Emanuel Akopian

Emanuel Akopian (born in 2014) is a young violinist who began his musical journey in 2021. Since then, music and the violin have become an important part of his life. Since February 2025, he has studied with Julia Dinerstein at the Academy of Musical Talent in Utrecht and is also a student at the prestigious Davidsbündler Academy in The Hague, which supports exceptionally gifted young musicians.

He has received lessons and masterclasses from renowned musicians including Maria Milstein, Candida Thompson, Mikhael Kugel, Kewin Lawrence, Philippe Graffin and József Lendvay. Emanuel has participated in the Francigena Music Academy in Italy, the IMMF Festival in Sicily and Proyecto Musical Lerma in Spain.

A prizewinner from an early age, Emanuel received the Presentation Prize at De Muziekwedstrijd (Princess Christina Competition) in both 2022 and 2024. After winning the Spotlight Competition, he made his debut as a soloist with the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra. He has since performed with the Britten Chamber Orchestra and Jonge Strijkers Nederland. He has also performed alongside internationally acclaimed violinist József Lendvay and, most recently, appeared with Lisa Jacobs and Timora Rosler at Zemtsov Masterfest 2026.

In 2026, Emanuel won Second Prize at the Dutch National Violin Competition, First Prize at the Jong Talent Competition Maassluis, and both First Prize and the Youth Jury Prize at the Britten Violin Competition. He also received Third Prize at the Anton Rubinstein International Violin Competition in Düsseldorf, Fourth Prize at the Leonid Kogan International Violin Competition in Brussels, and Third Prize at the Kreutzer International Violin Competition. Most recently, he was awarded First Prize at the Lugano International Music Awards Violin Competition 2026. Following his success at the Anton Rubinstein International Violin Competition, he has been invited to give a recital in November 2026 as part of the Die Morgensterne concert series at the Anton Rubinstein Academy in Düsseldorf.

Together with his brothers Adam (piano) and Christian (cello), Emanuel forms the Akopian Trio. Their remarkable musical journey was featured in the Dutch national newspaper Trouw. In March 2026, the brothers performed live on Dutch national television on Podium Klassiek (NPO 2), and in October 2026, they will present their own concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

Despite his young age, Emanuel is praised for the emotional depth of his interpretations and his warm, richly coloured tone. With his natural musicality and expressive playing, he gives performances marked by honesty, imagination and remarkable artistic sensitivity.