The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund is implementing a multi-year renovation project at Yerevan’s Tchaikovsky Secondary Music School, with the sponsorship of the fund’s Eastern US affiliate. Founded in 1939, the school provides a curriculum that combines music and general education. Currently it has more than 600 students.
The extensive renovations are expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2016 academic year. To date, the campus, which was built in 1973, had undergone seismic retrofitting, a complete structural redesign, and a slew of upgrades. The improvements include a new roof, new doors and windows, and new heating, air-conditioning, electrical, water, plumbing, and security systems. Other significant enhancements include the addition of an elevator and evacuation staircases.
The main building of the campus has been thoroughly modernized and now features a sizeable foyer. The renovations have also included the reconstruction of the gym and the transformation of the concert hall into a state-of-the-art auditorium, complete with a new stage and amenities for performers and audiences alike. Thanks to the refurbishments, the school’s symphony orchestra, string quartet, brass band, choir, and jazz band now have comfortable and fully appointed rehearsal rooms.
The final phase of renovations will include the construction of wheelchair ramps at the entrance of the school, a completely upgraded lighting system throughout the grounds, and the installation of pavilions and benches in the inner courtyard. Artistic touches, including a relief sculpture on the facade of the main building, created by architect Jim Torossian, as well as the interior relief sculpture and stained-glass windows, will continue to lend the school an esthetic character all its own.
In 2014, the Tchaikovsky Secondary Music School celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding. Legendary composer Aram Khachaturyan has called the storied school a “foundry of musicians.” Its alumni have included Eduard Tadevosyan, Ruben Altunyan, Vahram Sarajev, Jean Ter-Mergeryan, Levon Chaushyan, Sergey Smbatyan, Tigran Hamasyan, Aram Talalyan, Vahagn Hayrapetyan, Armen Babakhanyan, Stepan Lusikyan, and other musical giants who are the pride of the Armenian people.