Author: Kajoyan Gevork

11th Armenian Medical World Congress Exceeds Expectations

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Professor Derenik Dumanyan, Minister of Health, Republic of Armenia,
Minister Zoya Lazaryan, Minister of Health Nagorno Karabakh Republic
at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Armenian Medical World Congress

The 11th Armenian Medical World Congress (AMWC) was an undeniable
success, taking place in Los Angeles from July 3 through July 6, 2013.
The Congress held true to its theme of `Uniting for a Healthy Future,’
bringing together healthcare professionals and dignitaries from 16
nations around the world.

The first day began with an inspirational opening ceremony featuring
remarks from Vicken Sepilian, MD, FACOG, Chairman of the 11th AMWC and
President of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) along with
the Ministers of Health Derenik Dumanyan, MD, PhD, DSc, from Armenia,
and Zoya Lazaryan from the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR). The three
flags of the United States, Armenia and the NKR were proudly
displayed. A prayer was given to bless the gathering followed by a
symbolic bang of the gavel officially beginning the Congress.

Dr. Serineh Melidonian Co-Chair of the Innovations in Science Plenary Session

`I have attended most of the World Congresses and this year’s was by
far the most successful,’ says Derenik Dumanyan, MD, PhD, DSc,
Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia. `The scientific
presentations were very interesting and it was nice to see so many
younger physicians involved. The theme of `Uniting for a Healthy
Future’ was realized by all the attendees.’

`By coming together at this Congress, important collaborations were
made between the NKR and Armenia,’ remarks Zoya Lazaryan, Minister of
Health of the NKR. `I am looking forward to implementing these vital
projects that we discussed.’

The Scientific Sessions embarked on a journey tackling the most
serious medical conditions in Armenia and the world facing all
healthcare professionals in attendance including heart disease,
stroke, cancer and infectious diseases. Throughout the four day
Congress, over 200 lecturers shared their vast medical and scientific
knowledge and experience during the plenary sessions and daily
breakout sessions.

`The sessions were relevant and very helpful and I have heard nothing
but praise from all who attended the Congress,’ says Ara Babloyan, MD,
PhD, DSc, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. `The
presenters were well prepared and the sessions were well attended.
Congratulations on both a successful and memorable Armenian Medical
World Congress. You have set a new standard.’

Dr. Manuel Momjian Co-Chair of the Innovations in Medicine:
Breakthroughs and Promises of Novel Therapies in the Management of
Heart Disease and Stroke Plenary Session

Innovations in medicine and science were discussed including cardiac
stem cell and gene therapies and symbiotic bacteria and their positive
effects on maintaining and restoring health. Another importantly
debated subject was healthcare policy and medical education in Armenia
and the Diaspora and how best to use resources more effectively. Also
a mini-symposium on pharmacology was featured. The final Scientific
Session confronted the global paradox and burden of overconsumption
and undernutrition and the negative effects of diabetes and obesity.

`Having attended the 11th AMWC held in Los Angeles, we must say how
impressed we all are,’ states Mikayel Narimanyan, MD, PhD, Rector of
Yerevan State Medical University. `The Congress was at its height with
regard to organization, and it can serve as an example of wonderful
management, indeed. Moreover, the lectures designed for the Congress
participants were brilliantly organized in terms of content and
delivery.’

During the Congress, many exciting social events were offered to
attendees for their enjoyment. On the first evening, a Welcome
Reception featuring dining, cocktails and networking was held at the
historic Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre Courtyard in Hollywood with over
400 people in attendance.

Dr. Aram Chobanian speaking on `Boston University / Yerevan Medical
State University Collaborations in Medical Education’

The next night, on the 4th of July, over 200 attendees and their
families witnessed a fireworks spectacular at the stunning Hollywood
Bowl with the musical entertainment of Josh Groban. Friday night
presented a special opportunity with two alumni reunion receptions.
This was the first reunion for alumni from Yerevan State Medical
University. Alumni from the American University of Beirut reunited in
the Panorama Suite of the Loews Hollywood Hotel. During their
reception, Dr. Ara Tekian mesmerized a crowd of fellow alumni with his
piano playing talents and reminisced by singing traditional songs from
Armenia.

