From nearly 11,000 applicants nationwide, Vartan Arakelian ’26 was selected as a YoungArts award recipient on Nov. 25, 2024.

Vartan, who was recognized in the Classical Music/Piano discipline, has been playing the piano for 13 years and grew up around classical music.

“It provides a nice way for me to express myself artistically,” he said. “Every year, I participate in one or two student recitals or competitions as I continue my dedication to music and piano.”

Whether performing in concerts, competitions, or at senior living centers, Vartan uses classical music to convey “emotions that are beyond words,” he said.

“There usually does not exist one ‘right’ way to interpret a piece of music. The same notes might mean different things for different musicians and listeners, and I think this makes the art of musical interpretation so fascinating.”

Applications for the YoungArts awards were due in mid-October. Vartan submitted video recordings of a few pieces from multiple genres, he said.

“One of them had to be a piece that was written in the last 40 years, which was a bit of a challenge to find. I had to record a few takes of each piece and decide which one I liked the best.”

Vartan began working on his submissions a few months before the application deadline.

“Over the summer, I started preparing the pieces I was going to play, so I had some time to practice and make sure I was playing them in a way that felt natural to me and in a way that expressed my true thoughts and feelings. It took a lot of effort, but it was worth it in the end.”

Even though Vartan was honored to receive the recognition from YoungArts, he said he plays piano to connect with others through music rather than to win awards.”

“In general, I’m not really sure that competitions really enhance the experience of playing music. It creates an environment where people are competing with each other instead of putting their focus on appreciating the music they’re making. But overall, I’m very grateful for receiving this recognition.”

Winners of the 2025 YoungArts awards received a monetary prize of $250 and will have access to workshops and programs as well as an online space to connect with other recipients.

“The idea is that they are offering us support and resources should we choose to continue our artistic pursuits,” Vartan said. “I look forward to participating in workshops and mentorships, as well as collaborating with other artists, both emerging and established.”

Doug Zhang ’25 played alongside Vartan in the Upper School chamber last year. Vartan is a good partner and collaborator in the orchestra, he said.

“He deserves to be honored in this way because he works really hard and has a really strong drive for perfection.”

Despite Vartan’s musical accomplishments and abilities, he always seems to find enjoyment in the music itself, Salar Sekhavat ’26 said.

“When he plays, he has such a vitality that it feels like the music is flowing through him or that he is truly living the piece. Every time Vartan sits down to play the piano, I notice that he is deeply emotional, deeply connected with the instrument in a way that brings each and every note to life. Hearing him play makes me realize why we write music: It’s art, meant to be enjoyed by people after us, so it should be an experience, not just sounds.”