Biography
Recognized as one of the leading artists of his generation, Sarkis Zakarian has pursued a performing career in the United Kingdom and abroad. Following a highly acclaimed recital at London's Wigmore Hall, which was described as "truly poetic", Sarkis was invited to attend the International Piano Academy Lake Como in Italy, where he had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as Leon Fleisher, Claude Frank, Fou T'song, Dmitri Bashkirov and Charles Rosen.
Sarkis was a prize-winner of various prestigious competitions such as Dudley International Piano Competition, Bromsgrove International Artists Competition and the Brant Birmingham International Competition. He established his career with performances in venues such as the Purcell Room, Royal Festival Hall and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Sarkis has also appeared as solo artist in international festivals such as Festival der Kunste in Berlin, Glories of the Keyboard Festival in Manchester, Varna Summer International Music Festival and European Music Festival in Sofia. As a concerto soloist, he has performed with leading British and Bulgarian Orchestras. Sarkis was also invited as a member of the jury of the 2nd International Arts Festival La Paon Lamineux in Varna.
Sarkis's interest in collaborating with contemporary composers led to the inspiring experience of meeting Estonian composer Arvo Part and premiering some of the composer's works in London, which were broadcasted on BBC Radio 3. Other recordings have been broadcast on Classic FM Radio, BBC Radio 4 and Bulgarian National Radio. His concert engagements have included performances of the Schumann Piano Quintet with the renowned Chilingirian String Quartet during the March Musical Days Festival in Russe, as well as performances of the same quintet with the Forte String Quartet in London and New York.
As a keen representative of the Armenian heritage, Sarkis continues to thrill his audiences with works by Armenian composers including Komitas, Babajanian and Khachaturian. Recently, he launched the exciting initiative of creating the AGBU London Chamber Orchestra and has subsequently been appointed as its Artistic Director.
Sarkis Zakarian combines his concert schedule with a teaching career as a piano professor in London, as well as masterclasses abroad. He has also lectured on the music of Chopin at Royal Academy of Music, having received a prize for the best Dissertation Presentation.
Born in Varna, Bulgaria, Sarkis first studied with Miryana Savova at the Dobri Hristov Music School. He continued his studies in London with Professor Patsy Toh at the Purcell School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music where he also worked with visiting professors Maria Curcio and Dominique Merlet. Presently, Sarkis lives in London and continues to perform in leading UK and international concert platforms.