On Saturday, the World Congress culminated with closing remarks
echoing the overwhelming positive sentiments from the Ministers, Deans
of Medical Schools and all the attendees. Saturday evening, everyone
gathered to celebrate at the elegant Hollywood red carpet themed World
Congress Ball held at the famous Ray Dolby Ballroom. Guests were
greeted with palette tantalizing hors d’ouerves while being serenaded
with familiar Hollywood tunes sung by a glamorous songstress seated on
a silver gilded moon suspended in mid-air. A world-class dining
experience was had by all and was specially prepared by Celebrity Chef
Wolfgang Puck. Guests also danced the night away to the rhythmic
sounds of the Cheerz Band by Ara Dabandjian.

Dr. Vicken Sepilian, current 11th AMWC Chairman with former AMWC
Chairmen: Dr. Lawrence Najarian, Dr. Jean-Pierre Basmadjian, Dr. Jerry
Manoukian and Dr. Avedis Bogosyan

Proceeds from the World Congress Ball benefitted two important
projects of the AAMS – the Juvenile Diabetes Program and the Pediatric
Epilepsy Program. Both programs provide vital medical treatment,
supplies and education to children of Armenia suffering from these
life-altering illnesses.

There was a brief video presentation highlighting the programs, along
with an inspirational video on the making of the Congress. Two
surprises topped off the evening. First, Dr. Sepilian was presented
with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his extraordinary service
and dedication to the AAMS. Secondly, as a result of the synergy
created during the Congress and the strong new relationships built, it
was announced that a donation of medical equipment valued at $1
million had been made in support of the AAMS.

`This World Congress was a re-energizing experience for the entire
Armenian medical world community,’ states Dr. Sepilian. `The carefully
planned sessions, generated stimulating and fruitful discussions
leaving the congress participants from all over the world with
positive and optimistic sentiments towards a healthy and prosperous
future.’

2013 in Civil Society: Protests and more protests

Society | 30.12.13 | 12:05

By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

The struggle of civil movements this year has been comprehensive and
diverse with limited success in certain fields due to unified efforts
and active involvement of the civil society.

Despite the rather passive start of the year in terms of civil
movements, the second half of 2013 turned out to be tense with active
developments. Some analysts believe that especially after the February
18 presidential ballot, when current president Serzh Sargsyan won a
decisive victory over his opponents and was re-elected for a second
term, despite the widespread poverty and atmosphere of injustice in
the country, people became even more aware of the fact that is it
impossible to achieve changes via elections and started practicing
their constitutional rights to civil protest and disobedience more
frequently.

Karabakh war veterans’ civil standoff has been unprecedented.
Although, every now and then on different occasions they had
complained of their social conditions and of being neglected by the
state , however never before had they come out to hold systematic
rallies and sitting strikes. Retired army colonel Volodya
Avetisyaninitiated the civil standoff in May and in October found
himself behind the bars, with charges of `swindling …in large
amounts’. Avetisyan’s and his comrades-in-arms claim that by bringing
charges the authorities are trying to silence him. The war vets
demanding increase of their pensions and various privileges have now
focused their struggle on various acts of protest in Avetisyan’s
support. There is another group of Karabakh war veterans presenting
political demands to the government. Every Thursday they hold small
rallies in Liberty Square and demand that the government resign.

Yerevan mayor Taron Margaryan’s decision to raise public bus fare by
50 percent made the hot Yerevan summer even hotter.

The decision was immediately followed by a civil movement when
numerous young activists held a variety of acts of protest during five
consecutive days relentlessly struggling, rebelling against the bus
fare increase and made the municipal government in the Armenian
capital heed the people’s voice, forcing them to understand they would
not pay more for using the overloaded, worn-out and hardly functioning
minibuses.

