concertina, tuba, bandoneon, and timpani among others.
"But many can’t imagine classical music in the Seattle area without Arakelyan.
... is known for finding unusual venues for all of his projects, from bars to cafes to homeless shelters." - Musical America Worldwide
In addition to his interest in bringing classical music into unconventional spaces, Arakelyan has maintained an interest in bringing the many genres of music into classical music. - Peninsula Daily
... is known for finding unusual venues for all of his projects, from bars to cafes to homeless shelters." - Musical America Worldwide
In addition to his interest in bringing classical music into unconventional spaces, Arakelyan has maintained an interest in bringing the many genres of music into classical music. - Peninsula Daily
