Testimonials
I had the pleasure of meeting Tigran during our conversation on his 2020 podcast. It was such a joy to share this time with him, his passion for music and art is genuine, inspiring and infused with positive energy from the heart. Even though we had only just met virtually, I felt as if I'd known him for years and that we could have talked for hours. I can imagine that he brings this great enthusiasm to his onstage musical collaborations as well. During these challenging pandemic times, Tigran is among those who rises to the occasion to create meaningful experiences that engage and unite us all. Congratulations on your remarkable collection of interviews, and thank you for including me!
- Sharon Isbin | multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist
Talking with Tigran let me go places in my memory that I thought I had lost and I’m grateful to him for simply listening and allowing me to open doors and dreams to my past in the most musical and sensitive way. Like Brahms’ last clarinet sonata, “Amabile con dolce e espressivo."
- Richard Stoltzman | multi-Grammy winning clarinetist
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
After a lifetime of interviews, it takes a lot to impress me about an interviewer. Frankly, I was blown away by Tigran Arakelyan and his skill in this genre. He is prepared, knowledgeable, intelligent and witty—and he is completely comfortable with the technology involved. One of the best interview experiences in many years!
- Ransom Wilson | conductor and one of the greatest flutists of his generation
Thanks so much for posting the excellent interview. This is definitely a memorable experience and something I rarely do. I appreciate your thoughtful questions and for listening to my story. If you plan to be in the New York area at any time, please feel free to contact me. With all good wishes. - George Walker | Pulitzer Prize winning composer and pianist
It was a genuine pleasure to be interviewed by Tigran Arakelyan. Our conversation offered a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with someone who doesn’t only possess encyclopedic knowledge of unique details of the classical music business, but also a person with a genuine passion, understanding, and love for this great art form
- Eugene Izotov | San Francisco Symphony (Principal Oboe); oboe faculty at The Colburn School and SF Conservatory of Music
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, Goucher College
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
He came to every rehearsal prepared, enthusiastic, and with a professional attitude. I found Tigran easy to work with and open to all my musical and technical suggestions.
- Russell Steinberg Ph.D | Artistic Director, Los Angeles Youth Orchestra
The interview that Tigran Arakelyan did with me a few years ago was one of the most enjoyable I’ve given over a lifetime of many such. Tigran is an engaging listener and knows how to draw the best out of each one of us.
- Craig Sheppard | concert pianist and Professor at the University of Washington
I had a wonderful time talking about music and life with Tigran on Off The Podium. I've done a lot of interviews, but Tigran's questions were so interesting and intelligent that I almost forgot we were taping. That's the mark of a great interviewer and usually the way you get to the authentic core of topics. We need more podcasts like this one that seek to illuminate the diversity of voices in the classical music industry.
- Yolanda Kondonassis | One of the world’s premier solo harpists.
Tigran is one of the most engaging interviewers that I have experienced in my career as a composer. He's thoughtful, intelligent, a great listener, and comes up with questions that others would overlook or not even imagine. He was fully prepared for an interview with me and asked interesting and thought-provoking questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour I spent with him and I whole-heartedly recommend his podcast to anyone who is interested in some of the underlying issues with the field of music today. He starts with the music, but then ventures far beyond that, which in my opinion, is a great thing!
- Robert Aldridge | Grammy award winning composer
I was very pleased to have participated in an interview with Maestro Tigran Arakelyan, it was a pleasure. The interview maintained at a good pace that I’m sure kept the interest of the listening audience and kept my interest. Another way of saying Mr. Arakelyan asked me all the questions that were comfortable for me. I look forward to another occasion of the next collaboration.
- Roger Bobo | tuba virtuoso
I had the great pleasure of talking to Tigran on his podcast. Very to the point questions and a nice atmosphere. He might even have tricked me into revealing some deep trade secrets!