The unified effort yielded results and on July 26 the mayor suspended
the application of his decision temporarily, meaning that the buses
and minibuses continued operating for the same 100 dram fare (around
24 cents). The mayor, however, stated that if residents of Yerevan
wanted to have decent public transport services, they have to be ready
to pay more. Municipal officials and transport companies running the
routes have repeatedly stated after the summer civil standoff that the
rise of bus fare is unavoidable, grounding it by the fact that
everything else has become more expensive except for public transport
services, hence their expenses have grown and they are operating at a
loss.

The departing year has turned out to be rather active also in terms of
public protests against controversial construction projects. In
August, residents of 10 and 12 Sayat-Nova Avenue and 5 Komitas
streets, in Yerevan, rebelled against construction in their
neighborhoods. These people claim that the construction licenses in
densely populated zones of the city are illegal, violate the seismic
resistance norms, and block their light. Despite the variety of
measures the residents have resorted to, even lying down in front of
construction machines to block their way, no tangible results have
been achieved; their struggle is ongoing (h).

Despite a drawn-out battle to preserve unchanged Yerevan’s Pak Shuka
(`Covered Market’), on the list of historical-cultural heritage and
belonging to businessman MP Samvel Alexanyan, opened its doors after
two years of repairs, but now as a fashionable supermarket, rather
than the produce market it used to be. Although ruling Republican MP
Alexanyan kept the façade, a very small area has been provided to
produce vendors previously working at the market. Scores of activists
representing the civil initiative founded after the Pak Shuka’s
opening and calling itself `Let’s Liberate the Monument From the
Oligarch’ continues holding acts of protest claiming that Alexanyan
has distorted a cultural monument, has reconstructed it illegally,
with numerous violations of construction norms.

Late in 2013, a new front of civil fight opened up with the new law on
pension reform. While it is about retirement pensions, the protests
were held by young professionals rather than elderly citizens of
Armenia, because the new law on mandatory savings funds to come into
effect in January 2014 refers to those born after January 1, 1974, who
will be obliged to make monthly payments equivalent to five percent of
their salaries to annuity savings funds under state control.

The young people protesting against the new law are mostly highly-paid
IT professionals, who will have to transfer more money to the savings
fund on a monthly basis. They say they do not trust the authorities
and doubt whether they would get their savings back once they reach
retirement age of 63. The government says it has no intentions on
giving up the pension reforms, while the youth say they will not just
sit and do nothing and state their determination to continue the
struggle.

ARMENIE-SOUVENIR
Le président arménien s’est rendu au panthéon des héros de
l’Indépendance à Yeraplour

Comme chaque fin d’année, le président arménien Serge Sarkissian s’est
rendu lundi 30 décembre au cimetière des héros, au panthéon du
Yeraplour, sur les hauteurs d’Erévan pour rendre hommage aux
combattants arméniens morts pour l’Indépendance de l’Arménie et du
Haut Karabagh.

Le président arménien était accompagné du Catholicos Karékine II
d’Etchmiadzine ainsi qu’une délégation de hautes personnalités de
l’Etat arménien. Serge Sarkissian et Karékine II ont déposé des
oeuillets devant le mémorial des héros tombés pour de l’indépendance
du pays.

Krikor Amirzayan

mardi 31 décembre 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Armenian president condoles with Russia’s Putin

December 30, 2013 | 13:28

YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Monday issued a
letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the
terrorist attacks in Volgograd.

Serzh Sargsyan condemned any manifestations of terrorism.

He conveyed his sincere words of grief and support to the families and
friends of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to the injured.

Thirty-two people were killed and over 70 were wounded in two
terrorist attacks that hit Volgograd in one day.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

2 Armenians injured at blast in Russia

December 29, 2013 | 18:02

Two Armenian women are among the injured in Sunday’s deadly bombing at
a railroad station in southern Russian city of Volgograd.

