Armenian State Chamber Orchestra Tours India to Mark Armenia’s 35th Independence Anniversary

The Armenian State Chamber Orchestra embarked on a concert tour of India dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence, performing in three cities: Kolkata, New Delhi, and Chennai (historically known as Madras).

The tour was organized with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia, and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in India.

The tour opened at Kolkata’s renowned Victoria Memorial.

Opening remarks were delivered by Vahagn Afyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to India, and Sanjay Bansal, Secretary of the Welfare Department of the Government of West Bengal.

The orchestra’s next stop was New Delhi, where it performed at the concert hall of the renowned Lotus Temple.

During the official reception, Ambassador Vahagn Afyan highlighted the rich cultural traditions of Armenia and India and the two peoples’ deep respect for their historical heritage. He noted that relations between the two countries have developed over the years across political dialogue, defense, trade, education, technology, tourism, and, particularly, culture.

Rudrendra Tandon, Deputy Foreign Minister of India and Secretary for Eastern Affairs, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between Armenia and India and the further strengthening of the partnership built on this foundation.

The final concert took place at the historic Madras Music Academy in Chennai. The event opened with remarks by a representative of the Embassy of Armenia in India and the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Chennai.

The concerts were attended by ambassadors and diplomats from several countries, representatives of Indian public and private institutions, experts, and members of the local Armenian community.

The Armenian delegation was headed by Garegin Sargsyan, Director of the National Center of Chamber Music. The artistic director and conductor of the tour was Sipan Olah, who also performed as a tenor soloist. Other soloists included Lebanese soprano Shoghik Torosyan, violinist Astghik Vardanyan, and pianist Katarine Hovsepyan, performing with the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra.

The concert program featured works by Komitas, Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babajanyan, Alexander Spendiaryan, Edward Mirzoyan, Khachatur Avetisyan, Vagharshak Kotoyan, Charles Aznavour, Edvard Grieg, and other European composers.

The Armenian State Chamber Orchestra’s tour of India became a significant cultural initiative marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, contributing to the international promotion of Armenian musical art and the strengthening of Armenian-Indian cultural ties.