Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the “Varchafest 2026” youth music competition-festival held on the shores of Lake Sevan on August 21 and 22.

The finalists performed during the festival. The final round was preceded by live auditions in different regions of Armenia, in which about 100 groups of young musicians participated. The performances of the participants in all stages of the competition were evaluated by a jury consisting of recognized specialists in the field, ensuring a professional and impartial selection process. The “Varchafest 2026” jury includes: Vahagn Hayrapetyan, Karl Manukyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Narine Zarifyan and Mher Manukyan. Based on the results of the auditions, the 50 best groups were first selected, and 20 bands advanced to the final round.

After the performances of the final round participants, the Prime Minister made a speech, welcomed all the participants and jury members, spoke about the idea of expanding the festival and making it an annual one, as well as organizing a gala concert with the participation of the best participants. Nikol Pashinyan also thanked the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, all partners who participated in organizing today's festival. "Today's wonderful day, I am sure, will have a wonderful end when we award the prize winners and, of course, the Grand Prix winner will perform again under our applause," the Prime Minister noted in his speech.

Next, the "Varchabend" musical group gave a performance, in which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan performed and played percussion instruments.

The performances were followed by the award ceremony. The winners were determined both by the evaluation of the professional jury and the results of the voting of the present audience. The Grand Prix was awarded by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which was awarded to the “Red Line” group. The first place was taken by the “Dophamin” group, the second place by the “Noosh” group, and the third place by the “Folkastic” group. The prize fund of the festival is 10 million drams, intended for the Grand Prix, first, second and third prize winners. The Grand Prixis 4,000,000 drams, the first prize is 3,000,000 drams, the second prize is 2,000,000 drams, and the third prize is 1,000,000 drams.

The “Varchafest 2026” competition-festival is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia with the support of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The festival is intended to become an important platform for discovering young musicians, developing their creative potential and creating new opportunities for cooperation, while contributing to the development of live music culture, enriching the cultural life of Armenia, and forming an annual cultural event that will contribute to the activation of Armenia’s musical life and increasing its international recognition.

The music groups that reached the final stage within the framework of the festival also participated in the “Varchafest” tent camp program, within the framework of which a favorable environment for the exchange of experience, cooperation and the formation of new creative ties was created. A special concert was also held during the two days of the festival with the participation of beloved musical groups.