The Little Singers Vocal Ensemble, created by Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation within the Dilijan Development Project, is operating under the auspices of the community-based center and has only been in existence for two years. However, during this period of time the vocal ensemble has performed at various cultural events in Dilijan, its repertoire was regularly enriched and perfected. It was decided to give a performance in Tbilisi in order to expand the frames of the Vocal Ensemble’s concerts.

The members of the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble, led by the representative of Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation, Eleanor Malkhasyan, accompanied by choirmaster Merine Khachaturyan, piano player Margarita Voskanyan and their parents, paid a two-day visit to Tbilisi, on May 20, 2016.

The children took a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, saw the Monument to Sayat-Nova, took a cable car leading to Narikala Fortress, prayed in the ancient Cathedral of St. George, and took a walk along the streets of the Old Town during their visit.

The children visited Gary Davtyan Family Puppet Theatre and saw an amazing puppet show presented by Zhana Davtyan.

The next day, the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble gave a concert at the Hayartun Center of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The Director of the Hayartun Center, Levon Chidilyan, welcomed the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble, spoke about its activities, and presented the choir with a painting depicting Tbilisi.

Rev. Father Shavarsh Simonyan, Pastor of Dilijan, who had arrived specially for the occasion, thanked the audience for the warm welcome of the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble and expressed hope for further cooperation and strengthening of the ties between the Saint Nerses Shnorhali Youth Choir and the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble of Dilijan.

The concert started with the singing of the Lord’s Prayer under candlelight, followed by children’s songs written by Armenian and Russian composers performed with a professional demeanor by the Little Singers Vocal Ensemble. The songs were presented in a theatrical manner with artistic performances.

One highlight was the performance, in Georgian, of “The Second Legend” song dedicated to Tbilisi. The audience responded with a thunderous applause, the author of the song, composer Nunu Gabunia, who was in attendance, highly appreciated the performance.

The Little Singers Vocal Ensemble together with the Saint Nerses Shnorhali Children’s Choir sang the songs “Hayastan” (“Armenia”) and “Tbiliso”.

Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, assistant to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, welcomed the Little Singers and congratulated them on their first concert outside their homeland. Very Rev.Fr. Khoren transmitted to the people present the blessing and love from the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, he said sincere compliments and kind words to the choir members for beautiful performance, accompanied by childish directness and artistic expression, which brought a festive mood.

At the end of the event the guests treated the people present with a traditional Armenian pastry – “gata” from Tavush region in Armenia. They presented the Hayartun Center with their handworks, and danced the traditional Armenian circle dance.