The Naregatsi Folk Instruments Ensemble was launched in August 2008 under the auspices of the Naregatsi Art Institute and its Founder–President Nareg Hartounian and the generous support of some benefactors and art lovers. The ensemble was founded on the basis of the tuition-free tar and kamancha classes organized back in 2005.
The Ensemble is founded with a vision to promote the love and interest of younger generations towards the riches of Armenian traditional music and musical instruments, thus giving a new spirit to the preservation and development of national culture.
Naregatsi Art Institute (NAI) is a non-profit art organization established in 2000 with headquarters in Yerevan since 2004 and an educational art center in Shoushi since 2006. Founded by philanthropist Nareg Hartounian and named after Saint Gregory of Narek, the NAI’s principle mission is to preserve and promote Armenian art, culture and spiritual values.
In addition to the occasional support of NAI friends and donors, the fundamental support of the NAI has been and is made possible by the generous contributions of Garabed Haroutunian, Saro Hartounian, and Harco Incentives Inc. USA www.harcoweb.com.
Initially the ensemble consisted of 21 instrumentalists and 5 vocalists, who were winners of national and international competitions and festivals.
The first concert of the ensemble was held on August 27, 2008 during the opening ceremony of the "Lebanese Culture Week in Armenia", it was followed by numerous concerts in Yerevan and regions of Armenia and in Artsakh.
In April- May , 2010 the ensemble had a number of concerts in the French cities of Lyon, Toulouse, Paris, Sarlat, Cahors, Romagne, as well as in Geneva, Zurich and Lugano of Switzerland.
The Ensemble’s first CD released in 2010 was nominated as “The best album of the year” at the National Music Awards 2010.
The Ensemble released their second CD “Rebirth” in 2012.
Since its inception until June 2015 the Artistic Director of the ensemble has been Hovik Sahakyan, RA Honored Worker of Culture and famous tar player. The current Artistic Director is Artem Khachatur, composer, musician, Honored Artist of Armenia.
Naregatsi Folk Instruments Ensemble was restructured and renamed Naregatsi Folk Instruments Orchestra in January, 2016.
Currently there are 31 musicians in the orchestra.
The Orchestra has produced 4 video clips so far, of which perhaps the most interesting is the Naregatsi Orchestra's Tribute to Serj Tankian and the SOAD members, the latter’s rendition of Aerials arranged for folk instruments.
On October 31st, 2016 The Naregatsi Folk Instruments Orchestra (Artistic Director Artem Khachatur) of the Naregatsi Art Institute had their active participation in the first Contest-Festival of Folk Instruments Ensembles dedicated to 25th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and were awarded the grand prize.
The Naregatsi Orchestra inspires your relationship with Armenia’s ancient heritage through music by bridging the past and present to cultivate the future.
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