As a concert violinist and experienced music educator, I enjoy experimenting with the merging of multiple art forms, notably music and theater, as well as musical genres, ranging from classical to gypsy jazz. By seeking touring opportunities in Maryland, I hope to engage diverse audiences of all ages in participatory explorations of the varied musical styles that I employ in my performance and teaching.
I am available for feature performances and background performances. I can perform as a soloist, arrange a small ensemble or participate in multi-hour productions for theater, orchestra, opera, ballet, festivals, and other events. I will create a tailored repertoire based on the client's preferences for each event.
About the Artist
Christine Kharazian is an accomplished concert violinist, with a background in classical, traditional, and jazz music. Originally form Armenia, she is a graduate of the Komitas State Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Advanced School of Music in Yerevan, she has performed as a first violin with the Armenian National Opera's Symphony and as a soloist with the Sharakan Ensemble of Ancient and Medieval Music of Armenian TV and Radio. She studied violin with Prof. Edward Dayan, and Prof. Hrachia Harutunyan, both pupils of two famous Russian violinists, David Oistrakh and Leonid Kongan respectively. Her early performance experience includes 5 years with the Armenian National Opera's Symphony as a member of the first violins, and with the Sharakan Ensemble of Ancient and Medieval Music of Armenian TV and Radio, as a soloist. In the Washington, D.C. area, Christine has established herself as a versatile performer, showcasing her talents in a variety of genres from classical to Gypsy Jazz and Brazilian choro. She has performed as a soloist at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Hall, and Dumbarton House, and various embassies, among venues. She is also a sought-after collaborator and often appears with with groups such as the Pan-American Orchestra and the Balkan music group Orchester Praževica. Currently she is the featured violinist of Swansong https://swansonglive.com/ Christine enjoys experimenting with the merging of various art forms, such as theater and music. She was cast as the Wind in Quotidian Theatre Company’s 2015 production of Anton Chekhov’s “A Little Trick.” and later in 2016 another production of Chekhov’s “The Lady with the Little Dog”. The director Stephanie Mumford, in crafting her adaptation of Chekhov’s short story, devised a part with Kharazian in mind: the violin-playing wife of Dmitry Gurov. Christine's original composition Valse Astolfi won the 2nd prize of the Unsigned Only competition in 2021. She served as a Chair of Student Activities at Friday Morning Music Club, coordinating concert series for young aspiring musicians from 2012-2022, and is currently a board member of Blues Alley Jazz Education Society .https://www.christinekharazian.com/Christine Kharazian website Christine's website Christine Kharazian website Violin Samples
Artist's Statement
Here are samples of my playing: https://youtu.be/w54Y1IGFfOk?si=iv-S0ID7wTXEBzQW Original composition, violin and piano Valse Astolfi Violin and Piano: Christine Kharazian and Frank Conlon perform Edvard Baghdasaryan's Nocturne Violin and Bass guitar: Here Comes the Rain Again (cover) Christine Kharazian and Endre Nyitrai Project UpThere Violin and Piano: EthnoDance - Sofi Mikayelyan The performance starts from 3:25, here is the link to that point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlJkh8bepo0&t=206sBooking
Contact me:
Phone: (202)330-6400
Email: christine.kharazian@gmail.com
I am able to provide featured performances and background performances. I can perform solo. For classical performances and if a piano is available at the venue, I will engage my pianist, Andrew Kraus; https://www.andrewkraus.com/
For non classical I can perofrm with backing tracks or with another musician. I also perform with Swansong https://swansonglive.com/
I also can perform with guitarist, cellist in a duo or arrange for a small group, trio, quartet, quintet. Featured solo performance limit is half an hour, presentation 1 hour. I can participate in multi-hour productions for theatres, orchestras, opera, ballet, festivals etc. I will create tailored repertoire based on clients preferences. I am able to accommodate specific repertoire requests if the requests are submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the performance.
I am also available for community, residency, and/or educational program(s Presentations: 1 hour max.
Topics:
Music and Painting: In this presentation, the performer (s) will explore the connection between music and visual arts throughout certain periods of art history. The violinist, Christine Kharazian, will perform musical selections and display art works. This presentation requires piano as most of the music requires piano accompaniment The program needs a digital screen system for the display.
Residency: Learn to play String instruments violin, viola, cello in 14 session residency. Up to 15 students in a group. Short culminating performance scheduled as an additional session. Number of sessions can be modified. Open to a beginner group or for coaching an intermediate, advanced groups. Instruments are not provided. The group should have their own instruments.
Residency: Ukulele group. Learn to play beginning ukulele. Up to 15 students in a group. I can provide up to 10 ukuleles. Short culminating performance scheduled at the end of the residency. Proposed number of sessions: 14. Number of sessions can be modified.
Varies depending on the performance details.
Available to travel throughout all of Maryland. Distance, length of time and performance details will determine final booking rate.Area to perform will depend on the number of the performers. For solo and small venues, I can bring my own amplification equipment. For big venues and stages I need a microphone or wireless amplification and proper lighting. If booked for a long, not featured performance, please provide a chair.
Working Conditions, Weather and Climate: Outdoor: Temperature between 60°F and 90°F; Covered or shaded area to perform. Zero precipitation, an indoor plan in case of rain, or a shelter or covering that keeps the artists, instruments, and equipment dry while playing.