Haykakan Zhamanak: Hayko will settle abroad?
12:41 13/10/2012 » Daily press
Actor Hayk Marutyan has decided to settle in the United States with
his family, Haykakan Zhamanak writes. He is in the United States at
present. `No Comment’ program’s crew departed for U.S. nearly a month
ago and came back without him, the paper says.
Source: Panorama.am
Kathweb – Österreichischen Katholischen
12.10.2012
Jerusalem: Armenischer Patriarch Manoogian verstorben
Torkom Manoogian, der in Bagdad geboren wurde, war 1966 bis 1990
Erzbischof von New York
12.10.2012
Jerusalem, 12.10.2012 (KAP) Der armenisch-apostolische Patriarch von
Jerusalem, Torkom II. Manoogian, ist am Freitag im Alter von 93 Jahren
in Israel verstorben. Das gab das armenisch-apostolische Patriarchat
am Freitagnachmittag bekannt.
Torkom Manoogian wurde 1919 in der Nähe von Bagdad geboren. Dorthin
waren seine Eltern vor dem Völkermord geflohen, dem die Armenier
während des Ersten Weltkriegs seitens der Türken ausgesetzt waren.
Bereits als Heranwachsender wurde Manoogian in das St. Jakobs-Kloster
in Jerusalem aufgenommen, wo er Theologie studierte. Im Alter von 20
Jahren wurde er in Jerusalem zum Priester geweiht.
1946 übernahm er eine Pfarre in Philadelphia (USA). 1957 wurde er als
Patriarchatskanzler nach Jerusalem zurückberufen, 1960 bis 1962
absolvierte er ein Postgraduate-Studium am Episkopalkirchlichen
Seminar in Cambridge (USA).
Zum Bischof geweiht wurde Manoogian 1962. Es folgte seine Ernennung
zum armenischen Erzbischof von New York (1966) und schließlich zum
Patriarchen von Jerusalem (1990). Als Erzbischof von New York war
Manoogian mit Papst Johannes Paul II. zusammengetroffen. Er übte auch
Exekutivfunktionen im National Council of Churches der USA aus.
ITAR-TASS, Russia
October 13, 2012 Saturday 06:15 AM GMT+4
Delegations from 13 RF regions to participate in RF-Armenia forum
YEREVAN October 13
The second Russian-Armenian interregional forum will be held here on
Saturday. Officials from central and regional authorities of the
countries, representatives of public organizations and businesspeople
will participate in the forum, a source in the Armenian Ministry for
Territorial Management said.
The delegations from 13 Russian regions will visit Armenia. They will
meet with their Armenian colleagues and will discuss the prospects of
cooperation. The chief executives from all nine Armenian regions are
invited to the forum.
The countries are to sign agreements for cooperation between the
Arkhangelsk Region and the Vayots Dzor Region, the Lori Region and the
directorate of the South Caucasus Railroad, which is a daughter
company of Russian Railways (RZD). Round-table meetings will be
devoted to various issues of bilateral cooperation at the forum titled
“Russia and Armenia: interregional dialogue-2012”. The round-table
meetings will be devoted to the role of interregional cooperation for
the development of trade and economic relations between the two
countries, the participation in the integration processes in the
Eurasian space and humanitarian cooperation.
Tourism at interregional level is an important trend of our
cooperation, Russian Ambassador in Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko said.
“In general, the development of tourism is a serious factor for the
development of human contacts between Russia and Armenia,” the
diplomat believes. The countries will discuss the projects to develop
children’s, student and youth tourism, he noted. “We intend through
the heads of the regions to attract representatives of a large
Armenian diaspora in Russia that numbers about two million people to
these tourism programs,” Kovalenko remarked.
The first interregional forum, which was held in Armenia in April
2011, “gave a very strong impetus to the development of bilateral
relations at the level of regions in the countries,” the ambassador
recalled.
The working group for coordination of interregional relations was
formed in the intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation
upon the results of the first forum.
Magyar Nemzet, Hungary
Oct 12 2012
Azerbaijan Would Pull the Region Towards Europe
Interview with Farhad Mammadov, director of the Strategic Research
Centre under the President of Azerbaijan, by Gabor Laszlo Zord in Baku
[Zord] Have you been surprised at the international reactions to the
Safarov-affair?
[Mammadov] Many things have been said in connection to this step, but
it must be primarily said that it was a justice step. Safarov’s
imprisonment in Hungary, his extradition to Azerbaijan, and then his
pardoning by the president took place in accordance with the
Hungarian, Azeri, and the international law. This is what we stress
every time when a third country reacts to the affair. As for the other
published interpretations, they are emotional. Of course, several
countries’ reactions elicited our concern because of the double
standard used, because they were silent when Armenia declared
Garabedjan a hero, a terrorist who committed a bomb attack at Orly
Airport. The international reaction to the Safarov-affair is due to
the international Armenian Diaspora’s pressure on the various
governments. My personal opinion is that this whole affair is the
consequence of the Karabakh issue that continues to await a solution.
[Zord] Can we regard the extradition a step with which the
psychological obstacles in the path of Hungarian-Azeri relations have
been removed?
[Mammadov] Eight years have passed since Safarov’s arrest but, when we
participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time five
years ago, after Turkey, Hungary gave the Azeri representative the
most points. In other words, irrespective of this affair, we will
develop our bilateral relations. This takes time, because first we
must sign the necessary political documents, then we must create the
economic infrastructure, and the two societies must come to know each
other. The Safarov-affair cast a shadow on all this, but the truth is
that it did not affect the processes.
[Zord] What expectations do you have regarding the development of
bilateral relations?
[Mammadov] Hungary is located in the middle of Europe, and the
development of cooperation with Eastern-Central European and Black Sea
countries is a priority for Azerbaijan. The reason for this is that
these countries are the closest developing markets to Azerbaijan.
Although the project is halted currently, for example Hungary wants to
participate in the Nabucco pipeline; on the other hand, several Azeri
firms have already invested in Hungary. We can learn a lot from you in
the area of certain technologies, but I can also mention the furniture
industry. The EU’s second youth centre is in Hungary, and many people
from Azerbaijan are cooperating with it. We have simplified the visa
procedure and, although few Azeri tourists visit Hungary at the
moment, the trend is favourable. We are small countries, but countries
that are trying to strengthen and protect their independence.
[Zord] Recently, quite serious publication carried articles on the
Azeri-Israeli relations in connection with the Iranian nuclear issue.
Does your country support the military solution?
[Mammadov] Azerbaijan has repeatedly declared that nobody can make use
of its territory for military aggression against any of its
neighbours. There are 25 million Azeri nationals living in Iran and
they are important members of Iran’s society. The Azeris, more
precisely the Azeri Turks, are one of the most important
state-creating people. Azeri dynasties ruled there over nine hundred
years. In other words, the state also belongs to them, not only to the
Persians. All this means that, also as the UN Security Council’s
non-permanent member, Azerbaijan is urging a peaceful solution of the
issue. We do not oppose the use of nuclear energy for peaceful goals.
At the same time, we already have a neighbour possessing nuclear
weapons, and Azerbaijan does not want a second one.
[Zord] Azerbaijan has covered a spectacular development path in the
past almost 20 years. From the outside, it seems that the reason for
this must be found in the fact that, for the first time in a long
period, the locals possess the countries’ resources, primarily its
energy sources. What is the pressure of outside factors, countries,
big powers, and multinational firms on you to share these resources?
[Mammadov] This is an interesting question! Most agreements were
signed in 1994, when the price of oil was $25 a barrel. These
agreements were not very favourable for Azerbaijan, but we have not
tried to change them to this very day. The problem was that the Azeri
oil must be excavated from the bottom of the ocean, something that
required huge investments. So we decided to sign contracts with the
biggest global firms which provide us the necessary technology. Thus,
the first profit belongs to the investors so that they recover their
investments, and only then Azerbaijan shared the income with the
foreign firms. Fortunately, the price of oil started to increase
quickly, so the first investment recovery stage only took two years
instead of the planned ten years. Today, we can earn a lot of money
under favourable conditions. It is very important that we cooperate as
responsible partners; at the same time, we need time to deserve this
status. At the same time, the most important task for Azerbaijan is to
develop other sectors, beside the oil sector.
[Zord] What is the connection between development, conflict, and your
foreign policy?
[Mammadov] Azerbaijan has fulfilled its international obligations in
spite of the Karabakh conflict. We have built our main oil and gas
export pipelines and the railway connecting us with Turkey via
Georgia. We expect a profit of $150 billion from this in the coming
15-20 years. While we are implementing the regional plans, Karabakh
remains the only problem in the region, although we very much want the
peaceful coexistence of Azeris and Armenians there. We are ready to
provide physical protection, to create the possibilities of economic
development, and to guarantee the cultural identity of Armenians in
Karabakh. The most important mechanism of implementing this is in
Europe and if the problem is solved, Armenia’s borders will open to
Azerbaijan and Turkey. This would be important, because the conflict
led to the degradation of the Armenian independence. The Armenians
themselves claim that their 2.7 billion budget is burdened by a 400
million deficit [no currency mentioned]. Therefore, a solution must be
found, and the evacuation of territories neighbouring Karabakh could
be the first step; this would result in opening the borders, and then
the region should be demilitarized. After this, negotiations could be
started on Karabakh’s final status. There has been debate on Bask
Lands to this very day, but it does not mean that we cannot carry it
in a civilized manner. War cannot play a role in Azerbaijan’s
long-term development plans. If the conflict is solved, looking at the
map it is obvious that Azerbaijan could become the engine of the
entire region’s EU integration efforts, we can give an impetus to the
entire region.
[Translated from Hungarian]
Henrik Mkhitaryan, Alexander Grigoryan, Rafael Vahanyan receive titles
of honorary residents of Yerevan (photos)
tert.am
15:54 – 14.10.12
At the Russian square near Yerevan municipality Yerevan mayor Taron
Margaryan handed to member of Armenia’s national football team Henrik
Mkhitaryan, art director of Stanislavski Alexander Grigoryan and
well-known chess player Rafael Vahanyan titles of honorary residents
of Yerevan, granted to them with the decision of the Yerevan Council
of Elders.
Mayor Margaryan expressed conviction that they will continue their
activity with same enthusiasm and devotion for the sake of our country
and its capital Yerevan.
For me my Homeland starts from Yerevan, ex-mayor says
tert.am
11:45 – 14.10.12
Former mayor of Yerevan, member of Republic party Suren Abrahamyan
says the homeland for him starts from Yerevan. `I do not want to sound
pompous but it is so, for me my homeland starts from Yerevan,’
Abrahamyan said, speaking to Tert.am.
Distorted architectural appearance, elimination of green territories,
elite construction, alienated building of Armenia’s Foreign Affairs
Ministry – in spite of all this Suren Abrahamyan loves Yerevan.
`I do not want to specify, but we all, especially those having power,
treated our capital with consumer’s psychology,’ he said.
`Dreadful philosophy was dominating in Yerevan – a petrol station was
not being built for the capital, but the capital was for petrol
stations. Elite buildings were not designed to make the capital
beautiful, but the capital was being fitted for owners having vulgar
taste and a lot of money. And unfortunately, in many cases the
authorities were yielding to them, they could not resist, they were
not saying `no’ even for the sake of city’s benefit,’ former mayor
said.
Abrahamyan said as a result the attitude toward the city has changed
and we yielded to benefit and consumer’s psychology unlike our
neighbors, Georgians, who managed to preserve Tbilisi’s historic
appearance.
Abrahamyan though said the biggest perversion is the distorted idea of
the Northern Avenue. The reason he said was the idea of getting
maximum benefit.
The ex mayor said for him Yerevan is not just an architecture but a
spirit, culture environment.
Abrahamyan said despite all, residents of the capital should feel as
the owners of the city.
Young volunteers wash Armenia’s capital’s monuments, statues (photos)
12:09 – 14.10.12
Volunteer students washed today Armenia’s capital’s monuments. The
event has been organized on the occasion of 2794th anniversary of
Yerevan.
According to the municipality’s press release, with the help of
special fire engineering statues of Vahan Teryan, Avetik Isahakyan,
Martiros Saryan, Sayat-Nova, Hovhannes Tamanyan, Aram Khachatryan,
Andrey Sakharov, Alexander Myasnikyan and others have been washed.
Some 80 young volunteers participated in the works.
