Crossroads 2025

The Crossroads concert series, organised annually by the cultural NGO Quarter Tone, is entering its eighth year. It includes five concerts in the Armenian capital Yerevan, including two performances by Assonance, Armenia’s only contemporary music ensemble. Guest artists have also been invited: Karmella Tsepkolenko (UA), Elena Schwarz (CH-AU), Jürg Henneberger (CH) and Sonja Mutić (HR). The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation is supporting the concerts.

Contemporary works will be performed, including Armenian premieres and world premieres by international and Armenian composers. A highlight of this year’s programme is the Ensemble Assonance, the only contemporary music ensemble in Armenia and a permanent group of the festival. The ensemble, known for its highly skilled musicians, has realised Armenian and world premieres over the last seven years. They will perform two concerts under the direction of the festival’s renowned guests, Swiss-Australian conductor Elena Schwarz and Swiss conductor Jürg Henneberger. Schwarz, who is known for her dynamic interpretations and promotion of new music, and Henneberger, the founder of Ensemble Phoenix Basel, will bring their extensive experience to the concerts.

The festival will also pay tribute to Karmella Tsepkolenko, a prominent Ukrainian composer, on her 70th birthday, honouring her extraordinary contributions to contemporary music and her resilience in the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Tsepkolenko, who has been commissioned to write a new piece for Ensemble Assonance, will also lead a workshop and give a lecture.

Alongside Tsepkolenko, the festival will see performances from soloists Narek Avagyan (flute) and Anahit Dilbaryan (piano), as well as the Boomerang Ensemble, a group of talented students. These artists are indicative of the festival’s commitment to supporting both emerging and established musicians, and providing a platform for new voices in contemporary music. Another guest at the festival is Sonja Mutić, a composer, performer and multiple award winner.

Further information:
facebook.com/quartertone.org

Dates

April 17, 23, 2025
May 1, 4, 2025
Yerevan

May 7, 2025
Charentsavan