The concert dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Gargach Children's Choir and organized by the Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin Lebanon took place under the auspices of Primate of Lebanon Bishop Shahé Panossian, on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 7: 00, at the Assembly Hall of American University of Beirut. Zakar Keshishian conducted the concert accompanied by pianist Liana Harutyunyan. Numerous guests and art lovers, Gargach Choir’s former Board members and singers were present at the concert.
Stephanie Baltayan delivered the opening speech. She said that within the past 20 years, the choir greatly contributed to the musical education of the young generation, preparing and presenting 30 concerts. Eight hundred young people at least once have participated in the concerts wearing Gargach’s costumes. Around 100 new special songs have been written for Gargach and Varanda choir of Shushi. During all annual, New Year and Christmas concerts, as well as current events, the choir performed about 600 songs. The choir has given concerts in Armenia, Artsakh and Cyprus. It has always taken part in Beirut Chants International Choral Festival and International Festival of Choir Music in Lebanon, and has become the Armenian representative in foreign musical circles of Lebanon.
At the end of her speech, Baltayan mentioned that during those 20 years, the choir successfully carried out its activities thanks to the Hamazkayin members, friends, sponsors, parents, pianists, the choir’s founder, artistic director, Maestro Zakar Keshishian, and due to their faith to cultural identity and mission. Gargach has been on stage for 20 years and will remain and continue its life on the forefront of Lebanon - in the heart of the Armenian Diaspora.