Badalian Music Fund Press Release

An Amaras Art Alliance program

Hovanness Badalian Music Fund
P.O.Box 733,
Watertown, MA 02471
Phone: 617-331-0426
Email: [email protected]

For immediate release
November 11, 2004
Contact person:
Tatoul Badalian, Program Director

The first annual banquet of the Hovanness Badalian Music Fund (HBMF)
will be held on December 4, 2004 at the Hellenic Cultural Center,
Watertown, MA. H. E. Arman Kirakossian, Armeniaâ~@~Ys ambassador to US,
will be in attendance and composer Konstantin Petrosian of Providence,
RI will be the MC. Among the highlights of the evening: first US
appearance of young and talented folk singer Artur Anushavanian;
soprano Nune Karapetian performing with pianist Nune Hakopian and
recognizing Bostonâ~@~Ys own Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble with an
Appreciation Award.

HBMF was established in early 2004 to celebrate the life of the
singer who made songs such as Hayastani Karmir Ginin, Yes Im Anoosh
Hayastani and Mayres Mahes Chimana famous. The goal of the Fund is
to provide merit-based scholarships, worldwide, to children enrolled
in Armenian music education programs. The Fund will also provide
assistance to individuals and organizations that create material and
training programs for children.

Beloved singer Hovanness Badalian played a significant role in
educating Armenian children and young adults. Through his songs he
spread the spirit of the Armenian culture around the world, helping
bond the Diaspora and Armenia. Upon his passing in 2001 composer
Vardan Ajemian said, â~@~We lost a great artist. He was the father
of Armenian folk songs. We lost a very honest man. I am shocked.â~@~]

In October of this year Armenia celebrated Badalianâ~@~Ys 80th birthday
at the National Opera in Yerevan with the participation of prominent
artists including his daughter, opera singer Nuneh Badalian. Fifty
of his students led by pedagogue Arsen Grigorian came on stage
singing together and watching the great Maestro sing â~@~Yes Im
Anoush Hayastaniâ~@~] on the screen, representing not only the past,
but inspiring hope for the future. â~@~Badalianâ~@~Ys dedication and
unrelenting work will always be an enduring reminder to his devotion
to his art and ultimately to his people,â~@~] said Aram Gharabegian,
Artistic director and conductor of the National Chamber Orchestra of
Armenia, and a key organizer of the event.

HBMF is organized under the charter of Amaras Art Alliance, a not for
profit organization. For the past ten years Amaras has been an active
member of the Boston, MA cultural scene, presenting jazz concerts,
solo performances, art exhibits and organizing student trips to
Armenia. Amaras has co-organized major events such as the multi-venue
celebration of composer Aram Khachaturianâ~@~Ys Centennial in 2003.

The December 4th banquet promises to be a memorable event for all those
who love Hovanness. For information and to make a contribution to the
Fund please call 617 331-0426, send an email to [email protected]_
(mailto:[email protected]) or write to HBMF, P O Box 733,
Watertown, MA 02471. HBMF programs will be available on the Fundâ~@~Ys
website to be launched in early 2005.

–Boundary_(ID_0f+Wsd1XCyaVDN6WKMjxhA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress