BOSTON – A new opera depicting the impact of war through the lens of a single family has premiered to a full house in Boston. Titled “Silent Tears,” the work by composer Grigori Balasanyan was presented in collaboration with the Fenway Opera Club in November 2024, receiving a warm public reception. Following its successful debut, there are now plans to stage the production in other cities across the United States.
The opera marks a significant milestone for the young composer, whose career in music began at the age of eight. His first album was released when he was ten, and by twelve, an original dance performance set to his music, “Alice in Wonderland,” was staged in his home country.
In 2021, his first children’s ballet, based on a fairy tale by a former Armenian First Lady, was premiered in Yerevan. More recently, in March 2024, he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York, performing his original compositions as part of a concert series dedicated to showcasing Armenian musical talent.
Balasanyan’s artistic development has been further shaped by his studies at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, which he joined in 2022. The institution, along with other organizations, has provided him with scholarships, enabling him to present a wide range of compositions.
“The United States has given me a platform to fully develop my creative abilities,” the composer noted. “Here, I can freely express my perspectives through music, and there is always an audience and collaborators interested in new projects. I deeply value the opportunities this country provides.”
Looking ahead, Balasanyan is set to graduate from his undergraduate program a year ahead of schedule and has applied to several universities to pursue a master’s degree, with a decision expected in April. He is already at work on his next operatic project, “The Virgins of Hripsime.”
