Author: Badalian Vardan

RUSSIA AGREES TO PROVIDE ARMENIA WITH $400 MILLION LOAN FROM ANTI-CRISIS FUND: NEWSPAPER SAYS

/ARKA/
OCTOBER 27, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, October 27. / ARKA /. Russia agreed to provide Armenia with
a $400 million loan from EurAsEC’s Anti-Crisis Fund, Russian daily
Izvestia said citing a source in the Russian ministry of finance.

According to the source, the finance ministry finally approved the
allocation of the loan for modernization of Nairit plant in Yerevan,
which is the only producer of synthetic rubber across the former
Soviet Union (its revenue in 2010 amounted to $11.5 million) and
establishment of associated enterprises.

According to the source, Yerevan needs now to make a formal
application, which, based on previous experience, is to be fulfilled
within one to two months.

The daily says the negotiations were difficult and long, lasting for
almost two years. In February 2010 Armenia filed an application for
a one billion euro loan to finance two projects. The Russian side
agreed to discuss only the second project – a loan of $400 million
to modernize gas and chemical industry. The source told Izvestia
that Moscow has set a tough and fundamental condition – the Armenian
government must consolidate 100% of Nairit in its hands. It was this
demand that slowed negotiations, the daily writes..

It says Nairit experienced severe financial problems. The Armenian
press and independent experts had the strong opinion that the
difficulties experienced by the plant were because of its owners. In
2006 some 90% of its shares were acquired by a British-registered
Rhinoville Property Limited (established by the Polish company
Samex, American Intertex and Russian Eurogas) and 10% remained in
the ownership of the Armenian government.

The plant owes more than $100 million to the CIS Interstate Bank
(the shares of the main owner are pledged with the bank). The Armenian
government has to constantly retaliate to difficult questions, arguing
that the plant is not used for private benefit, including by people
close to government structures.

At that Nairit is one of the largest employers. It can produce
enough rubber to meet the demand in CIS. The Armenian government
announced a tender to find a private investor to solve the problems
and upgrade the facility by investing $512 million. But only the German
company CAC showed interest, but its application is not approved yet,
according to Nairit officials. Perhaps it was the interest from foreign
investor that pushed Russia to the approval of the loan, according to
the daily. After all it will be provided under the guarantee of the
government of Armenia. Officials in the Russian ministry of finance
would not confirm the newspaper report.

“The work is under way but no decisions was taken”, Andrei Bokarev,
Director of International Financial Relations department, told
Izvestia.

A senior manager of the Eurasian Development Bank declined to comment,
while the ministry of finance of Armenia did not have time to prepare
a prompt response.

The loan is provided under the lowest interest rates that are
determined by the cost of funding at markets in Russia and Kazakhstan.

According to the source, who spoke to Izvestia, the loan will be
disbursed to Armenia in three tranches. The first $125 million tranche
will go to pay the debt to CIS Interstate Bank The second and third
tranches will be used to upgrade the plant.

EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund was established in 2009 to assist member
countries in overcoming the global crisis, securer long-term
sustainability of their economies and promote the integration processes
in the region. The Fund is managed by the Eurasian Development
Bank.

PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE IN ARMENIA’S CAPITAL

Tert.am
27.10.11

The mothers of soldiers killed in Armenia’s army and the Army in Fact
action group were to hold a regular action in front of the Armenian
government.

They demand proper investigation into soldiers’ murders.

However, the police did not allow the protesters to hold their
action where they had planned and used violence against them. The
protesters expressed their opinion on police violence, one of the
active participants, Izabella Sargsyan, said.

“The police used violence against Lala Aslikyan, a member of the Army
in Fact action Group, and transported her to the police department.

“A number of protesters gathered there and demanded that Ms. Aslikyan
be released. One more incident took place there: Vice-Chief of the
police department Araik Petrosyan tried to run over the protesters
by his car and hit the Parliament member Zaruhi Postanjyan.

Lala Aslikyan’s lawyer Robert Revazyan was not allowed to enter the
police department. About 20 policemen near the police department, and
another 30 at some distance, prevented the protesters from approaching
the building, said Izabella Sargsyan.