FRANCOPHONIE
L’Arménie membre à part entière, le Qatar associé
KINSHASA, 13 oct 2012 (AFP) – La Francophonie s’est élargie, samedi à
Kinshasa, en accordant à l’Arménie le statut de membre à part entière
de l’organisation, celui d’observateur à l’Uruguay et en faisant
entrer le Qatar directement comme membre associé, ce qui a fait
polémique, a-t-on appris de sources concordantes. L’OIF compte
désormais 57 membres – dont 3 associés – et 20 observateurs. Ces
décisions, prises lors du 14e sommet de l’organisation qui se tient
samedi et dimanche à Kinshasa, n’ont pas fait l’objet d’annonces
publiques.
`L’Arménie est passée du statut de membre associé à membre à part
entière`, a indiqué à l’AFP une source au sein de l’Organisation
internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), selon laquelle `l’Uruguay qui
avait demandé à devenir observateur l’est devenu`.
Quant au Qatar, il est entré directement dans l’organisation en tant
qu’`Etat associé` sans passer par la `case observateur`, comme c’est
habituellement la règle, a expliqué cette source. Cette entrée du
Qatar a fait grincer des dents, selon une source proche du ministère
français de la Francophonie.
La polémique portait principalement sur la légitimité du Qatar, qui
n’est pas francophone, à entrer dans l’OIF. Certains participants se
sont aussi inquiétés de l’ambition de ce pays de développer davantage
son influence en Afrique de l’Ouest musulmane et notamment de sa
propension à financer des écoles religieuses prenant parfois la place
d’écoles en langue française.
Selon la même source, `il y a eu des négociations très serrées sur le
Qatar. Mais les Qataris ont fait un lobbying terriblement efficace
auprès de différents pays, notamment africains`. Le Qatar aurait ainsi
obtenu le soutien de Djibouti et de la Guinée, pour favoriser son
entrée au sein de l’OIF.
Le pays faisait notamment valoir qu’il accueillait de nombreux
expatriés francophones et qu’une radio publique de langue française
avait été financée au Qatar, selon une source informée des
négociations. Ces nouvelles adhésions pourraient réveiller le débat,
récurrent, sur l’élargissement constant de l’organisation. Certains
commentateurs reprochent en effet à l’OIF de perdre sa spécificité, au
fur et à mesure qu’elle grossit en intégrant des pays qui ne sont pas
considérés comme francophones.
dimanche 14 octobre 2012,
Ara ©armenews.com
Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Oct 14 2012
Freedom of thought, hate crimes and the conscience
by Alin Ozinian*
Where do the limits of freedom of thought lie? What is a hate crime?
Is Islam a religion that produces terrorism and violence, or is this a
fallacy?
Should those who believe such a fallacy be warned or punished? There
has been a great deal of debate on these topics in recent days,
especially in the wake of reactions provoked by an amateur film, one
which sparked first panic and protest and then actual, terrible
attacks.
Sensitivities
I suppose it is an undervalued aspect of human emotions and ethics to
observe acts of vilification and slander of certain things that we do
not like or do not approve of, and to wonder whether it results in a
`crime’ or not.
These days, we are witnessing the functioning of a `punishment’
mechanism, one to which we are accustomed, and which we have even
internalized without being aware of it. This politics of punishment
can be verbal as well as written, and can even leak into afternoon
gossip over tea, classrooms, workplaces and military barracks. One can
be excluded or alienated due to one’s ethnicity, religion, thoughts
and even what goes on in one’s bedroom, or the fact that one has
blonde hair; insults can turn into punches and kicks, and sometimes
people can even be killed in the confusion.
The tolerance that is oft discussed in Turkey, and basically means the
non-alienation of others due to their names, thoughts, clothing, etc.,
as well as the non-alienation of those people due to their beliefs,
and not preventing them from living the lives they wish, has been the
subject of a fluctuating struggle for a long time now, with rhetoric
about `what will become of the values of this nation, this republic.’
