Dilijan State College of Arts Celebrates Another Year of Excellence

On June 10, the concert hall of Dilijan State College of Arts pulsed with the sounds of Komitas, Sayat-Nova, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, and more as students took the stage for their annual graduation performance, a much-loved tradition celebrating talent, growth, and community.

The evening opened with Komitas’ soulful “My Red Shawl,” performed by the college’s folk instrument ensemble, setting a powerful tone for what followed.

Among the standout performers were Julieta Antonyan and Emma Balasyan, two gifted kanon players who recently took first place at the prestigious “Little Step” music competition. “Music is my passion; it’s where I truly found myself,” said Emma, from Achajur village. “Today means a lot,it’s a chance to celebrate everything we’ve learned.”

Julieta, who has studied at the college since age seven, is preparing for her next step. “It’s hard to imagine leaving,” she said, “but I’m excited to carry everything I’ve learned to the Komitas Yerevan State Conservatory.”

Proud principal Hasmik Mkrtumyan noted that nine of this year’s 18 graduates have already been accepted into the Yerevan State Conservatory, an incredible accomplishment that speaks volumes. “This has been a remarkable year,” she said in her welcoming remark. “Our students continue to make us proud, both here and far beyond.”

As the large-scale renovations funded by the Toufayans approached completion, several longtime FAR supporters added their own contributions to specific aspects of the school. The Bazarian family funded the new music hall; support for the project also came from David and Myrna Onanian, the Mirak-Weissbach Foundation, and the Galust Galo Fund. Thanks to these and other donations, FAR also provided fine instruments to the school, including pianos, violins, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, drums, duduks, and pipes.