One of these women is an Armenian citizen.

Nina Harutyunyan (born in 1981) and Susanna Grigoryan (born in 1978)
are among the injured.

Overall, 36 people are hospitalized in the city as a result of the explosion.

The blast occurred at 12:45pm, Moscow time. According to data, an
undetected explosive device, presumably by a female suicide bomber,
was used.

According to preliminary data, at least fourteen people were killed in
the blast, reports RIA Novosti news agency of Russia.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

POLITIQUE
Le Premier ministre défend l’accord avec gazprom

Le Premier ministre Tigran Sarkissian a défendu vendredi l’accord
controversé sur le gaz que son gouvernement a signé avec la Russie, en
affirmant qu’il fournira l’Arménie en gaz naturel bon marché, et ce,
sans limitation de la souveraineté du pays.

Sarkissian a insisté sur le fait que les privilèges sans précédent
accordés à Gazprom sont essentiels pour maintenir le prix du gaz en
dessous des niveaux du marché international et d’assurer de nouveaux
investissements de capitaux dans le réseau de distribution du gaz
domestique promis par le géant russe.

« La souveraineté est menacée lorsque les autorités ne créent pas les
conditions favorables aux investissements. C’est ce qui mettrait en
danger l’avenir de notre Etat », a-t-il déclaré lors de sa conférence
de presse de fin d’année à Erevan.

« Les gens qui font des investissements doivent être certains qu’ils
auront un certain degré de rentabilité à long terme. L’essence de la
question a été totalement déformée au cours du débat », a-t-il dit en
réponse aux forces de l’opposition très critique sur cette affaire.

L’opposition soutient que l’accord signé le 2 décembre a non seulement
augmenté de 80 à 100 pour cent la part de Gazprom dans le réseau de
gaz arménien, mais a aussi garanti un statut privilégié pour
l’entreprise. Les gouvernements arméniens actuels et futurs seront
liés par ce contrat pendant les 30 prochaines années.

Le gouvernement a cédé sa part de 20 pour cent dans le réseau en
échange de l’effacement d’une dette 300 millions de dollars à Gazprom.
Cette somme correspond aux subventions secrètes du gouvernement depuis
2011 pour réduire le prix du gaz aux ménages arméniens. Les leaders de
l’opposition estiment que cette initiative était illégale et visait à
renforcer les chances du président Serge Sarkissian et de son Parti
républicain aux dernières élections nationales.

Tigran Sarkissian a cherché à justifier la subvention secrète, au
motif que le gouvernement n’avait pas reconnu l’augmentation du coût
du gaz russe, car il était toujours en train de négocier avec Gazprom.
Le consortium russe a accepté cet automne de réduire de 50 pour cent
la hausse des prix qu’il avait décidé. Une baisse consentie après que
la direction arménienne a accepté de se joindre à l’Union douanière
dirigée par la Russie.

Sarkissian, qui s’était prononcé publiquement contre l’adhésion de
l’Arménie à l’union jusqu’en février dernier, a défendu cette
volte-face de sa politique étrangère. Il a expliqué que l’alliance
commerciale dirigée par la Russie va créer des « raisons de croissance
économique durable » par la relance des investissements russes en
Arménie et en donnant aux fabricants locaux un accès plus facile au
marché russe.

Mais le premier ministre n’a cité aucun chiffre ou estimation de
croissance pour étayer ses assurances. Son cabinet n’a pas fait de
révisions à la hausse de ses prévisions de croissance économique à
moyen terme depuis que le président Sarkissian a annoncé le 3
septembre sa décision de faire adhérer l’Arménie à l’union douanière.

Karine Minassian, vice- ministre de l’Economie a récemment déclaré que
la croissance économique moyenne serait de 4,5 pour cent pour les
prochaines années. Le gouvernement prévoyait dans son programme
politique quinquennal approuvé par le Parlement en mai que l’économie
arménienne augmentera de 5-7 pour cent par an.

