Stéphan Elmas

In July 1879, with the encouragement of his teacher – but against the wishes of his family – Stéphan Elmas left for Weimar, Germany, hoping to audition for Franz Liszt.

Here he was able to meet the great master: Liszt advised him to go to Austria and work with Professor Anton Door at the Vienna Conservatory [a.k.a.

A busy concert schedule followed, with Elmas scoring artistic triumphs in France, England, Germany, Austria and Italy.

Thankfully, he befriended Aimée Rapin [fr] (1868–1956),[2] the armless Swiss painter, who nursed and consoled him during these difficult times.

Established in 1988 under the artistic guidance of Alexandre Siranossian, the Stéphan Elmas Foundation aims to disseminate the legacy of the Armenian composer.