U.S. REP. PALLONE: TURKEY’S THREATS HAVE ESCALATED

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 27, 2011 – 14:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) wrote to
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning Turkey’s disregard for
international law and recent threats to Israel and Cyprus.

Recent reports indicate that Turkish F-16 fighters have been deployed
in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus and Turkish warships have
been harassing Israeli merchant vessels in the Cypriot waters.

“I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the Republic of
Turkey’s recent aggressive posturing towards Israel and Cyprus. Israel
and Cyprus have proven to be steadfast allies of the United States
and have shown their dedication to respecting international law.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Turkey, which has expanded
its policies of threatening peaceful acting neighbors with complete
disregard for international law,” Pallone wrote in the letter.

“Turkey’s threats have now escalated and have become actions that are
directed at provoking conflict with peacefully acting nations. Turkey
has sent an oil exploration ship escorted by a frigate and a submarine
to the waters off Cyprus, hardly actions of a peaceful mission. Recent
reports indicate that Turkish F-16 fighters have been deployed in
the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus and Turkish warships have been
harassing Israeli merchant vessels in Cypriot waters.”

“There is no question that should any type of violent conflict erupt
in the east Mediterranean between Turkey and Cyprus or Israel that it
will be result of Turkish aggression in violation of international
law. Additionally, should the Turkish navy take action to interfere
with a U.S. based company pursuing a legal agreement to explore for
natural gas with a European Union nation it would certainly require
a strong reaction from the United States,” he wrote, Asbarez reported.

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]

TOP STORY October
27, 2011

Holy Etchmiadzin

_Primate to Attend Supreme Spiritual Council Meetings _

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, traveled to Armenia this
week, where he will participate in meetings of the Supreme Spiritual Council
at Holy Etchmiadzin.’

The Supreme Spiritual Council is the highest executive body of the Armenian
Church, comprised of clergy and lay members. It convenes under the
presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians. During the meetings, the council will extend its
congratulations to His Holiness Karekin II on the 12th anniversary of his
enthronement and his 60th birthday.’

While in Armenia, Archbishop Barsamian also will participate in the
consecration of bishops scheduled for Sunday, November 6. Among those to be
consecrated are two former clergy of the Eastern Diocese-the Very Rev. Fr.
Vahan Hovhanessian, currently Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain, and
the Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, currently the Pontifical Legate for
Central Europe.

Consecration of St. Giragos Church in Turkey
Some 2,000 people gathered for the re-consecration of St. Giragos Church on
October 22.

_Re-consecration of the Historic St. Giragos Church _

Last week Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, led a group of
Diocesan leaders on a pilgrimage to the city of Diarbekir (Dikranakert), in
Turkey, where they took part in the October 22 re-consecration of the
historic St. Giragos Armenian Church.

The group which included the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, also visited the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople
and toured other historic Armenian churches in Anatolia.

The pilgrims were scheduled to travel to the historic Armenian region of Van
as well, but the earthquake in that region on Sunday caused a cancellation
of those plans. As reported shortly after news of the disaster broke, the
pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese were unaffected by the earthquake.

The pilgrimage concluded on Wednesday, and the pilgrims have returned to the
United States. Click to read about the [4]re-consecration, the group’s
[5]tour of Armenian sites in Istanbul, and to [6]view photos.
Links:
4.
5.
6.

Scripture of the Week

Is 22:15-24
Eph 1:1-14
Lk 8:17-21

Prayer of the Week

With your peace, Christ our Savior, which surpasses all understanding and
speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal to your
true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_29 October:_ St. John Chrysostom

_5 November:_ Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Consecration of crosses of the Armenian cathedral in Moscow
His Holiness Karekin II consecrates a cross for the new Armenian cathedral
in Moscow, Russia.

_Crosses Consecrated for Armenian Cathedral in Moscow _

On Sunday, October 23, the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
consecrated three crosses and three bells of the new Armenian cathedral
being built in Moscow, Russia. Assisting him was Bishop Yezras Nersissian,
the Primate of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia.

Following the consecration ceremony, the crosses and bells were raised by
crane and installed on the cathedral. Also present at the consecration
ceremony was Armenian President Serge Sargsyan, as well as other Armenian
government officials, and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church. A
concert featuring local Armenian choral, dance, and instrumental groups
followed services.

`This is a historic day-one that we long awaited,’ said Bishop Nersissian.
`The raising up of the cross-the symbol of victory’ speaks to our faith in
God, and to our dedication to our homeland and to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.’

The new cathedral, which is slated for completion next fall, is said to be
the tallest Armenian Church in the world. It was designed by the Armenian
architect Artak Gulian, who has said that he strove to incorporate elements
of traditional Armenian architecture while also reflecting centuries-old
Russian-Armenian ties.

The adjacent complex-which includes a clergy residence and guest rooms,
administrative offices, an educational center, a museum, and a chapel-is the
largest diocesan center of the Armenian Church outside Armenia.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

_Contributing to the Van Earthquake Relief Effort _

Earlier this week, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, issued a
directive asking parishes of the Eastern Diocese to offer prayers for those
who are suffering from the earthquake in Van, and to consider contributing
to the relief effort.

The Diocese and its humanitarian aid organization, the Fund for Armenian
Relief (FAR), will be supporting the effort to assist the earthquake
victims, working through relief agencies on the ground in the region.
Parishes are asked to hold a special collection on Sunday, October 30.

Individuals can also contribute by visiting the [7]`Donate’ section on the
Diocesan website and making a credit-card donation on our secure server.
(Please note: In the lower part of the online information entry form, select
the button `In Memory of,’ and type `Van Earthquake Relief’ in the memo bar
that appears.)
[8]
Click here to read Archbishop Barsamian’s directive in its entirety.
Links:
7.
8.

Clergy Conference at the Diocesan Center
Clergy and seminarians listen to a presentation during last week’s program
on youth ministry.

_Clergy Meet for Continuing Education Program _

Clergy and seminarians of the Eastern Diocese gathered for a continuing
education program on youth ministry last week. The program was coordinated
by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, and the Very Rev.
Fr. Daniel Findikyan, seminary dean, and held at the Diocesan Center and at
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

The sessions were designed for the younger clergy of the Diocese, including
those who have come from Armenia to serve in the Eastern Diocese in recent
years. Participants heard from experienced Diocesan clergy, members of the
Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education, the Diocese’s executive
director, the ACYOA Central Council, as well as the Communications
Department and Zohrab Center staff.

They also had an opportunity to come together for worship in St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral and in the seminary chapel.

Click to [9]read more and to [10]view photos.
Links:
9.
10.

Women’s Guild Symposium

_Women’s Guild Fall Symposium to be Held Saturday_

The Women’s Guild Central Council will hold its fall symposium, titled
“God’s Call, Your Response: Lay Leadership Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,”
on Saturday, October 29, at the Diocesan Center in New York.

Building on this year’s Diocesan exploration of lay ministry, the WGCC
symposium will look at the ways women are advancing the Armenian Church’s
mission today, and will brainstorm about new trails to be blazed for the
21st century.

The program will include a tour of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and
presentations by Dr. Roberta Ervine, Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, Dr. Lynn Cetin,
Dr. Nicole E. Vartanian, Carol Aslanian, and Arda Haratunian. In addition,
an art exhibition will be on view during the day on Saturday (see article
below).
[11]
Click here to view a flyer. For more information, contact Rita Oscherician
at [12][email protected].
Links:
11.
12. mailto:[email protected]

FAR Chicago meeting
FAR staff met with Chicago’s Armenian community last week.

_FAR Hosts First `Fireplace Chat’ in Chicago _

The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) met with members of the Armenian
community in Chicago last week, marking the first of a series of `Fireplace
Chats’-intimate gatherings to discuss Armenia’s needs and the critical work
that FAR implements in the homeland.

FAR staff introduced the Chicago community to many of the organization’s
initiatives in Armenia and described the economic and social needs of the
country. A lively discussion ensued, covering topics as diverse as
Armenia’s IT sector and its social services and child protection programs.

The evening was hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Heratch and Sona Doumanian, who
graciously welcomed the guests to their beautiful home. Local members of the
Diocesan Council-including the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, Oscar Tatosian,
Lisa Esayian, and Paul Mardoian-were instrumental in helping to organize
what became a successful event.

The Fireplace Chats are intended to provide Armenian communities with the
opportunity to dig beyond the surface of what’s necessary and possible in
Armenia. Chicago set a great precedent for similar gatherings planned across
the East Coast and the Midwest.

[13]Click here to read more on FAR’s blog.
Links:
13.

PARISH NEWS

Holy Ascension Church in Trumbull, CT celebrates 80 years
(From left) Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, and altar servers in prayer during Sunday’s service.

_Trumbull, CT, Parish Marks 80th Anniversary _

On Sunday, October 23, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian visited the Holy
Ascension Church of Trumbull, CT, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
ordained longtime altar server Garo Kalfayan to the sub-diaconate.
Archbishop Gizirian was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, the
longtime pastor of Holy Ascension Church, and the Rev. Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, pastor of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains,
N.Y.

Services were followed by a banquet where community members spoke about the
history of Holy Ascension Church and recognized a number of parishioners for
their dedication to strengthening parish life. The gathering was the
culmination of a yearlong celebration of the church’s 80th anniversary of
consecration.

Click to [14]read more and to [15]view photos.
Links:
14.
15.

St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL
Fr. Nareg Berberian with the Women’s Guild members of St. David Church.

_Boca Raton, FL, Parish Builds on Lay Ministry Initiatives_

On Saturday, October 22, the Women’s Guild of St. David Church of Boca
Raton, FL, held a meeting to discuss upcoming events, including the Annual
Food Festival, Variety Show, monthly dinners, the Women’s Guild Christmas
Party, and other activities.

The meeting was chaired by Carol Norigian. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg
Berberian, parish pastor, delivered a special lecture on the importance of
the main vessels on the altar.

Also during the meeting, Fr. Berberian recommended the parish host a retreat
during Lent to strengthen its spiritual life, and the Women’s Guild agreed
to help organize the gathering and to invite other Florida Women’s Guild
chapters to take part. Fr. Berberian thanked the parishioners for their
dedication and stressed the importance of lay ministry in the life of the
church.

Armenian Church in Baton Rouge, LA
Fr. Tateos Abdalian blesses salt in preparation for last Sunday’s _madagh_
in Baton Rouge, LA.

_Hadjin Massacres Commemorated in Baton Rouge, LA_

The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese’s director of Mission Parishes,
visited St. Garabed Armenian Church of Baton Rouge, LA, last weekend, as the
community gathered for its annual commemoration of the heroic defenders of
Hadjin. Many of the local parishioners are descendants of survivors of the
Hadjin massacres, perpetrated in the 19th and early 20th centuries while the
city was part of the Ottoman Empire.

On Saturday, Fr. Abdalian spoke with the parish children about the history
of the Hadjin massacres. On Sunday, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
performed a requiem service for deceased community members, as well as the
defenders of Hadjin. A _madagh_ blessing followed in the church hall.

Guest speaker Dr. Dikran Sarafian from California stressed the importance of
understanding the history of the Armenian people from various parts of the
diaspora.

[16]Click here to view photos.
Links:
16.

_Upcoming Parish Events _

_St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL_
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host a children’s costume parade
(ages 2-16) in the church hall on Sunday, October 30. Games, activities, and
a lunch for children will follow.

_Holy Trinity Church | Cheltenham, PA_
Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, will hold its annual Harvest Bazaar
on October 29 and 30. Browse the Attic Treasures, Country Store, and vendor
booths while enjoying homemade Armenian food and sweets.

The event also will feature a Chinese Auction and children’s activities,
including a Halloween Costume Parade on Sunday. For more information, e-mail
[17][email protected], or call (215) 663-1600.
Links:
17. mailto:[email protected]

_Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ_
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host its annual bazaar and food
festival on Saturday, October 29.

A children’s Halloween Party will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Dinner will begin
at 6 p.m., and feature khavourma, keshkeg soup, kufteh, luleh kebob, cheese
boreg, yalanchi, and pastries. The evening will also feature raffles and
international music by DJ Berj, and a special guest performance by Robert
Chilingirian.

[18]Click here to view a flyer; for more information call the church office
at
(201) 864-2480.
Links:
18.

_Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI_
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its 81st annual
`Food Fair and Bazaar’ from November 4 to 6.

Enjoy Armenian food and pastries, an Armenian store, live music, raffles, a
silent auction, activities for children, and more. For more information,
call (401) 272-7712 or visit the parish website:
[19]
Links:
19.

_Sacred Music Council Workshops in the Midwest_
The Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese will host a series of
workshops for choir members of Midwest churches on Friday, November 11, and
Saturday, November 12. Topics will include basic singing technique, music of
the Divine Liturgy, and the special music of Armenian Christmas.

For more information, visit the Diocese’s [20]`Events Calendar’ page.
Links:
20.

EVENTS

`Madonna and Child Crimson’ by Sarkis Hamalbashyan.

_Crosses + Icons: An Art Exhibition at the Diocese_

The Women’s Guild Central Council will present “Crosses + Icons: Celebrating
Spirituality,” a group art exhibition, on Saturday, October 29 at the
Gulbenkian Hall of the Diocesan Center in New York City. The opening
reception will run from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Works by four established artists based in Yerevan- Sarkis Hamalbashyan,
Hamlet Hovsepyan, Mariam Khachatryan (Moko), and Ararat Sarkissian-will
address an extensive and rich range of representations of the concept of
spirituality through religious, collective, and individual symbols, icons,
and approaches.

The exhibition is curated by Vicki Hovanessian, collector and director of VH
Contemporary Art, with the collaboration of Raphy Sarkissian, a faculty
member at the School of the Visual Arts, New York. Free and open to the
public, it is organized as part of the Women’s Guild Central Council fall
sympoisum.

Click to [21]read more and to [22]view images representing some of the
artwork that will be on display on October 29.
Links:
21.
22.

Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble

_Shushi Dance Ensemble to Celebrate 20th Season_

On Sunday, October 30, the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral will kick off its 20th season with a spectacular program
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the independence of Armenia and
Karabagh.

The program will feature 150 performers with vocalists and musicians from
Armenia, California, and New York. The performance will take place at
Felician College in New Jersey (262 South Main Street, Lodi, NJ), beginning
at 5 p.m.

The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble is under the leadership of artistic
director and choreographer Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian.

For more information, visit [23] or [24]click here to
view a flyer.
Links:
23.
24.

YOUTH NEWS

Zohrab Center Conference

_Zohrab Center to Host Youth Scholars Conference _

The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center plans to host an
Armenian Youth Scholars Conference in January 2012. The event will bring
together undergraduate students and recent graduates with established
scholars and academics for a daylong discussion on topics relating to
Armenian Studies.

The Zohrab Center is currently accepting proposals for presentations on
Armenian history, literature, economics, art, and religion.

To be considered, e-mail a presentation proposal and an abstract to Taleen
Babayan at [25][email protected]. The deadline for submitting materials
is December 15.
[26]
Click here to read more on the Zohrab Center’s blog.
Links:
25. mailto:[email protected]
26.

VIOLINIST MIKHAIL SIMONYAN PERFORMS LIVE AT (LE) POISSON ROUGE

Broadway World

Oct 27 2011

Following recital and concerts around the world, violinist Mikhail
Simonyan will release his Deutsche Grammophon debut recording, Two
Souls, on November 1 in the United States. To mark the occasion
Simonyan will present a 7:30pm concert at New York’s renowned
(le) Poisson Rouge featuring an eclectic program of works by Ysaÿe,
Tchaikovsky, and Milstein. For an evening of energetic and undoubtedly
exciting music making, Simonyan will be joined by his good friend
maestro Kristjan Jarvi (who leads the London Symphony Orchestra on
Simonyan’s new album) and Jarvi’s Absolute Ensemble in re-imagined
settings of music inspired by folk influences, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn,
and more, written by ensemble member Gene Pritsker.

Still in his twenties, Mikhail Simonyan is already recognized as one of
the most celebrated talents of his generation. The New York Times has
praised his, “breadth, lyricism and fleet technique,” and reported that
“Mr. Simonyan play[s] as if every note counted.” The 2010-11 season
saw his recital debuts at the Verbier, Aspen and Ravinia Festivals,
a debut with the NHK Symphony Orchestra performing the Sibelius
Violin Concerto under Sir Neville Marriner, a debut with the Dresden
Philharmonic and Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos, and debuts with the Royal
Scottish National Orchestra, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and Iceland
Symphony Orchestra. In October, he filled in last minute for Midori
to make his Baltimore Symphony debut to rave reviews.