Le président Sarkissian avait déclaré en Mars que le gouvernement
devrait démissionner s’il ne parvenait pas à assurer un taux de
croissance de 7 pour cent en 2013. Les représentants du gouvernement
admettent maintenant que la croissance du PIB sera, au mieux, d’un peu
plus de 4 pour cent.

Néanmoins, Tigran Sarkissian a précisé vendredi que lui et son
gouvernement ne seront pas renvoyés. « Le chef de notre équipe
politique a tout simplement fixé un objectif plus strict pour nous »,
a-t-il dit. « Le but de cette [déclaration en Mars] était d’amener les
membres du gouvernement à faire tout leur possible pour assurer la
croissance économique de notre pays. ‘

lundi 30 décembre 2013,
Ara ©armenews.com

Fars News Agency, Iran
Dec 28 2013

Russian Analyst Stresses Iran’s Important Role in Caucasus Security

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran together with Russia and Turkey play an important
role in the security of the Southern Caucasus region, a Russian
political analyst said, and asked the three states to start trilateral
efforts to manage and guarantee security in the region.

`Iran has a special place in the security of the strategic and highly
tense Southern Caucasus region,’ Director of the Russian Center for
Socio-Political Studies Vladimir Yevseyev wrote on Iran.ru Russian
website.

Yevseyev said that Tehran, Moscow and Ankara can jointly form a
regional security alliance.

`Three main parameters determine the security situation in the
Southern Caucasus; Syrian crisis, Iran’s nuclear issue and the
long-term negative consequences of Russia-Georgia war in August 2008,’
the Russian expert said.

He underlined that holding trilateral consultations among Iran, Russia
and Turkey in the near future would help devise joint solutions to
armed conflicts in the region, and said, `In that case not only will
the outbreak of a new war in the Southern Caucasus be prevented, but
also appropriate conditions will be set for resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia disputes.’

The Caucasus, a region at the border of Europe and Asia, is situated
between the Black and the Caspian Seas. It is home to the Caucasus
Mountains, which contain Europe’s highest mountain, Mount Elbrus.

Patriarch, Primate, Poet: Torkom Manoogian remembered

by Joyce Sulahian

Published: Saturday December 28, 2013

Patriarch Torkom Manoogian.

NEW YORK – On March 22, 1990, a sea of change came over the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem when the charismatic Primate of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church in America, Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, was elected by the St. James Brotherhood as the 96th
Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.

His controversial predecessor had passed into eternity about a month
and a half before, and the 39 members of the Brotherhood, present and
voting quickly, set about electing a successor to take the helm of the
Patriarchate. Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, who had gone to Jerusalem
as a seminary student at the age of 12, returned to that ancient city
with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a Patriarch.

The path of his life had taken him from the hallowed halls of the
Vatican to the stately pillars of the White House. Throughout his long
life he boldly faced what God had ordained without regard for personal
comfort or convenience. Personally, he exemplified the quiet dignity,
grace and steely, inner strength idealistically (and often falsely)
attributed to Princes of the Church. Truly those qualities
characterized his very being and he brought honor to his people and
church wherever he went, a trait that continued to his last days on
Earth.

At the time of the Patriarchal election, Torkom Srpazan had guided the
church in the Eastern Diocese for two and a half decades,
magnificently, courageously, filled with an inexhaustible energy
belying his calendar years. He gave 200 percent of himself to all he
did, and expected the same from anyone around him. His unshakable
faith and strict adherence to the sacred legacy of our suffering
forefathers rebuffed any opponents; yes, of course there were some,
but they could never vanquish the essence of his spirit.

For the young generation active in the churches of the Diocese at the
time, the sudden departure for Jerusalem by this energetic and vibrant
clergyman brought on irrational feelings of abandonment. The knowledge
that Archbishop Torkom’s integrity was so needed in Jerusalem didn’t
help much in easing a profound sense of loss.

As children without direction, searching for an identity as
individuals and as Armenians when they first met “Father” Torkom in
the 1950s and 60s, they had matured to realize what a wonderful and
unique experience it had been to grow up with him in their midst.

Archbishop Torkom’s official persona and responsibilities had not
allowed for many close friends, or the time to enjoy them. But somehow
he always had the time-and an exceptional feeling-for the young, “the
future,” and that feeling was reciprocated in kind, as only the young
can, with boisterous love for the extraordinary man beneath the Roman
collar.

Most of the time, from afar, he was “The Primate,” solemn and
intimidating, but when he entered the young people’s world, he became
their playful and ageless friend with the mischievous wit, winning
their devotion, and frustration, with heated ping-pong games and
chilling snowball fights. He continually challenged his young
adversaries to surpass the boundaries of mediocrity while making them
think they were just having fun. Their hungry minds opened for him,
allowing the powerful lessons of a rich heritage to penetrate within
slowly becoming an indivisible part of their being. And so their
mutual bond grew.

To be sure, the relationship over the years was not always smooth. The
emerging adults sometimes angered him; his occasional intransigence
often puzzled them. Yet apparent throughout were the unbreakable links
of a deep attachment forged in the innocence of childhood when he had
often soothed their fragile souls with gentle words of encouragement
and hope, innately knowing just what to say.

Patriarch Torkom lived long enough to feel pride in that young
generation he nurtured. They went on to become leaders in industry and
politics, medicine and education, and yes, even religious life. There
must have been times he thought they’d never survive in the complex
and competitive community called “the world.” Survive they did, and
stand even today as individual monuments to the power of his nurturing
investment in them, saturated by the Armenian spirit and still
dedicated to the survival and improvement of the Armenian Church and
community. They have passed on to their own children the priceless
lessons which he so lovingly instilled in them, and active in numerous
church parishes of the Diocese today are the children and
grandchildren of that generation. It is an immortal tribute to
Patriarch Torkom’s lifetime of sacrifice.

The “Torkom” generation is now quite mature and suffered the final
abandonment by their spiritual father on October 12, 2012, when the
much beloved Patriarch Torkom entered his eternal rest in Jerusalem at
the age of 93. He had occupied the Patriarchal Throne of St. James for
22 years. Disciplined and faithful to his calling to the very end, he
left a legacy of service and grace few will be able to surpass. The
rich memories of his love and nurturing investment in them still lives
in the hearts of that generation, golden memories that will sustain
them in the years to come.

Although Torkom Srpazan has left us, the words of this German poem are
oddly soothing:

“Death is nothing. I am only in the next room,
I am me, you are you: that which I was for you, I will always be …..”

May the soul of Patriarch Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Patriarch,
Primate and Poet-spiritual father and friend-be blessed throughout
eternity until the ages of ages.

Unnamed philanthropist helps needy families in Gyumri

14:51 – 29.12.13

A philanthropist has given financial aid to some needy families in
Gyumri, Vahan Tumanyan, Head of the Shirak-Center NGO, told Tert.am.

Tert.am reported about Anahit Sukiasyan, who lives with four of her
children in a makeshift shelter without any amenities.

`My children do not like the New Year. They see others go shopping and
laying the tables in their warm homes. But we… Vahan Tumanyan has
given some wood to us, or we would be frozen. My child wanted some
water, I took the glass and saw the water was frozen,’ said Anahit
Sukiasyan.

Armenian musical talents return to Carnegie Hall

by Florence Avakian

Published: Sunday December 29, 2013

Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian (on right) with Eugenia Sarian at the
Khachaturian dedication.

NEW YORK – For the fifth consecutive year, Armenian Youth Talent
finalists were featured at New York’s prestigious Weill Recital Hall
at Carnegie Hall, on December 1.

Dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the legendary composer, pianist
and conductor Aram Khachaturian, and the fifth anniversary of Armenian
Youth Talent, it was organized by Direct Help for Armenian People
(DHAP), under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian,
president and founder of DHAP.

Opening the program, the concert hosts Harut Minasian and Eugenia
Sarian welcomed the sell-out audience, and noted that that the event
is “to encourage young Armenian talent in the performing arts. It is a
great expression of Armenian ability, musicianship and spirit that our
heritage demonstrates and is proud of.”

The unique event featured thirty-two young musicians from ages six to
fifteen, many of whom had chosen compositions by Khachaturian, in
honor of the anniversary of his birth.

All performers were granted honorary certificates and monetary awards
following their performances.

Singers which included Zovinar Aghavian, Julia Cumming, Christina
Kerestedjian, Lucine Musaelian, Julia Naldjian and Amalia Shahinyan
displayed their bell-like angelic voices, and lovely expression.

Vahn Mouradian showcased his cello talents with an accapella Bach
Prelude, and Laura Navasardian displayed her formidable technique on
the cello which was larger and taller than her. Haig Hovsepian’s
musicianship was amply shown on the violin.

The largest group of young musicians tinkled the piano ivories. They
included Michael Khoury, David Hovanisyan, Harutiun Kljyan, Sophia
Hovakimian, Nico Carere, Ansel Chang, Zoe Pian-Chowdhury, Gregory
Sarafian, Irene Vilgorin, Ani Mouradian, all displaying impressive
technique and expression.

Fifteen year David Antabian showed his special versatility and
self-confidence in Khachaturian’s difficult “Sonata”. And duo pianists
Alin and Nicole Khrimian, and Marina and Eve Kazarian had impressive
synchronization.

A definite highlight of the event was the Arminstring violin group
featuring Griffyn Kang, Aren Arakelian, Nicholas Degoian, Anthony
Degoian, Lily Kliyan, Nicole Mark and Zovinar Aghavian. They delighted
the audience with a jazzy Cancan by Offenback and heartfelt Memories
by Babajanyan.

At the conclusion of the concert which brought on a spontaneous
standing ovation, Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian expressed gratitude to the
parents, relatives, teachers, and sponsors which included the Gullabi
Gulbenkian FDN.INC, Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian, Armenian General
Benevolent Union (AGBU), Saro and Hilda Hartounian, among many others.

She pointed out that in the past five years of the Armenian Youth
Talent concerts, more than 300 young Armenian musicians have performed
on the Carnegie Hall stage. “The level is getting higher and higher,
with now even non-Armenian performers singing and playing Armenian
compositions with great Armenian feeling,” she said with obvious
pride, adding that in the last two years, a violinist’s group has been
included.

Dr. Amirkhanian also introduced executive member Marina Bagdasarova
for her tireless work, and as well this year’s distinguished judges
which included St. Vartan Cathedral Choir director Khoren Mekanejian,
singer Vagharshak Ohanyan, pianists Lusine Badalyan, Karen Hakobyan,
Karine Poghosyan, and violinist Diana Vasilyan.

Among the special guests attending were Armenia’s Ambassador to the
United Nations Garen Nazarian, St. Illuminators Armenian Cathedral
pastor the Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Lucine Der Harootian, wife of
the renowned sculptor Khoren Der Harootian, and AGBU director of
Performing Arts Haig Arsenyan who emphasized that “promoting Armenian
culture, and supporting our next generation is necessary and crucial.”

Congratulatory letters sent by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the
Eastern Prelacy, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Garen
Nazarian, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the Tekeyan
Cultural Association, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
CulturalSociety of NJ,Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara, and
renowned pianist and composer Sahan Arzruni were printed in the
program booklet given to all concert attendees.

Applications for the Armenian Youth Talent 2014 competition are due on
February 16, 2014, and will be available on the website
http://dhap-ayt.orgstarting on January 7, 2014.

AGBU concert raises over $50,000 for arts program

An unexpected combination of Armenian folk songs, classical
compositions and Spanish lyrics all came together seamlessly at this
year’s AGBU New York Special Events Committee (NYSEC) Performing
Artists in Concert. The sixth annual event, held on December 7, drew
hundreds of guests to the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall to
commemorate the earthquake that devastated Armenia 25 years ago.

The evening’s program featured a number of well-known Armenian
composers, as well as original pieces prepared especially for the
NYSEC concert. Making its world premiere was Tomás Barreiro’s
“Rossignol Mecanique,” a variation of “The Death of the Nightingale,”
which won Barreiro the AGBU 2012 Sayat Nova International Composition
Competition and earned him the prize to showcase his work at Carnegie
Hall. The duduk, mezzo-soprano, oboe, piano and string trio brought
the composition to life.

Before taking the conductor’s stand, Barreiro, a Mexico City native,
commented on the Sayat Nova poetry that influenced him. He also
expressed his gratitude to AGBU, stating, “I have participated in a
number of competitions and never before found such an amazing group of
people. I cannot claim Armenian roots, but the AGBU Sayat Nova
International Composition Competition introduced me to the vibrant
Armenian community and its incredibly rich musical heritage, which
continue to inspire me.”

“Rossignol Mecanique” was one of the concert’s many works to combine
Armenian traditional music and more contemporary sounds. Maxime
Aulio’s “Odes Arméniennes,” which also debuted at the NYSEC event,
rearranged four of Sayat Nova’s poems. “Tagh to Resurrection” by
Tigran Mansurian incorporated medieval melodies while replicating an
audio recording of Vartapet Komitas. The audience also enjoyed
“Impromptu” and “Verhoush” by the late Alexander Arutiunian and Edward
Mirzoyan, respectively, as well as famous pieces by Aram Khachaturian
in honor of the 110th anniversary of his birth.

The young concert performers are carrying on the legacy of
Khachaturian, and other Armenian masters, as they pursue their own
careers with support from the AGBU Scholarship Program. Each member of
the international ensemble has received an AGBU Performing Arts
Fellowship: Pierre Bedrossian (oboe, duduk and English horn); Ani
Kalayjian (cello); Henrik Karapetyan (violin and viola); Solange
Merdinian (mezzo-soprano); Nazig Tchakarian (violin); Varta Tchakarian
(piano); and Adam Tendler (piano). With AGBU’s funding, they have
trained at some of the world’s top-ranking institutions, among them
the Yerevan State Komitas Conservatory, the Juilliard School of Music,
the National Music Conservatory of Paris, and the Royal Northern
College of Music in Manchester.

The concert’s artistic director Nazig Tchakarian, who partnered with
AGBU Performing Arts Department director, Hayk Arsenyan, commented,
“It was a pleasure to have collaborated with such dedicated and
talented artists. After months of preparation, and a great week of
rehearsing, it was rewarding to see everything come together so
beautifully. I was very pleased to be able to give back to AGBU after
all the organization has done for me over the years, and am thankful
to AGBU and NYSEC for making this evening such a tremendous success.”

The sixth annual AGBU Performing Artists in Concert was co-chaired by
Nila Festekjian and Sossy Setrakian and organized by AGBU NYSEC. This
year, generous supporters of the NYSEC concert donated more than
$50,000, which will help sustain AGBU’s performing arts initiatives
worldwide.

The AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship Program offers grants to full-time
undergraduate and graduate students of Armenian descent worldwide who
are pursuing their study in the field of Performing Arts. If you would
like to make a contribution to sustain and support the enhancement of
future Armenian musicians, please contact AGBU at 212-319-6383 or via
email at [email protected].

Established in 2012, the AGBU Performing Arts Department (PAD)
connects young Armenian artists worldwide and introduces Armenian art
to diverse audiences. In its pilot year, PAD launched the Musical
Armenia Program, an annual summer initiative that brings artists from
around the world to Armenia to explore the country’s musical heritage.
To learn more about PAD please visit: