Widely regarded as a transformative figure within the world of classical music, cultural entrepreneur and philanthropist Konstantin Ishkhanov is looking to bring yet another groundbreaking event to life with the upcoming International Chamber Classics Festival (ICCF), that is set to land in Belgium in May 2025, organised alongside the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, and led by Artistic Director David Abrahamyan.
Over the past few decades, Konstantin Ishkhanov has won a deserving reputation as a trailblazer within the world of art and culture, with a biography that stands as a treasure trove of globally-acclaimed projects and events, many of which he founded himself. Born in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on January 23rd 1970, Konstantin Ishkhanov grew up within a culturally-inclined family that fostered within him a deep and enduring passion for the creative arts.
After a number of years working within the field of research and technology, this cultural call from deep within proved too strong, and a young Konstantin Ishkhanov made the decision to pivot away from the sciences to dedicate his life to promoting and supporting the world of the arts, with a particular devotion to classical music.
Teaming up with an ever-growing number of artists, musicians and stakeholders, many of whom were drawn in by his visionary mind and relentless energy, Konstantin Ishkhanov set about redrawing the paradigm of cultural events, with a biography that is now full of ambitious globe-spanning endeavours that have touched upon every facet of this world,
completely revolutionising the industry. Notable examples include educational initiatives such as the Accordi Musicali Academy, Middle East Classical Music Academy, and the ClaviCologne International Piano Masterclasses, not to mention a myriad of individual masterclasses and courses..
Now, cultural lovers the world over can rejoice, since Konstantin Ishkhanov, joined this time by Artistic Director David Abrahamyan, is back again with yet another new entry into the music sphere – the International Chamber Classics Festival! Partnering with Belgium’s renowned Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, Ishkhanov’s CMDI Events will inaugurate the festival in the second week of May 2025, in the scenic Belgian capital of Brussels.
“It’s a great pleasure to be working with him on such a wonderful project”, Abrahamyan said. “The International Chamber Classics Festival shall be an incredible showcase of the treasures that chamber music has to offer, and a perfect opportunity for students to take their next step in their musical journeys. I’m very proud to be leading this initiative, and would like to thank both Konstantin himself, as well as Anne-Lise Parotte and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel for their dedication and boundless energy in making this dream a reality.”
Famed for its rich culture and historical landmarks, Brussels provides a harmonious blend of old charm and contemporary vibrancy—a fitting venue for a festival that celebrates both tradition and innovation in classical music. It is for this reason that he has selected the city as the canvas for his latest masterpiece, bringing with him the energy and passion that have redefined musical engagement across continents to its hallowed streets.
For Konstantin Ishkhanov, ICCF is not just another festival however; it’s a vision to immerse audiences in the beautiful intricacies of chamber music. Across the festival week from the 9th to the 13th of May, attendees will witness performances by some of the finest artists in the field while enjoying a curated selection of masterclasses designed to foster interaction between young talent and internationally celebrated musicians. Thanks to the efforts of David Abrahamyan, and the festival’s collaboration with the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, ICCF will use the institution’s esteemed halls as its primary venue, establishing a collaborative setting for artists and students alike.
“The festival’s goal is to build a bridge between the past and the present, using the charm of chamber music as the foundation for meaningful, cross-generational connections,” Konstantin Ishkhanov explains, adding that “this festival embodies a unique opportunity to bring together not just musicians but entire communities around the ageless charm of classical music.”
The event lineup promises a series of luminary artists including violinists Dora Schwarzberg (Israel/Austria), George Tudorache (Romania), and Diemut Poppen (Germany), pianists Giuliano Mazzoccante (Italy), and Enrico Pace (Italy), and cellist Claudio Bohorquez (Germany). These accomplished musicians will be leading a number of intensive masterclasses, opening doors for young musicians to refine their craft under their expert guidance, while also showcasing their own talents on stage in a captivating chamber music concert.
Highlighting the festival’s spirit of collaboration, this concert will be bringing students and community members together to enjoy masterworks by composers like Mozart and Mendelssohn, interpreted by the renowned maestros. Moreover, alongside the core lineup, two additional guest musicians will also be joining, namely violist David Abrahamyan (Spain) and pianist Sofia Raichenko (Ukraine), adding layers of depth to the performances and providing attendees with the rare opportunity to witness these musicians in live interplay.
“At the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, we take pride in fostering artistic excellence”, declared the institution’s Artistic Director, Anne-Lise Parotte, “and we are truly honoured to be forming part of this extraordinary International Chamber Classics Festival dedicated to the beauty and collaborative spirit of chamber music. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President of ICCF, Konstantin Ishkhanov, and Artistic Director David Abrahamyan, for offering the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel the wonderful opportunity to join this inspiring initiative. Their vision and dedication to creating a platform that seamlessly blends education, artistry, and community resonates deeply with our mission, and it is a privilege to collaborate with such luminaries in bringing this extraordinary festival to life.”
The festival’s grand finale promises to be a memorable event where festival students will join their teachers in a chamber concert that celebrates both tradition and the bright future of
classical music. In Konstantin Ishkhanov’s words, “this festival is about igniting inspiration—each performance, each class is a stepping stone for the next generation to elevate and transform our art. The chief goal of our Artistic Director, David Abrahamyan, and myself is to ensure that each and every person present will depart with many fond memories and experiences that they will not only cherish, but draw upon to further their own musical journeys”.
The International Chamber Classics Festival marks yet another milestone in Konstantin Ishkhanov’s mission to rejuvenate the classical music scene, breathing new life into time-honoured traditions. It stands as a testament to his dedication to arts and culture, ensuring classical music’s resonance with future generations. With stakeholders already eagerly awaiting its launch in 2025, classical music lovers, aspiring musicians, and the community of Brussels are undoubtedly set to experience an unforgettable event of musical brilliance and mentorship.
