David Abrahamyan: ”I am thankful to Konstantin Ishkhanov for his unwavering commitment and remarkable efforts towards ICCF 2025

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David Abrahamyan, Artistic Director of International Chamber Classics Festival

The International Chamber Classics Festival’s (ICCF) inaugural edition, organised by the CMDI (Classical Music Development Initiative) Group in collaboration with the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel of Brussels, is all set to make a grand debut in Brussels, Belgium, from May 9th to 13th. This week-long affair, led by Artistic Director David Abrahamyan and President Konstantin Ishkhanov, is a visionary endeavour incorporating a unique blend of events dedicated to the beauty of chamber music, featuring masterclasses by distinguished professors along with intimate evening concerts, highlighting collaboration between seasoned artists and up-and-coming talent. 

“It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Konstantin Ishkhanov, the President of ICCF, on this exceptional initiative,” Abrahamyan expressed. “The International Chamber Classics Festival will highlight the richness of chamber music and offer an invaluable platform for young musicians to advance their musical aspirations. Leading this project is a tremendous honour, and I am deeply thankful to Konstantin Ishkhanov, as well as Anne-Lise Parotte and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel for their unwavering commitment and remarkable efforts in bringing this vision to life.”

Set in the heart of Europe, ICCF will be hosted in Brussels, the home of the European Union, a historic city renowned for wearing art on its sleeve, with a deep-rooted love for chamber music and a rich cultural identity. Speaking on the inspiration and vision behind the musical affair, Abrahamyan said, ”Inspirations came from many places. My experience of living in Brussels was undoubtedly one of them, as was the genuine satisfaction and joy I get from making music of the highest level with good friends, especially when you combine that with the crucial educational factor. However, most importantly, perhaps, was my friendship with Konstantin Ishkhanov because this was the starting point of everything. As soon as this idea came to me, he was the first person I spoke to because we share a similar passion for classical music and the desire to see things done with excellence and dedication.”

Konstantin Ishkhanov, The President of International Chamber Classics Festival

He added, ”The vision is always to maintain the highest possible level of artistic excellence in combination with the crucial aspect, for me at least, of educational brilliance. My initial dream was to inspire young future players, students, and institutions, to connect the great masters of our time with the stars of the future, and to do all that in wonderful and historical locations. It is a wonderful honour, and to see young players get the opportunity of making music with great maestros like Claudio Bohorquez or Yossif Ivanov is always a very inspiring experience, both for us and for them, and it will help to motivate them to improve and grow as musicians.”