"Mr. Hakhnazaryan’s intense focus and expressive artistry never flagged."

"Hakhnazaryan had what few other cellists can boast: the power to stand up to such a wall of dark, overpowering Estonian sound… Even his grandly shaped lyrical phrases had the quality of mowing down anything in his way. His tone is as gorgeously sure as it is huge... Hakhnazaryan is clearly on his way to a big career."

"Hakhnazaryan took on Tchaikovsky’s brief, lyrical Nocturne in D minor for Cello and Orchestra and then “Variations on a Rococo Theme,” in a revelatory performance that combined an exquisitely rich singing tone with lyrical grace and a spectacular technical prowess that made even the most elaborate of the variations seem effortless."

"Hakhnazaryan's performance was nothing short of magnificent…He's an artist to watch out for."

"This cellist is without a doubt a major presence on the international stage."

"His tone was rich, his control immaculate and his performance stunning."

"Hakhnazaryan is the real deal."

"Hakhnazaryan launched into Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme with a tone whose beauty shone all the more brightly for its restraint. Every nuance of this subtle work was lovingly observed, and when he did let rip it was with blazing virtuosity."

“When Narek Hakhnazaryan becomes a familiar name - and it will - people will think back to his Hong Kong debut recital, in which the young Armenian-born cellist enchanted the audience with his impeccable technique and luminous tone.”

“The cellist combined elegance and simplicity with a rare and enticing kind of vulnerability…An enthralling performance.”

"Playing with complete technical command and musical freedom, Hakhnazaryan gave an extraordinarily communicative performance."

"As soon as he put bow to string the beauty of the sound was striking – rich, mellow and highly expressive. Variations on a Rococo Theme allowed him to display elegance and virtuosity, both qualities that he has in abundance."