Absolute Ensemble is conductor Kristjan Jarvi’s celebrated chamber
band from New York City. Founded in 1993 when Jarvi was a piano
student at Manhattan School of Music, Jarvi’s uncanny prescience for
the future of classical music led him to create a band so unique that
the American Record Guide claims it “may well be the most alluring
and virtuosic… of today’s new music groups.” An ebullient mix of
jazz, classical and world music played with virtuosic flair, Jarvi’s
group of musical omnivores creates each project from start to finish,
restoring the composer/arranger/performer synthesis and flavoring each
concert with spontaneity and musical charisma. Absolute tours the globe
extensively while maintaining its New York presence and a European base
at Musikfest, Bremen. Absolute Ensemble has released eleven albums and
has been awarded the German Record Critics Prize, a Grammy nomination
and the Deutsche Bank Prize for Outstanding Artistic Achievement.

For his Deutsche Grammophon debut recording, Mikhail Simonyan decided
to pay tribute to his Armenian heritage and also the substantial amount
of time he has lived in the United States as represented by the violin
concertos of Khachaturian and Barber. Click here to learn more about
the album and watch a video of Simonyan and Jarvi discussing the works:

Mikhail Simonyan is of Armenian and Russian heritage and began playing
the violin at the age of 5. When he was 13, he toured the US as soloist
with the American Russian Young Artists Orchestra; soon afterwards he
moved to America and entered the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia to
study with Victor Danchenko, a pupil of David Oistrakh. “Prokofiev,
Shostakovich, Khachaturian – Victor Danchenko had known them all and
studied their music with Oistrakh, who gave the premiere of many of
their works, including the Khachaturian Concerto”, says Simonyan. “It
was wonderful to learn from him the traditions of performing that
music.”

For this recording Simonyan has commissioned a new cadenza for
the Khachaturian concerto since he found the original essentially
Oistrakh’s version, which is violinistic and virtuosic but lacking
in an essentially Armenian quality. “This new cadenza,” according to
Simonyan, “has a strong feeling of Armenian church music. Armenia was
the first Christian country and has been persecuted for religion all
through its history. Part of what it means to be an Armenian today is
rooted in our deep, ancient and unique church music tradition. This
element in Avanesov’s cadenza brings a whole new color to the
concerto.”

As noted, Simonyan moved to the US when he was 13 and studied at the
Curtis Institute of Music. To represent this other significant part
of his life he performs Barber’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra –
not only is the work a great American composition but Barber studied
at the Curtis Institute of Music as well. Simonyan purposefully sought
to draw out the American character of the work when, for instance,
he slows the tempo of the last movement and uses an almost folk-like
fiddling style.

Simonyan has recently launched a private initiative called “Beethoven
Not Bullets” to assist the newly founded Afghanistan National Institute
of Music (ANIM) in Kabul. He is working to raise funds to sponsor
students at the Institute which is the war-torn country’s only music
school. ANIM’s mission is to educate a new generation of musicians
regardless of ethnicity or gender, revitalizing music in Afghanistan
and restoring it as a cultural voice.

In Performance

Recital

(le) poisson rouge, New York, NY

Click here for details

November 1, 2011

Khachaturian Concerto

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Kristjan Jarvi, conductor

Click here for details

November 4 & 5, 2011

Recital

Troy, NY

Click here for details

November 13, 2011

Recital

Kennedy Center, Washington DC

Click here for details

March 31, 2012

Khachaturian Concerto

San Antonio Symphony

Alondra de la Parra, conductor

Click here for details

May 25 & 26, 2012

MIKHAIL SIMONYAN – TWO SOULS

ARAM KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra 37:40

1 1. Allegro con fermezza 16:51

Cadenza by Artur Avanesov (world-premiere recording)

2 2. Andante sostenuto 11:31

3 3. Allegro vivace 9:18

Samuel Barber (1910-1981)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra op. 14 23:03

4 1. Allegro 10:35

5 2. Andante 8:38

6 3. Presto in moto perpetuo 3:50

7 Adagio for Strings op. 11 9:47

Arr. of 2nd movement of String Quartet

MIKHAIL SIMONYAN violin London Symphony Orchestra KRISTJAN JÄRVI

Read more:

ARA GOCHUNYAN: ECHR RULING TO PROMOTE CREATION OF MORE OPEN ATMOSPHERE OVER ARMENIAN CAUSE IN TURKEY

ARMENPRESS
12:33, 26 October, 2011

The decision of the European Court of Human Rights according to which
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide cannot be considered a crime
in Turkey will promote the creation of more open atmosphere over this
issue in Turkey, chief editor of Istanbul-based Armenian “Zhamanak”
paper Ara Gochunyan told Armenpress. According to him, the decisions
of the international establishments do not immediately bring to radical
changes in Turkey but after a while, they are having positive impact.

“As a result of democratic reforms of recent years in Turkey noticeable
changes connected with freedom of expression take place in that
country. One of the most painful topics from the point of view of
freedom of expression is the Armenian Cause. Till now there is a
problem of speaking about it. In spite of it, it is a fact that now
alternative opinions over this issue are being voiced by the Turkish
mass media more frequently,” Gochunyan said.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found guilty the Turkish
authorities for persecuting Turkish historian Taner Akcam. The ruling
of the court says that Turkish authorities have many times violated
the right of Turkish people to the freedom of speech, the Article 10
of the European Convention.

The Turkish historian sued the Turkish authorities, insisting that
the latter exert pressure on him for mentioning the issue of the
Armenian Genocide.

EDWARD NALBANDIAN: SITTING IN YEREVAN TO REINFORCE ARMENIA’S POSITION IN THE FAMILY OF FRANCOPHONE COUNTRIES

ARMENPRESS
October 26, 2011
YEREVAN

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received today Mayor of
Paris Bertrand Delanoe. MFA press office reported that welcoming the
guest, Minister Nalbandian noted that the past one month has been
marked for Armenia as a month of Armenian-French friendship that
started with the official visit of the Armenian President to Paris,
state visit of the President of France to Armenia and ends with the
annual sitting of the General Assembly of the International Association
of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) in Yerevan.

Edward Nalbandian expressed gratitude to Bertrand Delanoe for
the implementation of joint programs during the past ten years,
particularly highlighting the unveiling of Komitas statue in the
heart of the capital of France, near Champs-Elysees, opening of
Yerevan park as well as the annual reception in Paris City Hall for
commemoration of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. “All this has
been done during your office and here in Yerevan we remember it,”
Minister Nalbandian stressed.

Expressing gratitude for the reception and words of gratitude, Bertrand
Delanoe said he visits Armenia with pleasure and is convinced that
the arrangements reached during the visit will deepen more the ties
between the two capitals, countries and peoples.

Foreign Minister of Armenia and Mayor of Paris rated high the
conduction of the annual sitting of the General Assembly of the
International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) in Yerevan,
expressing conviction that it will greatly reinforce Armenia’s position
in the family of francophone countries.

During the meeting the interlocutors also discussed a number of
regional and international issues.

SAVING TRCHKAN: A GROUP OF ACTIVISTS ON SIT-IN PROTEST AGAINST CONSTRUCTION OF HPP NEAR WATERFALL
By Gayane Lazarian

ArmeniaNow
26.10.11 | 14:09

Twelve members of the ‘Let’s Preserve the Trchkan Waterfall’
social initiative are on an open-ended sitting strike at the Trchkan
waterfall, protesting against the construction of a hydropower plant
(HPP) there by the Robshin Company, on the River Chichkhan (On the
border of the northern provinces of Shirak and Lori).

According to Minister of Nature Protection of Armenia Aram Harutyunyan,
the waterfall naturally runs at 400-500 liters per second speed. Hence
the decision was made that only in case of exceeding this amount it
will be allowed to take the additional water. Besides, it will not
be allowed to run the HPP in summer.

“The restrictions will at the same time give the builder [Robshin
Company] an opportunity to continue the construction, otherwise they
have credit resources involved, and it is possible that we may face
a lawsuit,” Harutyunyan said.

Environmentalists wonder how it is possible to control water use only
in case when its speed exceeds 400-500 liters per second.

“Taking into consideration the previous steps taken by the minister
and the adopted laws, we state that if we believe the minister’s
words, then we will have not a waterfall but rather a tiny brook,”
environmentalists say.

On Tuesday, Head of the Heritage Party’s parliamentary faction
Stepan Safaryan, speaking about the Trchkan waterfall issue at the
National Assembly, said that in the Ministry of Nature Protection,
during the first discussions over the Trchkan Waterfall and the HPP,
a ministry employee had confessed that in 2004 while providing an
expertise conclusion they were not aware of the waterfall’s existence.

“The waterfall was included on the list of protected monuments of
nature since 2007, when all the permissions had already been given.

This at least proves that the environmental expertise conclusion is,
mildly said, incomplete, and there is a need for a new expertise,”
Safaryan said.

According to him, the government of Armenia, allowing the construction
of the HPP in the territory of the Trchkan waterfall, has violated
at least six international conventions and five inter-state laws.

In early afternoon head of the Ecolur environmental NGO Inga Zarafyan
told ArmeniaNow that currently a group of environmentalists were
discussing the issue with Nature Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan,
and the Ministry’s position would become clear later.

TURKEY EARTHQUAKE: CRITICISM FOR AID DISTRIBUTION, POOR CONSTRUCTION AMID TREMORS

epress.am
10.26.2011

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit Van yesterday evening followed by
tremors throughout the night. According to international seismic
services, there were around 100 tremors, the majority of which were
of magnitudes of 3.5 up to 4.7.

Yesterday’s earthquake was also felt in Armenia, particularly in
Yerevan.

As reported by the Turkish press, the new earthquake only served to
increase the tension in Van. Though the the Turkish Red Crescent said
thousands of tents, blankets and heaters had been sent to Van, many
victims have been left to fend for themselves due to problems with the
methods of distribution of the aid, reports the Hurriyet Daily News.

The government admitted yesterday that it had been caught off guard
by the high demand for tents.

“I cannot go back to my village empty handed, the villagers will lynch
me,” the head of Karaagac village, located 39 kilometers from Van’s
city center, told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday, adding that many
buildings in his village collapsed or were seriously damaged and the
need for tents and food was urgent.

Added to the complaints against efforts to distribute aid was criticism
for poorly implemented construction regulations.

Construction sector representatives lashed out at the government
for failing to properly implement rules and regulations for
construction projects, saying building companies deserve a share of
the responsibility for the tragedy for trying to save money by cutting
costs and not ensuring their buildings were earthquake resistant.

Note, Turkey’s emergency situations agency on Tuesday evening announced
that the number of casualties from the first earthquake that struck
the region on Sunday was 459 so far.

ASHUR GIWARGIS: GENOCIDES DIDN’T MYSTERIOUSLY APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 26, 2011 – 09:16 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation
released an article by Assyrian politician Ashur Giwargis, covering
Genocides of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians by the Ottoman
authorities.

“The massacres of World War I against the Assyrians, Greeks and
Armenians, in what’s known today as Turkey, did not suddenly and
mysteriously appear out of nowhere,” the author says.

“History tells us that the Turks themselves were the ones who first
allowed foreigners in, through the Treaty of the Capitulations in
1535 between the French King Francis the 1st and Sultan Suleiman the
1st; according to this treaty the French enjoyed the right to protect
Christians living in the Ottoman territories, this is how a part of the
Armenians became Roman Catholics, and a part of the Assyrians became
Roman Catholics under the Ottoman starvation policy and the Vatican
exploitation, the Catholic Assyrians have been called “Chaldeans”
by the Vatican in 1552. Hence, based on this historical fact, the
Ottoman Empire is the one who collaborated with the foreigners and
consented to their presence in that territory,” he says.

“The international community’s neglect of this issue is in essence a
second Genocide, not to mention disrespectful towards the concepts
of humanity. This silence and indifference is dangerous as it is
perceived as a green signal by those who would perpetrate more
genocides,” Giwargis concludes.