Supreme Patriarch,

I cordially congratulate you on the 40^th anniversary of the “Shnorhali” (Gifted) Choir of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.

Throughout the 40 years of its existence, the “Shnorhali” Choir has stayed true to its name, has charmed Armenian audiences with its performances of purely Armenian songs and has kept the divine and national songs of Komitas alive in the hearts of all Armenians, contributing to the preservation of the national identity and helping keep the spirit of Armenians alive.

With the concern about the preservation of national, spiritual, cultural and musical values, the “Shnorhali” Choir continues to preserve the traditions of Armenian song with the demand to present the art of Medieval Armenia’s greatest poet-musician, prominent representative of the Cilician school of Armenian music Nerses Shnorhali in a new way.

May the mission of the “Shnorhali” Choir set an example and inspire other Armenian communities of the Diaspora.

I wish “Shnorhali” Choir more success to present Armenian culture in different countries around the world.

KISSING YOUR RIGHT HAND,  

WITH FAITH,

HRANUSH HAKOBYAN