The Cadence Ensemble was formed in February 2004 by five outstanding Armenian instrumentalists under the leadership of pianist Armen Babakhanian, initially to perform the works of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). The ensemble’s premiere concert took place in April 2004, and it soon became one of the leading and most popular music groups of Armenia, as it expanded its musical vision to include masterpieces of classical and contemporary European, American, Russian and Armenian composers, while maintaining an affinity for Piazzolla. Arrangements of many famous works, from classical, world music and pop are now included in its repertoire, alongside specially composed pieces dedicated to the ensemble and its members. Cadence has enjoyed international exposure through live broadcasts of its concerts, and the release of three CDs and DVDs, and has received numerous invitations to perform in Russia alongside European, Asian, Gulf and Middle East countries. The group’s first international tour took place in April 2005, the highlights being performances in the Teatro Colon and Teatro Servantes, Buenos Aires. In July 2005 the ensemble and its soloists performed concerts and gave master-classes at the Pazaislis Festival in Kaunas and Vilnius, Lithuania, and in December 2005 participated in international music festivals in Tehran and Tbilisi, Georgia. In May 2006 the Ensemble gave concerts in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai, UAE and in September 2006 performed in the Cairo and Alexandria Opera Houses in Egypt. 2007 saw further concerts in Beirut and Byblos, Lebanon, Paris, London, Brussels, Shenyang and Beijing.