Happy Birthday Aram Khachaturian!

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PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, June 6, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARAM KHACHATURIAN!

June 6, 2013, marks world-renowned Armenian composer Aram
Khachaturian’s 110th birthday. Throughout the year, the beloved
composer will be celebrated with various events throughout the
world. Armenia is no exception. Among the many traditional concerts
and performances that will take place, a unique performance — Sabre
Dance on the Street — was unveiled today in the streets of Yerevan.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), in partnership with the
Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) and Emporium, presented a modern
take on Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance, from the ballet Gayane.

Passers-by, tourists and on-lookers were surprised by the Sabre Dance
on the Street, which took place at the Cascade Complex and Cafesjian
Sculpture Garden. At first glance, they thought a real fight, over a
girl, had broken out. But, as APO Artistic Director and Principal
Conductor Maestro Eduard Topchjan appeared, joined by the Armenian
Philharmonic Orchestra and the Armenia State Dance Ensemble
“Barekamutyun”, spectators relaxed and began to enjoy the show.

Look closely and you will find AGBU staff, supporters and family in
the video, including two alumni of the 2012 AGBU Musical Armenia
Program (MAP) who are performing with the 100-member orchestra, and
finalists from the 2012-13 Republican Interschool Chess
Olympiad. Mrs. Vera Setrakian, wife of AGBU President Berge Setrakian,
and Mrs. Sossie Kelegian, longtime AGBU member and supporter, were
present to enjoy the Sabre Dance on the Street.

To celebrate his 110th anniversary, UNESCO declared 2013 as the Year
of Khachaturian. His vast repertoire includes numerous works for
piano, violin, cello, orchestras, ballets and much more. Khachaturian
passed away on May 1, 1978, leaving a rich musical legacy for the
world to enjoy.

Sabre Dance on the Street can be viewed here:

The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO), established in 1928, is the
national center of professional orchestral music. APO is committed to
promoting culture and musical awareness to local audiences through
regular performances of classical and operatic music, as well as
national and contemporary music. Featuring the works of Armenian
composers, APO supports new orchestral works creating new and
interesting programs for connoisseurs, tourists and people of all
ages. APO serves as Ambassador of Armenian music worldwide and tours
regularly. For more information about APO, please visit

Emporium is the first professional marketing, advertising and PR
magazine in Armenia. Published since March 2011, its goal is to
support the local market and experts, by linking them with the newest
ideas. Among other activities, Emporium has supported artists by
preparing, free-of charge, video clips. On September 21, 2012,
Emporium organized the largest flashmob in Armenia’s history. (To
view, visit
). For more
information on Emporium, visit

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please
visit

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress