Children's Classical Opera Chorus was founded by Gayane Hovhannisian, an opera singer and teacher of Armenian descent, in Marseilles, French province of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, 11 years ago. The chorus is composed of children of various nationalities. G. Hovhannisian started her activities as a teacher in Armenia. Upon graduation from Komitas State Music Conservatory in Yerevan, she began working at the Chair of Vocal. She gained her pedagogical experience at the music school headed by David Zalian. During an interview with Armenians Today's correspondent, G. Hovhannisian recalled that the officials in charge of culture in Marseilles and Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur treated with mistrust her idea to found an opera chorus of children. Ms. Gayane, however, managed to select 30 out of 500 children and form a chorus. Later on these children were joined by their younger brothers and sisters. The chorus currently has 50 singers aged 5-11 and 11-20. In 2000 the Children's Classical Opera Chorus performed Pergolesi's Stabat Mater in several French cities, which was followed by numerous invitations from various countruies. Their performances are often broadcast on French television. The chorus gave successful concerts at the Royal Palace in Belgium, Le Louvre, and many cities of France. In 2004 the chorus participated in an international contest in Rome and took 4th place among 68 countries. The chorus has received invitations from Rio de Janeiro, London and other cities. On seeing the great achievements of the Children's Classical Opera Chorus, the Armenian community of Nice asked Gayane Hovhannisian to found an Armenian children's chorus there. The chorus has functioned for 5 years, and its repertoire mainly consists of works of Armenian composers. In the opinion of G. Hovhannisian, the young singers of the Nice children's chorus are talented. Many of them already study at the conservatories of Nice and nearby cities. The Armenian children's chorus gives 1-3 performances a month in cities of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. The chorus is expected to take part in One Nation One Culture 2010 Festival in Yerevan.

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