Konstantin Ishkhanov
| Konstantin Ishkhanov | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 23, 1970 |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Armenian |
| 💼 Occupation | entrepreneur and philanthropist |
| Known for | the first recipient of Malta’s highest cultural award, Premju Ghall-Arti - Art Awards |
Konstantin Ishkhanov (January 23, 1970) is a businessman, cultural entrepreneur, and philanthropist, the Founder and the President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture (EUFSC)[1], an international non-profit organization based in Malta that organizes and supports cultural projects around the world[2].
Early years and career[edit]
Konstantin Ishkhanov was born on January 23, 1970. Although not musicians by profession, Ishkhanov’s parents were highly active in the arts and culture scene. His mother was an avid piano player who would often perform classical music at home for the family or visiting friends. Growing up in this environment had a lasting influence on Ishkhanov and was a crucial factor in his later decision to establish the EUFSC.
Ishkhanov completed his university education in Moscow, receiving a postgraduate degree and focusing on the research of innovative technologies.
In 2005, Ishkhanov reduced his business activities and began to focus his efforts on cultural projects, relocating his family to the Mediterranean island of Malta and laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the European Foundation for Support of Culture.
Through both his individual work and the activities of the EUFSC, Ishkhanov has now established himself as a leading cultural entrepreneur, supporting both local and international musicians and working to strengthen ties between Malta and other cultural centers around the world.
Konstantin Ishkhanov currently resides in Malta with his family where he is actively involved in the country’s vibrant cultural community.
European Foundation for Support of Culture[edit]
In 2015, Ishkhanov founded the European Foundation for Support of Culture (EUFSC), which he currently leads as a President.
The EUFSC’s remit includes the organization, promotion, and development of cultural and educational projects[3] in Europe, the Eurasian continent, North and South America, and Asia. The Foundation regularly holds a vast number of festivals, concerts, international tours, competitions, workshops, seminars, lectures, and other events in different countries all over the world in its pursuit of these tenets. The promotion of Maltese musicians and ensembles overseas is also a key goal for the Foundation, with the organization engaging in frequent collaborations with the embassies of other countries, including Italy, Austria, Russia, and Belgium, to name a few.
As head of the Foundation, Ishkhanov has initiated a number of large-scale projects that have developed into important dates in the classical music calendar. These include the InClassica International Music Festival[4] (currently in its 10th year as of 2021), Classic Piano International Competition[5], Classic Strings[6], and Classic Winds[7] International Competitions amongst many others.
2017 also saw the EUFSC sponsoring[8] the 40th Jubilee of the Gramophone Classical Music Awards in London, as well as organizing the Crystal Palace ballet in celebration of the 50th Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Malta. A number of Maltese and Russian compositions were performed during a concert, organized by the EUFSC in honor of the relationship between the two countries, with the preeminent Russian conductor Felix Korobov and distinguished Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri both present for the event.
The EUFSC was also involved in the organization of the first-ever ice show to take place in Malta’s capital Valletta. Jester’s Wedding[9] was staged by Russian figure skater Ilia Averbukh, an Olympic silver medalist and former World Champion.
Additionally, in his role as founder of the EUFSC, Konstantin Ishkhanov has initiated a number of orchestral projects, collaborating with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Roma Tre Orchestra (Italy), IlluminArt Philharmonic Orchestra (Japan), Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (Israel), Symphony Orchestra “Kiev Virtuosos” (Ukraine), National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, Orchestra Filarmonica Nissena Siciliana (Italy), Russian National Orchestra, St. Petersburg State Academic Capella, Kazakhstan Academy of Soloists Orchestra, amongst many others.
In 2019, Ishkhanov oversaw the organization of the ‘Modern Composers’ International Music Festival, Wandering Music Stars project (2019), Japan Grande Classico Festival (2019), Music 20 Festival in Armenia (2020), Lerici Festival (2020), the 10th anniversary of the Malta International Music Festival (2021), a concert in the Dubai Opera House in 2021 featuring classical music legends Maxim Vengerov and Evgeny Kissin, and the InClassica International Music Festival (2021).
Awards[edit]
Konstantin Ishkhanov became the first foreign citizen to be awarded Malta’s highest cultural recognition when he received[10] the award for Honour for Cultural Promoters in 2019. The award recognizes “...groups or organizations who have left a significant mark on the creative local and/or international sector…[and] those who in their personal or professional capacity triggered, influenced, financed and had a positive impact on the national and/or international creative ecology”[11]. That same year, he was also presented with a medal for ‘Contribution to the Development of Musical Culture’ by the Russian Performing Arts Public Fund, in a ceremony held in the Great Hall of Moscow State Conservatory.
Philanthrophy[edit]
Aside from his considerable work leading the European Foundation for Support of Culture, Konstantin Ishkhanov has actively supported a number of cultural initiatives including tours and concert performances, CD and DVD releases, and educational projects. These have included releases featuring renowned musicians Roman Kim (Kimpossible, Sony Classics), Alexander Romanovsky (Childhood Memories, Decca), the Khachaturian Trio (Khachaturian Trio, Sony Classics), and many others.
References[edit]
- ↑ "European Foundation for Support of Culture". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Official website of Konstantin Ishkhanov". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Past events". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "The InClassica International Music Festival". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Classic Piano" International Piano Competition". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "'Classic Strings' Violin and Cello International Competition". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ ""Classic Winds" International Festival". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2017: about our sponsors and partners". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Event Details: JESTERS' WEDDING". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Il-Premju għall-Arti 2019 winners announced". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ↑ "Official Award Guidelines". Retrieved July 13, 2021.
External Links[edit]
- Konstantin Ishkhanov: World must discover Armenian talents
- President of European Foundation for Support of Culture
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