On August 18, the first event took place at Tashir Arena (the newly renovated building of the Yerevan Circus): a charity concert titled Children for Children.
It was not part of the official opening ceremony, but a special occasion made possible through the personal initiative of Samvel Karapetyan, President of the Tashir Charitable Foundation.
Samvel Karapetyan chose to dedicate his 60th birthday to children by opening the doors of the new arena for the very first time to more than 1,200 young guests from across Armenia — including Vanadzor, Gyumri, Hrazdan, Artashat, Ararat, Yerevan, and other cities. Among the guests were children from large families, families displaced from Artsakh, as well as children of fallen heroes who gave their lives for the homeland and children of servicemen injured in the line of duty.
In a short message delivered by his daughter Tatevik, who brought the project to life, Samvel Karapetyan shared:
“I truly hope this day brings as much joy as possible. I wanted the new arena to be filled with children’s laughter for the very first time. And if even one child feels happy today — then it was all worth it.”
For the first time, children performed for children — and that was the heart of the concert. Young performers and little stage talents created a celebration for their peers. It was a sincere gesture of kindness, passed from heart to heart without words or barriers — something only children can do with such purity.
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The program featured musical and dance performances, circus acts, and other creative presentations that filled the arena with a true sense of celebration and unity.
At the start of the concert, Tatevik Karapetyan — First Vice President of the Tashir Group and the author of the project — welcomed the young audience with warm and inspiring words. She emphasized that the entire day was dedicated to them — the children — for whom this space was created.
In her address, she encouraged the kids to dream boldly, believe in miracles, and never give up when facing challenges. As she said, “Dreams are the wings that help us fly.”
“Just look at this incredible arena. It was my dream to create a place in Armenia filled with joy and true emotion — just like today. And now it’s come true, because you are here! Keep dreaming and taking action — that’s how miracles happen,” Tatevik said, adding that it’s joy and sincerity that give this new space its deeper meaning.
A special part of the program featured performances by students from the Gevorg Ginoysan and Sos Petrosyan circus schools — both of which have continued to preserve and develop Armenian circus art despite many challenges.
“For our students, taking part in an event like this isn’t just a performance — it’s something that will inspire them for years to come. When children see their talent being valued, and feel the joy of sharing it with other kids, that’s when a real love for their craft is born. And it’s even more exciting now that there’s a modern, one-of-a-kind venue in Armenia where children’s talents can grow into real achievements,” said Sos Petrosyan, Artistic Director of the Petrosyan Circus School.
“The new stage gives young performers not only a place to shine, but a chance to learn, work, and grow alongside world-class professionals. It opens the door to a new generation of Armenian circus artists. Today’s concert is a meaningful sign for every child stepping into this arena for the first time — a truly symbolic moment,” added Avetis Ginosyan, Artistic Director of the Ginosyan Circus School.
“It’s deeply symbolic that it was children who first filled this space with light, joy, and meaning — that’s what gives this first gathering such special importance,” noted Tatevik Karapetyan.
“For us, this isn’t just a concert — it’s the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the renewed Arena. Let the very first sound that echoes here be children’s laughter — the most important sign that we’re on the right path.”
The August 18 concert was not the official opening of Tashir Arena. As previously announced, the grand opening ceremony and the launch of its premiere repertory show are scheduled for this fall. The exact date and program will be shared separately.
About Tashir Foundation
The Tashir Charitable Foundation is one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in Armenia. It was founded by Samvel Karapetyan, President of the Tashir Group. Since 2001, the Foundation has been running large-scale charitable programs across Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian diaspora. Its mission is to promote social, spiritual, and economic development and to make a lasting contribution to Armenia’s future.
A particular focus is placed on healthcare: the Foundation builds and equips hospitals and carries out vital humanitarian programs in the field of medicine. Education is another key area, with projects ranging from the construction and renovation of schools and kindergartens to the creation of modern learning centers.
The Foundation also invests in the preservation of Armenia’s cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage, as well as in the development of sports and child-friendly infrastructure.
One of its highest priorities remains targeted aid for those affected by war and emergencies — including systemic support for forcibly displaced families from Artsakh. The Foundation also provides ongoing social assistance to families, children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Over the years, the Tashir Foundation has implemented dozens of large-scale projects — from building hospitals and supporting healthcare in border regions, to developing sports facilities, helping families of fallen soldiers, and restoring schools and churches.
The Foundation is committed to long-term, sustainable development. Rather than one-off aid, it aims to build an infrastructure of care — investing in lasting solutions for Armenia’s future.
Participants of the Children for Children Charity Concert
NEPOSEDY Children’s Music & Theater Studio
One of the most renowned international children’s music studios, founded in 1991 by Elena Mikhailovna Pindzhoyan, who remains its artistic director to this day. The studio brings together talented children and teens, nurturing their vocal, dance, and acting skills, and takes part in major cultural events and celebrations in Russia and abroad.
NEPOSEDY performers have graced some of the world’s biggest stages and frequently win prestigious music and theater competitions. The studio has performed in Japan, Italy, Wales, Norway, Finland, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Cyprus, and many other countries.
Official website: https://neposedi.ru
VOICES OF ARTSAKH
A musical project founded in 2003 by producer Lira Kocharyan, uniting talented young performers from Artsakh and representing Artsakh’s pop and cultural identity on the international stage. Over the years, the group has gained wide recognition and become a vital cultural ambassador for the region, performing both group and solo pieces.
The ensemble tours actively, sharing Artsakh’s music and spirit across countries. Since 2012, the Tashir Charitable Foundation has regularly supported the group.
Official: https://www.instagram.com/artsakhvoices
TaLuys Children’s and Youth Choir
A children’s music ensemble affiliated with the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The choir brings together children and teenagers united by a desire for musical and spiritual growth. They perform national and modern works, participate actively in cultural and charitable events, and help promote Armenian musical traditions among the younger generation.
They are regularly featured in regional and national concerts and festivals.
Artistic Director and Choir Leader: Maria Galstyan
Official: https://www.instagram.com/ta_luys_choir
Sos Petrosyan Circus School & Studio
One of Armenia’s leading educational institutions in circus arts. It was founded by Sos Petrosyan — Honored Cultural Figure of Armenia, Doctor of Arts, Professor, and Chairman of the Armenian Circus Artists’ Union.
The school is a continuation of the founder’s decades-long artistic and teaching work and plays a key role in preserving Armenian circus traditions. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, children and teens are trained in essential circus disciplines — from acrobatics to clowning.
Artistic Director: Sos Petrosyan
Gevorg Ginoysan Circus School
Operating under the auspices of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin), this school specializes in teaching children and youth the fundamentals of circus and performing arts: acrobatics, juggling, clowning, aerial performance, and stage disciplines.
The school aims to nurture the next generation of performers while preserving Armenia’s circus heritage. It blends traditional techniques with a modern approach, encouraging creative development and participation in meaningful cultural projects.
Artistic Director: Avetis Ginoysan
Official: https://www.facebook.com/share/14GC99NiyM8
Nanul
A young Armenian singer known for her popular songs and active presence in the country’s modern music scene. Her creative style blends national elements with contemporary sounds, resonating with a broad and diverse audience.
Official: https://www.instagram.com/nanulofficial