- Øystein Baadsvik | tuba soloist and one of the top brass players in the world
Tigran has a fantastic podcast, his conversation and questions are researched and thoughtful, centered in the ideas of art and the deep issues that we face in today’s world. I recommend that everyone should listen to his podcasts, because you‘ll have a beautiful experience staying with you all whole day.
- Wadada Leo Smith | trumpeter and composer
A short while ago Tigran Arakelyan interviewed me for his Podcast. Tigran was well-prepared and articulate. His thoughtful questions helped to shape the experience in a satisfying and informative manner. I enjoyed every moment of it!
- Martin Bresnick | Professor of Composition at Yale University
I am very happy to see a serious, motivated, talented musician who has a goal and is pursuing it.
- Bern Herbolsheimer | composer
I recently had the pleasure of performing with Tigran and the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra and was impressed by his ability to continually elicit the best from the symphony’s young musicians.
- Michael Nicolella | guitarist and composer
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, Lark Musical Society
I highly recommend Tigran Arakelyan’s podcast “Off the Podium”. As a guest of Mr. Arakelyan, I found him to be quite knowledgable about my work and warmly personable. His questions were perceptive and went into much more interesting musical territory than most interviews I’ve experienced. Our discussion was both substantive and enjoyable! I’d be delighted to return to “Off the Podium”.
- Robert Dick | flutist, inventor and composer. NYU Professor.
Tigran, that was fantastic!! Thank you SO much, you are one of the best interviewers I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with! You really get what this music is all about!
- Ali Ryerson | jazz flutist
I feel very lucky and privileged to have taken part in Tigran Arakelyan's 'Off The Podium' podcasts. It was a real pleasure to be interviewed and a luxury to speak at such length, and so freely. Tigran is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient interviewer whose curiosity about the nature of music has resulted in this extraordinary series of interesting and informative podcasts. The astonishingly wide range of musical practitioners he has now included in the series is a testament to his eclecticism and openness. I've found the series to be educational, entertaining – a true delight.
- James Gardner | composer
I'm honoured to be one of the early interviewees of Tigran Arakelyan's brilliant podcast series, Let's Talk Off The Podium. Tigran series was vibrant, entertaining and thought-provoking, touching on a range of artistic, educational and professional topics of interest to professional musicians and music lovers around the world. He is a highly competent and gifted broadcaster, whose interview style invites his subjects to be open and candid.
- Des Oliver | composer
Doing an interview with Tigran is such an engaging experience. He has a natural ability of curating a conversation based on a genuine sense of interest, curiosity, and respect. In addition to asking thought-provoking questions, he also possesses so much charm and a great sense of wit and humor. After friends and colleagues heard the podcast, everyone made special mention of Tigran’s interview style and effective skills from a technical and artistic point of view. I’m honored to have been asked to be a guest with him and I hope others can learn from his stellar example!
- Kris Kwapis | Virtuoso Baroque Trumpet and Cornetto
I thoroughly enjoyed an interesting and collegial chat with Tigran Arakelyan as part of his "Off the Podium" podcast. Mr. Arakelyan is a generous and knowledgeable advocate for music and — perhaps more important — *thought* about music.
- James Romig | composer
Tigran’s “Off The Podium” podcast was an experience I was humbled to have alongside an impressive group of contributors over the years. Sharing my story with his audience gave me an opportunity to think deeply about the ideas and perspectives I have in a field full of opportunities and challenges.
- Stanford Thompson | Founder and Executive Director of Play on Philly
How wonderful to have another musician, an orchestral conductor who clearly has many irons in the fire, and a long list of accomplishments in his own right, interview me about my work as a composer for multi-media. He came to our meeting refreshingly prepared, familiar with my work, and quite selfless and magnanimous in his role as interviewer. His enthusiasm for music, art and craft is inspiring.
- Steve Kirk | composer
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 | 1st violinist, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
The artistic knowledge of the orchestra’s new director, Tigran Arakelyan, is taking the group to new levels. He's a real force of nature.
