Mikayel Balyan

Mikayel Balyan is a Professor of Fortepiano at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), a role he has held since 2014. He also serves as a lecturer for fortepiano at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna since April 2019. His expertise spans historical keyboard instruments, basso continuo, and aural training. Born in Yerevan, Armenia in 1981, he earned a concert diploma from the Basel Music Academy and advanced studies at Bremen and Hamburg universities.

His research focuses on Baroque performance practices, historical improvisation, and early music interpretation. He has performed internationally with renowned ensembles and artists, including cellist Davit Melkonyan, resulting in acclaimed recordings with Sony Music/Deutsche Harmonia Mundi and upcoming releases on Vivat. Awards include the 2008 International Johann Heinrich Schmelzer Competition and the Bremen Music Festival's sponsorship prize.

Balyan's pedagogical activities include master classes at the Salzburg Summer Academy and Winter Academies in Bremen. He is also an active composer, creating works in historical styles. His dual roles at Vienna’s leading music institutions underscore his contributions to both education and performance in early music.