Chennai recently welcomed a distinctive evening of Armenian and European classical music as the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia performed at the Music Academy on September 24, 2026. The concert was part of events marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
Led by conductor and artistic director Sipan Olah, the 21-member chamber orchestra presented a programme spanning Armenian classical works, folk-inspired compositions, European music and familiar concert pieces. Violinist Astghik Vardanyan, pianist Katarine Hovsepyan and soprano Shoghig Torossian joined the ensemble as soloists.
The programme featured music associated with composers including Komitas, Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babajanian, Alexander Spendiaryan, Eduard Mirzoyan and Khachatur Avetisyan. Works such as Blossomed Cherry Tree, Babajanian’s Nocturne and Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance offered contrasting expressions of Armenian musical traditions.
The performance also highlighted the ensemble’s attention to intonation, unified bowing, phrasing, articulation and tonal balance. Vocal selections added another dimension to the programme, while the closing performance of Our Beloved Yerevan brought the evening to a celebratory conclusion.
The Chennai concert was also significant in the context of the long historical relationship between Armenia and India. With Armenian cultural traces present in Chennai for centuries, the performance provided another opportunity for cultural exchange through music.