- Matthew Daline | Viola Professor and Coordinator of String Area at Bowling Green State University
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 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. Musical ability is only one important factor in overall conductor abilities. 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.
-James Lux | Board President, Whidbey Island Orchestra
- Sharon Isbin | multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist
Talking with Tigran let me go places in my memory that I thought I had lost and I’m grateful to him for simply listening and allowing me to open doors and dreams to my past in the most musical and sensitive way. Like Brahms’ last clarinet sonata, “Amabile con dolce e espressivo."
- Richard Stoltzman | multi-Grammy winning clarinetist
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
After a lifetime of interviews, it takes a lot to impress me about an interviewer. Frankly, I was blown away by Tigran Arakelyan and his skill in this genre. He is prepared, knowledgeable, intelligent and witty—and he is completely comfortable with the technology involved. One of the best interview experiences in many years!
- Ransom Wilson | conductor and one of the greatest flutists of his generation
Thanks so much for posting the excellent interview. This is definitely a memorable experience and something I rarely do. I appreciate your thoughtful questions and for listening to my story. If you plan to be in the New York area at any time, please feel free to contact me. With all good wishes. - George Walker | Pulitzer Prize winning composer and pianist
It was a genuine pleasure to be interviewed by Tigran Arakelyan. Our conversation offered a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with someone who doesn’t only possess encyclopedic knowledge of unique details of the classical music business, but also a person with a genuine passion, understanding, and love for this great art form
- Eugene Izotov | San Francisco Symphony (Principal Oboe); oboe faculty at The Colburn School and SF Conservatory of Music
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, Goucher College
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
He came to every rehearsal prepared, enthusiastic, and with a professional attitude. I found Tigran easy to work with and open to all my musical and technical suggestions.
- Russell Steinberg Ph.D | Artistic Director, Los Angeles Youth Orchestra
The interview that Tigran Arakelyan did with me a few years ago was one of the most enjoyable I’ve given over a lifetime of many such. Tigran is an engaging listener and knows how to draw the best out of each one of us.
- Craig Sheppard | concert pianist and Professor at the University of Washington
I had a wonderful time talking about music and life with Tigran on Off The Podium. I've done a lot of interviews, but Tigran's questions were so interesting and intelligent that I almost forgot we were taping. That's the mark of a great interviewer and usually the way you get to the authentic core of topics. We need more podcasts like this one that seek to illuminate the diversity of voices in the classical music industry.
- Yolanda Kondonassis | One of the world’s premier solo harpists.
Tigran is one of the most engaging interviewers that I have experienced in my career as a composer. He's thoughtful, intelligent, a great listener, and comes up with questions that others would overlook or not even imagine. He was fully prepared for an interview with me and asked interesting and thought-provoking questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour I spent with him and I whole-heartedly recommend his podcast to anyone who is interested in some of the underlying issues with the field of music today. He starts with the music, but then ventures far beyond that, which in my opinion, is a great thing!
- Robert Aldridge | Grammy award winning composer
I was very pleased to have participated in an interview with Maestro Tigran Arakelyan, it was a pleasure. The interview maintained at a good pace that I’m sure kept the interest of the listening audience and kept my interest. Another way of saying Mr. Arakelyan asked me all the questions that were comfortable for me. I look forward to another occasion of the next collaboration.
- Roger Bobo | tuba virtuoso
I had the great pleasure of talking to Tigran on his podcast. Very to the point questions and a nice atmosphere. He might even have tricked me into revealing some deep trade secrets!
- Øystein Baadsvik | tuba soloist and one of the top brass players in the world
Tigran has a fantastic podcast, his conversation and questions are researched and thoughtful, centered in the ideas of art and the deep issues that we face in today’s world. I recommend that everyone should listen to his podcasts, because you‘ll have a beautiful experience staying with you all whole day.
