Classical music has traditionally been one of the major areas of culture in Armenia. In 2018, the government-funded classical music ensembles of Armenia were in a dire situation since they were deprived of additional sources of funding, and their revenues were partially reduced. These ensembles applied to the newly established “My Step” Foundation as a temporary solution for support and for filling the finance gap that had emerged.

In 2018, for sustainable operation of the classical music ensembles and their future development, the “My Step” Foundation undertook the “Friends of Classical Music in Armenia” initiative — a platform through which it would be possible to become a patron for classical music in Armenia and its future development. The support from the Manoogian Simone Foundation (general sponsor) and 7 private organizations (Electric Networks of Armenia, ArmBusinessBank CJSC, Ameriabank CJSC, Inecobank CJSC, Adamium LLC, Yerevan City Supermarket Chain and Ucom CJSC) helped make it possible to ensure operation of the classical music ensembles, without reducing staff or programs.

The following were the beneficiaries of the program:

• Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra
• Armenian State Symphony Orchestra
• Armenian State Chamber Choir
• National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia
• Komitas National Quartet
• Hover State Chamber Choir
• Armenian National Academic Choir
• Armenian State Jazz Orchestra

In 2018, the “My Step” Foundation launched the “Friends of Classical Music in Armenia” Program for sustainable development of classical music in Armenia. The aim of the Program was to ensure sustainable development of classical music by empowering ensembles and helping them grow, sparking interest in classical music, promoting music tourism, providing more access to information about events, increasing financial flows and introducing innovative solutions.