In December 2025, Beijing once again stood at the center of the global classical music stage. The 22nd Khachaturian International Cello Competition – one of the world's most respected classical music events – concluded on December 27, 2025, with an awards ceremony and closing concert at the China National Opera House in Beijing. The competition crowned young Chinese cellists Li Shuyu, Hao Haoran, and Wang Wanglele among its standout winners, underscoring the growing presence of Chinese talent in the international classical music community and empowering the next generation of artists to realize their musical dreams.

First held in Beijing in 2023, the Khachaturian International Competition marked its debut in China to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the birth of legendary Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming a meaningful platform for cultural exchange under the BRI. 

Returning to Beijing in 2025 for its 22nd edition, the competition continues to foster musical dialogue between Armenia and China, promote international artistic exchange, and offer young musicians a valuable international stage to develop their careers.

The competition, held December 22–27, 2025, was co-organized by Jingse International Cultural Education and the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation, with support from the China National Opera House and the Armenian Ministry of Culture. The Embassies of the People's Republic of China in Armenia and of Armenia in China also provided strong support, underscoring deepening cultural cooperation between the two countries.

After global preliminary rounds and three stages of competition in Beijing, young cellists from multiple countries performed throughout the five-day event, demonstrating both technical mastery and artistic expression.

Following the ceremony, the closing concert brought the competition to a memorable close, with the Armenian National Symphony Orchestra – under Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan – performing alongside the prize-winning contestants.

Organizers expressed hope that the competition will continue to support young musicians' careers and further strengthen cultural and artistic ties among countries. The 22nd Khachaturian International Cello Competition is expected to remain a platform for nurturing musical talent and deepening international cooperation in the years ahead.

Background

Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978) was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century and a central figure in Armenian classical music. Known for blending Armenian folk elements with symphonic and ballet traditions, his works – including Spartacus, Gayane and the iconic Sabre Dance – have been performed by major orchestras worldwide. 

Renowned for its distinctive sound and expressive performance style, the Armenian National Symphony Orchestra has long been a sought-after guest at leading concert halls worldwide. Under the leadership of its founding artistic director and principal conductor, Sergey Smbatyan, the orchestra has established four annual classical music festivals and developed close collaborations with prominent contemporary composers, including Chen Qigang, Arvo Pärt, Tigran Mansuryan, Krzysztof Penderecki, Gia Kancheli, and Sir Karl Jenkins.