The Akhtamar Quartet: Bridging Cultures through Music in the Merita Project
Stories | March 20, 2025
The world of classical music is rich in tradition and history, but as artists look toward the future, it becomes clear that innovation and cultural exchange are just as essential. One notable example of this is the Akhtamar Quartet, a string quartet whose unique sound blends classical music with folk traditions and contemporary compositions. The quartet is taking part in the Merita Project, a European initiative co-financed by the European Union that fosters collaboration among musicians, mentors, and concert organizers across the continent.
A Quartet with Deep Roots
The Akhtamar Quartet’s journey began at the Brussels Conservatory, where the four members—Coline Alecian (first violin), Cyril Simon (cello), Jennifer Pio (second violin), and Ondine Stasyk (viola)—shared a passion for string quartet music. The group’s formation was deeply personal for Cyril, whose Armenian heritage inspired the inclusion of Armenian folk music in the quartet’s repertoire. Cyril’s grandfather, an Armenian cellist, had played in a string quartet, and though Cyril never met him, the music passed down through recordings became a key influence for the quartet’s sound.
This connection to Armenian culture became a signature of the Akhtamar Quartet. Every performance includes at least one miniature by Komitas, an Armenian ethnomusicologist whose music bridges the gap between classical and folk traditions. The quartet’s name, Akhtamar, is drawn from an Armenian legend, symbolizing the group’s deep cultural roots.
The Akhtamar Quartet, Merita Project
A Commitment to Social Impact
What sets the Akhtamar Quartet apart is not just their technical prowess but their commitment to social causes. While they are passionate about performing in prestigious concert halls, the quartet is equally dedicated to bringing classical music to places where it is not typically heard. Each year, the Akhtamar Quartet organizes social projects in schools, psychiatric hospitals, and other venues, offering performances to people who may not otherwise have access to live classical music.
This outreach work adds a profound emotional depth to their performances, as the members recognize the power of music to connect with people on a deeply human level. Their solidarity projects are not merely an addition to their concert schedule; they are integral to the group’s identity and mission.
The Merita Project: A Platform for Growth
As part of the Merita Project, the Akhtamar Quartet has the opportunity to expand their reach beyond their home base. The project creates a network of musicians and cultural organizations across Europe, fostering collaboration and mutual support. For the quartet, being part of Merita means joining a long-term initiative that goes beyond a single performance or event. It is a chance to connect with like-minded musicians, share experiences, and grow both artistically and professionally.
One of the key elements of the Merita Project is its focus on intercultural dialogue. This is an area where the Akhtamar Quartet excels, given their own mix of Armenian, Balkan, Czech, and contemporary influences. The project gives the quartet a platform to deepen these cultural connections, collaborating with composers like Jelena Dabic, a Serbian artist known for her work that blends folk traditions with contemporary music.
The Akhtamar Quartet’s residency at the Château de Suze-la-Rousse, part of the Merita Project, was a pivotal moment for the group. Working with renowned coach Pieter Kuralumi, the quartet delved into new music, including a piece by Dabic, which challenged them both technically and artistically. The residency was a space for the quartet to push creative boundaries, collaborate deeply, and refine their performance.
The Future of Classical Music
What makes the Akhtamar Quartet’s participation in the Merita Project so exciting is their ability to innovate within the classical music tradition. Their performances are a blend of classical, folk, and contemporary music, which they aim to present in a way that is engaging and accessible to a wide audience. The quartet is exploring new ways of staging their performances, incorporating dynamic lighting and movement to create a more immersive experience for their audience. Their goal is to break down the wall between performers and listeners, making the concert a more interactive and three-dimensional experience.
The Akhtamar Quartet’s commitment to intercultural dialogue extends beyond their music. They are working on a special project for the Merita initiative that brings together diverse musical traditions, including Armenian, Czech, Balkan, and Brazilian folk music, along with contemporary compositions. This cross-cultural exchange is not only about blending sounds but also about creating new perspectives on the classical music genre, demonstrating that it can evolve and adapt to the modern world while staying true to its roots.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, the Akhtamar Quartet hopes to continue their work with the Merita Project and expand their reach even further. The quartet is eager to perform in new venues, from concert halls to schools, hospitals, and open-air festivals, bringing their music to diverse audiences. They also plan to further develop their vision of classical music as a platform for intercultural dialogue, social impact, and artistic innovation.
The Merita Project represents more than just a series of performances. It is a long-term commitment to building relationships, exchanging ideas, and fostering a deeper understanding of culture through music. For the Akhtamar Quartet, being part of this initiative is an exciting step forward in their mission to make classical music more inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected.
Through the Merita Project, the Akhtamar Quartet is demonstrating the power of music to bring people together, transcend boundaries, and create a shared sense of humanity. Their work is not just about performing – it’s about creating experiences that inspire, engage, and move audiences in new ways.