An Official Reception and a Concert Series by the State Chamber Orchestra of Armenia were held on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia

24 September, 2026

On the 23rd of September, the main event of an unprecedented concert series by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia and organized with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, and the Embassy of Armenia in India, took place at the concert hall of New Delhi’s renowned Lotus Temple.

At the official reception, the opening remarks of the concert evening were delivered by H.E. Vahagn Afyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia, and Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

In his remarks, Armenian Ambassador noted, in particular, that Armenia and India, sharing rich cultural traditions and a profound respect for their heritage, have over the years developed bilateral relations across numerous fields, including political dialogue, defense, trade, education, technology, tourism, and, in particular, culture. Ambassador Afyan also emphasized that the Republic of Armenia is capable of presenting itself not only through its economic and political achievements, but also through its culture, the creative potential of its people, and its ability to build bridges with others.

Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the centuries-old cultural ties between Armenia and India, as well as the active political dialogue that has developed in recent years on this foundation, expressing readiness to further strengthen the ongoing partnership between the two countries.

During the evening, works by renowned Armenian and European composers were performed under the artistic direction of Sipan Olah, who also performed several pieces himself.

The event received a warm response from the attendees, including Ambassadors and diplomats from a number of countries, as well as representatives of Indian public and private institutions, expert circles, and the local Armenian community.

Prior to Delhi concert, on the 21st of September, The unprecedented concert tour by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia, took place at the iconic Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India.

H.E. Mr. Vahagn Afyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia, and Mr. Sanjay Bansal, Secretary of the Department of Welfare, Government of West Bengal, India, delivered opening remarks at the first ever such concert tour of the Orchestra to India which also marked the first of its kind to be held at the Victoria Memorial.

Referring to the significance of the occasion, Ambassador Afyan noted, in particular, that the 35 years of Independence of Armenia have been a journey of resilience, revival and unwavering dedication.

It is also symbolic that the concert tour coincides with the International Day of Peace. On this occasion, the Ambassador of Armenia noted that, from Kolkata to New Delhi and then to Chennai (Madras), Armenian music will continue its journey, carrying with it a message of friendship, peace and cooperation.

Sipan Olah is the artistic director and the conductor of the concerts organised with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, and the Embassy of Armenia in India.

On the 24th of September, the final performance of the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra’s concert series in India, took place at Chennai’s historic Madras Music Academy.

A representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in India and the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Chennai delivered welcoming remarks on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day and the orchestra’s exceptional concerts in India.

Garegin Sargsyan, Director of the National Centre of Chamber Music; Sipan Olah, the concert series’ artistic director and conductor, a tenor who traveled from the United Kingdom to Armenia and then to India with the orchestra; soprano Shoghik Torosyan, who traveled from Lebanon; violinist Astghik Vardanyan; pianist Katarine Hovsepyan; as well as all the members of the orchestra received a particularly warm reception from the audience.

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