Armenian cellist wins International Tchaikovsky Competition
An Armenian cellist has been recognized winner in the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition. Narek Hakhnazaryan won a gold medal and a prize of EUR 20,000.
The second and third prizes in this category went to France and Germany respectively.
Before the competition a video appeared on Youtube showing conductor Mark Gorenstein insulting the Armenian violoncellist in a rehearsal. Gorenstein used offensive language against Hakhnazaryan without knowing that his words were being recorded and broadcast live.
According to critics, the conductor aimed to expert psychological pressure on the Armenian participant and to thwart his performance at the competition.
The International Music Competition Committee condemned the conductor's behavior, following which Gorenstein was replaced by another conductor.
