Constantine Orbelian        conductor
Born in San Francisco to Russian and Armenian emigré parents, Constantine Orbelian made his debut as a pianist with the San Francisco Symphony at the age of 11. After graduating from Juilliard in New York, he embarked on a career as a piano virtuoso that included appearances with major symphony orchestras throughout the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Russia. His recording of the Khachaturian piano concerto won “Best Concerto Recording of the Year” award in the United Kingdom.
Orbelian is Founder and Music Director of the annual Palaces of St. Petersburg International Music Festival, and of Moscow’s unique concert series, “Musical Treasures at the Museums of the Kremlin.” Professor of Conducting at the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, Orbelian is also in charge of the Music Program for the Stanford University Overseas Campus in Moscow. In 2001 he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award given to immigrants, or children of immigrants, who have made outstanding contributions to the United States.