- What, in your opinion, is the role of culture in society? Why is cultural education important in the long term? 

- I believe that culture plays a fundamental role in the development of human capital and society as a whole. Cultural education is of paramount importance, especially in the long term, as it influences a person's emotional intelligence, broadens their horizons, and shapes their well-rounded development. By introducing young people to the arts, we equip them with skills such as discipline, a sense of nuance, and teamwork. These skills are no less important for success in any field, be it business, technology, or public service. 

- What did promp the Amaryan Foundation to support the Armenian translation and publication of Carl Flesch's seminal work, "The Art of Violin Playing"? 

- To answer this question, let me first tell you how the foundation was founded. The Amaryan Charitable Foundation was founded in October 2023 by brothers and successful businessmen David and Vardan Amaryan. David is the founder and CEO of Balchug Capital, and Vardan is the founder of the investment company Apricot Capital. The brothers have long been involved in philanthropic work, but in 2023, they decided to institutionalize this support under the auspices of the Amaryan Charitable Foundation.

Our mission is to leave a positive, long-term impact in Armenia by supporting initiatives that benefit a wide range of beneficiaries. We place particular emphasis on education, culture, sports, and youth development.

Looking at the projects we've supported to date, despite their significant differences, they all share one common trait: long-term impact. We strive to support initiatives that deliver long-term, cumulative benefits, not one-off projects. Supporting the Armenian edition of this textbook and ensuring its free distribution in music schools and conservatories in Armenia is a project that fully meets our selection criteria. This is an investment that will serve the Armenian musical community for decades to come. Furthermore, it sends a signal to the international community that Armenia is actively investing in the development of world-class violin education.

- What impact did you expect to achieve when you first learned about this initiative? How does it align with the mission and values ​​of the Amaryan Foundation?

-When the Primavera Charitable Foundation, with whom we had previously collaborated on a series of educational videos on musical psychophysiology, introduced us to this project, we realized it was a long-term investment in the quality of education.

It was especially important for us to ensure the distribution of Carl Flesch's book, "The Art of Violin Playing," not only in the capital of Armenia but also in regional schools and conservatories. To enhance the project's effectiveness and transform the book presentation into a truly educational event, we also decided to invite the editor of the new edition, renowned German violinist Maximilian Simon, to personally distribute these books and conduct free master classes for our young violinists.

This initiative is fully aligned with the mission of our foundation, one of whose goals is to provide the next generation of talented Armenians with access to the highest quality educational resources. 

-How do you think this project will contribute to the development of violinists and violin teachers in Armenia? 

- We are confident that the translation of Flesch's book into Armenian and its publication will become an important pedagogical resource for both students and teachers. I will quote Vardan Amaryan, one of the co-founders of the Amaryan Charitable Foundation, who expressed confidence that students will use it to hone their skills and continue to perform brilliantly on both local and international stages.

- What message or words of encouragement would you like to convey to young musicians, drawing on your professional experience and knowledge?

 - Based on my many years of experience in the business, I would advise young musicians to be inquisitive, ambitious, and understand that success must be earned. Never settle for "good enough"; strive for "the best I can do, the best I can be." Continuous learning and honing your skills are the key to success and professional relevance.

My long career has taught me that there is no magic formula for success. It comes from hard work, tireless dedication, and being flexible and resourceful in the face of challenges. I think musicians know this all too well, as performing requires hours of rehearsal, as well as the crucial skills of communicating effectively with colleagues and audiences. These principles of dedication and teamwork apply to both the concert stage and the boardroom.-0-