**“The Great Master of Melody” Cultural Festival at the “Endanik” Children and Youth Creative Center**

The “Master of Culture” series of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of the Republic of Armenia, renowned composer and kanun player Khachatur Avetisyan, was solemnly concluded at the “Endanik” Children and Youth Creative Center. Its final chord was the cultural festival “The Great Master of Melody.”

The festival brought together educational and cultural organizations that had participated in the republican creative competition “Colors of Sound: Artistic Interpretation of Avetisyan’s Melodies,” announced within the framework of the program. The competition united students from educational and cultural institutions in the highland and border regions of the Republic of Armenia, as well as Javakhk, who presented more than 200 creative works, each offering their own interpretation of the great musician’s art and spiritual heritage.

According to the jury’s assessment, representatives from Yerevan, Goris in Syunik Province, Taronik in Armavir Province, and Vanadzor in Lori Province were recognized as winners in the “Best Original Artwork” category. In the “Artistic Interpretation of Avetisyan’s Melodies” category, the best entries were submitted by educational and cultural institutions from Yerevan, Nor Kharberd in Ararat Province, Goris in Syunik Province, Vanadzor in Lori Province, and Ayrum in Tavush Province.

The highest and honorary Grand Prix award of the competition was presented to Ariana Hovhannisyan, a student of Secondary School No. 7 in Kapan, Syunik Province; Mariam Mikaelyan, a student of Secondary School No. 16 in Vanadzor; and Natalie Navasardyan, a student of Secondary School No. 3 named after M. Abegyan of the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia under the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

The winners received certificates of appreciation and incentive gifts, including works of fiction and Holy Scriptures. All other participants were awarded special certificates of appreciation by the jury for effective cooperation with the “Endanik” Children and Youth Creative Center, active participation in cultural initiatives, and creative engagement.

The festive atmosphere was enriched by artistic performances, during which the students of participating organizations also demonstrated their creative potential. The “Mi Sar” Orchestra of Gyumri performed for the audience, presenting beautiful Avetisyan-inspired musical, dance, and stage performances.

During the event, Arthur Minasyan, Director of the “Endanik” Children and Youth Creative Center, reflecting on the results of the program, particularly noted:

“Culture is the invisible bridge stretching between generations, through which our identity, value system, and spiritual heritage are passed on. For us, the ‘Master of Culture’ program was not simply a series of events; it became a unique opportunity to create, discover, and engage with national cultural values in a new way. It is encouraging that this initiative brought together talented young people from different communities and regions, creating a living platform for cooperation and cultural dialogue.”

The directors and representatives of the participating institutions also shared their impressions, highly appreciating the program’s educational and cultural significance and its impact on the creative and spiritual development of adolescents and young people. According to them, the “Master of Culture” program was not merely a competition platform but also a unique environment for friendship, cooperation, and the exchange of experience, where young people from different communities had the opportunity to get to know one another, present their cultural identity, and discover new creative opportunities.

This cultural journey dedicated to the art of Khachatur Avetisyan concluded in a warm and inspiring atmosphere, once again demonstrating that national culture continues to unite generations, communities, and Armenian youth living in different parts of the homeland around one common idea: to preserve, value, and continue Armenia’s cultural heritage.