Project Started ~ August 24, 2002
Project Completed ~ June 4, 2003
Project location: Vanadzor, Armenia
Armenia Fund Inc. adopted the Vanadzor Music School #3 Project in September of 2001.
The Vanadzor Music School No.3 was established in 1969 through the efforts of Eduard Kzartmian. Originally it was located on the ground floor of a residential building and had a total of seven classrooms. The school eventually became one of the best in the Shirak Region of Armenia and began attracting more and more students every year. In 1984 the school was relocated to a larger building and underwent major reconstruction to accommodate 500 students. It was transformed into an exemplary academic facility with large classrooms and auditoriums.
The 1988 Gyumri earthquake seriously damaged the school and students had to relocate to a temporary location. The make-shift building never had proper heating or lighting. Leaks from the roof resulted in further deterioration of the building. Musical instruments were damaged due to the lack of proper storage and humidity in the winter. There were only 26 pianos, 1 violin and 2 cellos left in the Vanadzor Musical School. However, despite all these difficulties students continued their classes and participated in regional music competitions receiving awards.
In September of 2001 Armenia Fund Inc. adopted the Vanadzor School project through a joint financing agreement with the Arshak II Opera Committee. Both the Arshak II Opera Committee and Armenia Fund Inc. acknowledged the significance of this joint mission to fund the reconstruction and the refurnishing of the school.
On September 8, 2001 the Arshak II Opera Committee held a sold-out Gala and allocated partial proceeds from the Gala to the reconstruction of the Vanadzor Music School No.3. The Gala proceeds of approximately $250,000 were partially used in the joint efforts for the reconstruction of the physical plant and the rest for the future maintenance of the Vanadzor Music School. The funds were also used to provide for critically needed musical instruments, student aid, and teacher compensation.
The transfer of the monies for the Vanadzor Music School concluded a four-year effort by the Armenian-American community, as well as others involved in the project, in honoring the work of composer Tigran Tchkouhadjian.
During the extensive construction project the school was completely rebuilt and refurbished. The finished school became a unique cultural center for the residential districts of “Bazoum” and “Dimats”.
The total project cost: $228,197.00
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