- Wadada Leo Smith | trumpeter and composer
A short while ago Tigran Arakelyan interviewed me for his Podcast. Tigran was well-prepared and articulate. His thoughtful questions helped to shape the experience in a satisfying and informative manner. I enjoyed every moment of it!
- Martin Bresnick | Professor of Composition at Yale University
I am very happy to see a serious, motivated, talented musician who has a goal and is pursuing it.
- Bern Herbolsheimer | composer
I recently had the pleasure of performing with Tigran and the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra and was impressed by his ability to continually elicit the best from the symphony’s young musicians.
- Michael Nicolella | guitarist and composer
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, Lark Musical Society
I highly recommend Tigran Arakelyan’s podcast “Off the Podium”. As a guest of Mr. Arakelyan, I found him to be quite knowledgable about my work and warmly personable. His questions were perceptive and went into much more interesting musical territory than most interviews I’ve experienced. Our discussion was both substantive and enjoyable! I’d be delighted to return to “Off the Podium”.
- Robert Dick | flutist, inventor and composer. NYU Professor.
Tigran, that was fantastic!! Thank you SO much, you are one of the best interviewers I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with! You really get what this music is all about!
- Ali Ryerson | jazz flutist
I feel very lucky and privileged to have taken part in Tigran Arakelyan's 'Off The Podium' podcasts. It was a real pleasure to be interviewed and a luxury to speak at such length, and so freely. Tigran is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient interviewer whose curiosity about the nature of music has resulted in this extraordinary series of interesting and informative podcasts. The astonishingly wide range of musical practitioners he has now included in the series is a testament to his eclecticism and openness. I've found the series to be educational, entertaining – a true delight.
- James Gardner | composer
I'm honoured to be one of the early interviewees of Tigran Arakelyan's brilliant podcast series, Let's Talk Off The Podium. Tigran series was vibrant, entertaining and thought-provoking, touching on a range of artistic, educational and professional topics of interest to professional musicians and music lovers around the world. He is a highly competent and gifted broadcaster, whose interview style invites his subjects to be open and candid.
- Des Oliver | composer
Doing an interview with Tigran is such an engaging experience. He has a natural ability of curating a conversation based on a genuine sense of interest, curiosity, and respect. In addition to asking thought-provoking questions, he also possesses so much charm and a great sense of wit and humor. After friends and colleagues heard the podcast, everyone made special mention of Tigran’s interview style and effective skills from a technical and artistic point of view. I’m honored to have been asked to be a guest with him and I hope others can learn from his stellar example!
- Kris Kwapis | Virtuoso Baroque Trumpet and Cornetto
I thoroughly enjoyed an interesting and collegial chat with Tigran Arakelyan as part of his "Off the Podium" podcast. Mr. Arakelyan is a generous and knowledgeable advocate for music and — perhaps more important — *thought* about music.
- James Romig | composer
Tigran’s “Off The Podium” podcast was an experience I was humbled to have alongside an impressive group of contributors over the years. Sharing my story with his audience gave me an opportunity to think deeply about the ideas and perspectives I have in a field full of opportunities and challenges.
- Stanford Thompson | Founder and Executive Director of Play on Philly
How wonderful to have another musician, an orchestral conductor who clearly has many irons in the fire, and a long list of accomplishments in his own right, interview me about my work as a composer for multi-media. He came to our meeting refreshingly prepared, familiar with my work, and quite selfless and magnanimous in his role as interviewer. His enthusiasm for music, art and craft is inspiring.
- Steve Kirk | composer
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 | 1st violinist, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
The artistic knowledge of the orchestra’s new director, Tigran Arakelyan, is taking the group to new levels. He's a real force of nature.
- Matthew Daline | Viola Professor and Coordinator of String Area at Bowling Green State University
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 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. Musical ability is only one important factor in overall conductor abilities. 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.
-James Lux | Board President, Whidbey Island Orchestra