· Classical
“Symphonic Tales” Performances Bring Classical Music Closer to Children
Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Aram Khachaturian International Competition, has been reappointed as a National Ambassador of UNICEF in Armenia.
The official reappointment ceremony, held within the framework of International Day of Education, and the panel discussion that followed were attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Araksia Svajyan, UNICEF Representative in Armenia Christine Weigand, and Head of the “Symphonic ClassA” educational and cultural program Tatev Adamyan.
The ceremony was followed by a panel discussion titled “Symphonic Tales,” dedicated to the importance of classical music in early childhood. The “Symphonic Tales” educational module was developed in 2025 within the framework of the Symphonic ClassA program, with the support of the Government of Japan. The program was piloted in five communities in Armenia and aims to make classical music accessible and engaging for young children. The “Symphonic ClassA” program was founded by Maestro Sergey Smbatyan with the support of the Ministry of ESCS.
According to Araksia Svajyan, “Symphonic Tales” performances bring classical music closer to children, fostering their interest in both music and storytelling through a new format.
She also emphasized that, considering the successful outcomes of the joint initiative, institutional changes in the preschool education system may be possible after the program’s completion, including improvements to preschool education standards.
Araksia Svajyan also highlighted the importance of ensuring proper conditions and infrastructure in preschool institutions, noting that programs and ideas become viable when supported by an appropriate environment and resources. She added that within the framework of the “300 schools, 500 kindergartens” initiative, educational institutions are being renovated and equipped with new resources, including musical instruments, while opportunities for professional training and certification are also being created.
During the event, Christine Weigand congratulated Maestro Sergey Smbatyan on his reappointment as a UNICEF National Ambassador, emphasizing the importance of continued effective cooperation.
“I am pleased to be reappointed as a UNICEF National Ambassador, which shows that our cooperation is mutually effective. It is very important for me to have another opportunity to create value for children,” said Sergey Smbatyan.
The official reappointment ceremony, held within the framework of International Day of Education, and the panel discussion that followed were attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Araksia Svajyan, UNICEF Representative in Armenia Christine Weigand, and Head of the “Symphonic ClassA” educational and cultural program Tatev Adamyan.
The ceremony was followed by a panel discussion titled “Symphonic Tales,” dedicated to the importance of classical music in early childhood. The “Symphonic Tales” educational module was developed in 2025 within the framework of the Symphonic ClassA program, with the support of the Government of Japan. The program was piloted in five communities in Armenia and aims to make classical music accessible and engaging for young children. The “Symphonic ClassA” program was founded by Maestro Sergey Smbatyan with the support of the Ministry of ESCS.
According to Araksia Svajyan, “Symphonic Tales” performances bring classical music closer to children, fostering their interest in both music and storytelling through a new format.
She also emphasized that, considering the successful outcomes of the joint initiative, institutional changes in the preschool education system may be possible after the program’s completion, including improvements to preschool education standards.
Araksia Svajyan also highlighted the importance of ensuring proper conditions and infrastructure in preschool institutions, noting that programs and ideas become viable when supported by an appropriate environment and resources. She added that within the framework of the “300 schools, 500 kindergartens” initiative, educational institutions are being renovated and equipped with new resources, including musical instruments, while opportunities for professional training and certification are also being created.
During the event, Christine Weigand congratulated Maestro Sergey Smbatyan on his reappointment as a UNICEF National Ambassador, emphasizing the importance of continued effective cooperation.
“I am pleased to be reappointed as a UNICEF National Ambassador, which shows that our cooperation is mutually effective. It is very important for me to have another opportunity to create value for children,” said Sergey Smbatyan.
