Christine Kharazian

Here is the story of Valse Astolfi, my composition that won 2nd prize in Unsigned Only 2021, Instrumental category. I was inspired by a master class I attended by French Waltz guitarist Christophe Astolfi. In my composition I tried to keep the expected structure of French waltzes and also weave the melody with a more Armenian traditional style. I even integrated familiar melodic pairings from tunes by wonderful Karo Hayrapetian. He was the first violinist that inspired me to improvise. In 2019, I recorded the Valse in Armenia with the support and encouragement of my sister, Sofi Mikayelyan. Sofi created the accompaniment almost on the spot, which elevated the piece to another level. Even though I don’t think of myself as a composer, I humbly accept this kind recognition.