More than 1,000 participants from nations like Russia, Belarus, France, Egypt, Iran, and China, gathered in Gyumri last month for the Veratsnund International Music Contest. Commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the Veratsnund – or Renaissance -- contest also marked the revival of Gyumri’s vibrant art scene, which has grown significantly in recent years.
The Gyumri “Octet” School of Music was one shining example of this growing community of artists. Sixth grade violin student Ani Khachatryan won an award for the performance of her signature “music rhapsody.” Ani is just one of the many students under the tutelage of teacher Anahit Grigoryan, whose kids are some of the most talented young musicians in the area.