The Dutch choir Apricot Tree performed in Armenia for the second time to great acclaim. Their concert took place on April 28 at the Yerevan State Puppet Theatre and was met with a warm, enthusiastic reception from a full house. Upcoming concerts are scheduled in Syunik — including stops in Goris and Sisian.
The Yerevan performance featured a moving program that resonated deeply with the audience. The choir performed works by renowned Armenian composers such as Nerses Shnorhali, Edgar Hovhannisyan, Vladilen Balyan, Khachatur Avetisyan, Gusan Sheram, and Gusan Ashot, as well as a selection of beloved Armenian folk songs. The emotional and respectful interpretation of these pieces by foreign performers made a powerful impression. Both urban folk songs and traditional melodies were delivered with great sensitivity and depth.
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At the end of the concert, the Apricot Tree choir was greeted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia, Marike Monroy-Winter. She expressed her deep admiration for how beautifully her compatriots sang in Armenian, and warmly congratulated Ruzanna Hakobyan for her exceptional work in teaching the choir the language. The ambassador added that she had goosebumps during some of the performances.
The Apricot Tree choir first toured Armenia in the fall of 2023, giving concerts in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Echmiadzin. They have also performed in several European countries, including Belgium, France, and their home country, the Netherlands.
The ensemble is composed of 26 choir singers and a quintet. Everyone in the group — including conductor and multi-instrumentalist Ivo Boswijk — is Dutch, with the exception of the artistic director, canon player Ruzanna Hakobyan.
It’s worth noting that all Apricot Tree concerts are charitable. For this recent Yerevan performance, residents of the Abovyan nursing home were specially invited. All travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the choir members themselves.
As mentioned, their next concerts will take place in Khndzoresk (Goris) on April 30, and in Sisian on May 2.
Melania Barseghyan
