The idea of establishing a choral group to sing Armenian songs in four-part harmony was conceived in 2007 on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Language School, and had a successful debut concert on April 13, 2008 in the Queens Theatre on the Park under the baton of Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian. The Shnorhali Chorale has performed several concerts at different parishes in the tri-state area and Pennsylvania.

Following the departure of Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian to England, the leadership of Shnorhali was taken over by Mrs. Armine Vardanyan, a professional pianist and conductor from Armenia. The group held many successful concerts in the parish as well as at outside venues.

In February of 2013, the Chorale was reorganized with a new executive board functioning under the presidency of Holy Martyrs’ new pastor Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, who was also asked to direct the group on an interim basis until a permanent conductor could be found.

Shnorhali Chorale’s new director is Vagharshak Ohanyan who holds a Doctor’s Diploma of Music from the Armenian State Conservatory and a Certificate from the Juilliard School of Music. Shnorhali rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in Kalustyan Hall. All who love to sing are welcome to join. The group is devoted to educating, enriching and keeping the Armenian culture alive in the hearts of all Armenian Americans through the perpetuation of popular traditional Armenian songs and the music of legendary Armenian composers.