Sarkis Zakarian

Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares
19 November
St. James's Piccadilly

Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music with the highest distinction, Sarkis Zakarian has pursued a performing career in the United Kingdom and abroad. In 2005 he gave a highly acclaimed debut recital at London's Wigmore Hall and following pianist Fou T'song's recommendation, Sarkis was invited to attend the International Piano Academy Lake Como in Italy where he had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as Leon Fleisher, Claude Frank, Fou T'song, Dmitri Bashkirov and Charles Rosen.

Sarkis was a prize-winner of various competitions in the United Kingdom. He has appeared in venues such as the Purcell Room and St.Martin-in-the-Fields and has been invited to perform solo recitals and chamber music in international festivals such as the Festival der Kunste in Germany, the Glories of the Keyboard Festival in Manchester and the Varna Summer International Music Festival. He was also invited as a member of the jury of the 2nd International Arts Festival La Paon Lamineux in Varna in 2006. His interest in collaborating with contemporary composers led to the inspiring experience of meeting Estonian composer Arvo Part and since then Sarkis has premiered some of the composer's works in London, which were broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Recently, Sarkis's concert engagements included performances of the Mozart Concerto K414 with the AGBU Chamber Orchestra – Sofia, and a performance of the Schumann Piano Quintet with the Chilingirian String Quartet during the March Music Days Festival in Russe.

Born in Varna, Bulgaria in 1978, Sarkis first studied with Miryana Savova at the Dobri Hristov Music School. He continued his studies in London with Professor Patsy Toh at the Purcell School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music where he also worked with visiting professors Maria Curcio and Dominique Merlet. Presently, Sarkis lives in London.

"Zakarian showed playing of considerable individuality, harnessed by the most beautiful bel canto lines and endorsed by a true spirit of spontaneity."
- The Piano Magazine