November 5th, 2020 – “We are glad to announce that the Special Prize “Beethoven 250”, consisting of a highly valuable Gold Medal for the best video including a performance of a piece by Ludwig van Beethoven, has been assigned to Farkhad Khudyev! Described by the critics as “magician on the podium” and “the man of exceptional charisma” (Performing Arts Monterey Bay), with “the ability to connect with invisible worlds and to bring them alive in the music” (Herald), Farkhad Khudyev, has been recognized by the government of the United States as an Artist of Extraordinary Ability.

Farkhad Khudyev, of Azerbaijani descent, was born in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where he first studied violin, piano, and composition at the State Music School for gifted musicians. In 2001, Farkhad came to the United States to study at Interlochen Arts Academy and then completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the Oberlin Conservatory. He received his Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Yale University.

Farkhad has served as the Music Director of New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, New Haven Chamber Orchestra, and Youth Music Monterey County, as well as the Associate Conductor of the Hidden Valley Opera and the Assistant Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently, Mr. Khudyev serves as a Music Director of The University of Texas at Austin Symphony Orchestra and as an Assistant Professor of Music in Orchestral Studies at the same university, as well as a Music Director of the Orchestral Institute at the Hidden Valley Institute of the Arts in Carmel, California.Congratulations and best wishes for his musical career!” (Arthur Nikisch Competition)