Armenian music finds a resonant home in Chennai

Music can travel across borders without needing a passport. That was evident at the Armenian and European classical concert presented by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia at the Music Academy, Chennai, on September 24. It was part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Hosted by Shivkumar Eashwaran, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, the evening brought together a 21-member chamber orchestra under the direction of conductor and artistic director Sipan Olah. Violinist Astghik Vardanyan, pianist Katarine Hovsepyan and soprano Shoghig Torossian joined the ensemble for a programme that moved from Armenian classical music and folk-inspired works to ballet excerpts and European compositions.