On May 23, 2015, a young performer, Iren Avakyan, gave a concert at the Saint Tbilisi Etchmiadzin Church under the title, “Entreaty”, dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, , the church clergy, the representative from the RA Embassy in Georgia, Karen Melikyan, “Vrastan” (“Georgia”) Newspaper editor, Van Baiburtyan, social activist Samvel Aghekyan, poetess and translator, Anahit Bostanjyan were in attendance, as were Armenian and Georgian musicians, classical music enthusiasts and regular parishioners.

Iren Avakian was born in Khashuri city and graduated from the musical schools named after M. Balanchivadze and J. Saralidze. She also studied in the Yerevan State Conservatory named after Komitas and later was hired for a probation period by the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan. Iren Avakian has participated in many concerts, festivals and musical projects. She’s committed to working on the improvement of her skills and plans to pursue her career in classical music.

During the concert she performed musical compositions of Gregory of Narek, Komitas, M. Yekmalyan, Vivaldi, Caccini, Bach/Gounod, Bzvaneli and Babajanyan.

Iren Avakian thanked the organist Karen Mirzoyan and particularly mentioned the vocal abilities of Hrachia Asatryan from the “Nerses Shnorhali” Youth Ensemble and invited him to perform Caccini’s “Ave Maria” with her. She also thanked the Hayartun Center for providing opportunity and support.

At the end of the concert, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese expressed words of appreciation and congratulated Iren Avakian on conducting such a successful concert. “The language of art is understood everywhere; Armenians are introduced to the world as a creative, constructive and talented nation with the blessing from above”, said the Primate.

The event ended with the performance of the “Amen. Dear Lord” Sharakan and the Lord’s Prayer.