YEREVAN. – Following his concert, which was held Thursday in Armenia’s capital city Yerevan and along the lines of the “Yerevan Prospects” Festival, world-renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin shared his impressions with news reporters (PHOTOS).  

“My music is an expression of [my love] love towards Armenia. The warmth with which they accept me here is unprecedented. President [Serzh] Sargsyan awarded me with a Medal of Honor, [and] First Lady [Rita Sargsyan] organized a wonderful reception [in my honor],” Kissin said.     

To note, Yerevan State Conservatory granted Kissin the honorary title of professor and academician, also, he was awarded the Beethoven Silver Medal and the Fridtjof Nansen Fund Medal.  

Evgeny Kissin first visited Armenia in 1984, and, following the 1988 earthquake, he organized numerous benefit concerts. At that time he was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Spitak [city]. He visited the city this time, too, and toured his musical school.     

After his press conference, Kissin visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial and paid his respects to the Genocide victims. 

The entire proceeds from Evgeny Kissin’s Yerevan concert will be transferred to the “Grant Life” Charitable Foundation which helps children with cancer.