Originally from Akhalkalaki, Javakhk, Georgia, Anahit is entering her second year at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW), where she studies piano with Professor Avedis “Avo” Kouyoumdjian.
Anahit arrived in Vienna in 2025 already with an impressive international record behind her. But there is something different about actually living there as a musician.
The Vienna Philharmonic, visiting soloists, opera, chamber music, rehearsals, other world-class young musicians, teachers and artists are suddenly part of ordinary life.
Her photographs from this first year tell some of that story better than we can: Anahit at the piano, in the concert halls, backstage after performances, meeting artists she has admired, and simply becoming part of the musical life of the city.
For a young pianist, Vienna is a pretty extraordinary place to wake up every morning.
Studying with Avo Kouyoumdjian
At the centre of Anahit’s studies is Avedis Kouyoumdjian, one of the most successful piano pedagogues working in Europe today.
Kouyoumdjian entered what is now MDW at the age of twelve. In 1981, he won First Prize at the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna, and he later joined the faculty of MDW, where he has taught generations of pianists.
What has happened with pianists working closely with him in recent years is remarkable.
At the 2021 Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition, Jonathan Fournel won First Prize and Sergei Redkin Second Prize after substantial work with Kouyoumdjian as part of their preparation.
Then came the 2025 Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Nikola Meeuwsen — First Prize
Valère Burnon — Third Prize
Arthur Hinnewinkel — Fourth Prize
Mirabelle Kajenjeri — Laureate
All four had worked intensively with Kouyoumdjian for this competition!
By recent international competition results alone, it is hard to think of many piano teachers in Europe with a stronger record.
For Anahit, the opportunity to study regularly with him in Vienna is exceptional. Thank you, Avo, for your dedication, support, and collaboration.
Anahit is already making waves
One of Poland’s leading orchestras, with a major international reputation, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) has been an important part of Anahit’s recent performing life. In 2025, she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488 with NOSPR under conductor Vladimir Fanshil.
She has also performed with the Armenian Opera Orchestra, the Tbilisi State Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Symphony Orchestra “Russian Philharmonic,” and other orchestras.
Her competition achievements include the Silver Prize at the 20th “Nutcracker” International Television Contest for Young Musicians, the Grand Prix at the Batumi Black Sea Music and Art Festival, Laureate and Audience Prize at Denis Matsuev’s Grand Piano Competition, First Prize at the American Protégé Concerto Competition in New York, the Grand Prix at the UNESCO International Online Concerto Competition, and First Prize at the Amirejibi International Piano Competition.
She has also worked in masterclasses with Eliso Virsaladze, Marianna Shirinyan, Lilya Zilberstein and Mikhail Pletnev.
The Armenian Connection
Anahit has also been very fortunate to find a small Armenian family around her in Vienna. Mrs. Jbid Markaryan-Hagopyan and Mrs. Iris Hintlian have so generously “adopted” her, taking her to wonderful concerts, welcoming her into their homes, and making sure that Vienna also includes plenty of Armenian food and Armenian warmth. Their kindness has meant a great deal to Anahit and to all of us who care about her.
The Levon and Ana Afeyan Fellowship
The Levon and Ana Afeyan Fellowship makes it possible for Anahit to live and study in Vienna and continue her work with Avo Kouyoumdjian at MDW. That is a simple fact.
The Atken Armenian Foundation is deeply grateful to Levon and Ana Afeyan of Montreal for continuing to believe in Anahit and for giving her the stability to pursue this opportunity.
There is something especially wonderful about seeing a gifted young Armenian pianist from Javakhk finding her place in Vienna and studying with an exceptional Armenian pianist and pedagogue.
Atken Armenian Foundation fans, is it difficult not to be excited about what comes next?
Go Anahit, go!
