By Rebecca C. Howard
Deseret Morning News
Aram Arakelyan left his home in Armenia when he was 17 to compete in the Young Artists division of the Bachauer. That was five years ago, and he hasn’t been home since.
Aram Arakelyan “I do get homesick,” he admitted, adding that he talks with his parents — whom he hasn’t seen since he left — several times a week.
But for Arakelyan, it’s worth it. “I feel strongly that it’s one of those things that’s meant to be. I don’t feel that it’s an accident that this is what I’m doing. This is an enormous part of my life. I feel that it’s definitely a gift from (God).”
The Arakelyan of today is a far stretch from the boy who, by his own admission, didn’t practice much. “It was more of a fight between my mom and I whether I should practice or not for a long time.”
But at the age of 14, Arakelyan found a teacher who lit his enthusiasm for music. “After seeing that I could do it, that it was possible, it just kind of started growing on me. It was kind of a life-changing experience, you might say.”
Now Arakelyan is completing a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University under the tutelage of Gary Amano. He said Bachauer director Paul Pollei helped him find his teacher and college after the Young Artists competition.
Arakelyan says that he plans to continue studying in the United States, hoping to get I at least one more degree, and “see whatever life brings after that.”
If you go
What: Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition
Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South
When: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
How much: through June 28, $15; June 29 and 30, $22-$42
Phone: 355-2787 or 888-451-2787
Web: www.arttix.org
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