I am someone who, not being a Turk, was exposed from a very young age
to these attempts to portray me as the `other.’ My sensitivities were
offended not just because of the insults and the behavior directed
towards me but because of those who witnessed it all, and despite what
they heard and saw did not raise their voices against it. As a result,
I have always had very negative reactions towards those who hurt
others because of perceived differences. And while sometimes laws have
managed to quell some of these insults and verbal or written attacks,
there have been other times when hate-filled sentences spilling from
the mouth of a neighbor woman have been enough to hurt me. From a very
young age, we are made to memorize one truth, though the fact that
concepts such as `private lives’ and `choices’ are not discussed with
us when we are children leads to certain incidents and attacks on
others later on in life. The whole concept of `variety’ and
`difference’ that is not taught to us, and is thus one we do not
understand, is linked with the idea of the sacredness of choice, which
is also something we are thus robbed of being able to understand, and
which we do not see as an essential value of life.
Don’t replace one clichéd photo with another
There are many people who today are still alienated and excluded
because they do not fit with the `societal photograph’ promoted by
quite a substantial number of people. This is a `photograph’ utterly
lacking an ideological basis in any real sense, whose creation was
based on some very superficial revolutions arranged in Europe and
whose dimensions some wish to see imposed on society. In circles where
simply being Western is considered the most `sacred’ of values, it is
an unfortunate truth that religious and ethnic freedoms are not
included in the list of general freedoms. There are those who do not
grasp that living according to one’s beliefs, or speaking in one’s
mother tongue, are essential freedoms.
There are many, many individuals and groups in Turkey who have been
excluded, alienated, hurt, exposed to pressure and generally punished
simply because of their status as `different.’ I do not think it is
unreasonable to believe that these people and groups should try to get
to know one another better, or even try to protect and assist one
another. One point that needs to be taken care of on the path towards
`diversity’ is that social engineering of the kind that erased the
`old types’ only to replace them with `new mono types’ not be allowed.
We need to not replace those old forbidden, painful and cliché-filled
photographs from the past with our own photographs. We must assist to
our utmost every sort of initiative there is, and see that they
proceed according to their goals.
Sincere steps
More sincere steps need to be taken in order to persuade us that the
positive events we have seen taking place within the framework of the
`dialogue between religions’ in recent years have not been
specifically composed and ordered with the aim of producing
photographs to fill promotional brochures from the Ä°stanbul
Metropolitan Municipality. Incidents such as the one that occurred
last October, when a taxi driver beat a female customer he discovered
was Armenian, telling her she was a `kafir,’ or a non-believer, make
us feel that, sometimes, `religious sensibilities’ are really only
being analyzed according to certain conditions. The same goes for
people who experience taunting or harassment at the hands of their
neighbors; when nothing is done to solve the situation, they feel the
only solution is to move abroad, and this also underscores the feeling
that `religious sensibilities’ are only important for some.
There is one very simple and critical topic on which we must reach
accord when it comes to the idea of being able to live in peace with
one another: not hurting one another. And beyond not hurting one
another, there is also the importance of being able to hold onto our
level-headedness when we are hurt, and to avoid making wholesale,
rapid and sudden decisions in response.
Years ago, when writer Can Yücel, whom I very much like, wrote about
the Virgin Mary, his topic drew much criticism. When he was informed
that Christians in Turkey had been insulted by some of what he had
written, he responded by saying, `How many Armenians are in Turkey
anyway, and of those, how many are even literate?’ I was very saddened
by this response. My own feelings of hurt were not just linked to how
a person with religious beliefs of his own could mock that which is
sacred to others, but also to how it was that in a country where so
many Armenians admire this person he could talk so ignorantly about
them.
Muslims who have been hurt and who hurt
In recent days throughout the world we have witnessed events in which
Muslims have been hurt and insulted, in particular by those who were
aiming to hurt them. Unfortunately, many of the Muslims in these
situations were unable to keep their sense of calm, with attacks
ensuing. And today in Turkey there are many Muslims who have been
insulted by words written by Sevan Nishanian. Angry reactions have
included suggestions from `Sevan should be forcibly relocated’ to
`Let’s show the Armenians what’s what.’ At the same time, however,
those who were truly insulted are sad, but are not saying a word; it
is clear that they are saddened by these words spoken by someone with
whom they were working hand-in-hand to see change in Turkey. Sevan did
not write these divisive words under his identity as an `Armenian’ but
rather as someone who `does not have good relations with Islam.’ At
the same time, the factions unable to come to terms with the handful
of Armenians who are left in the country were once again able to put
this incident into the category of `Armenian traitor.’
Basic rights and freedoms, justice, laws and rules are vital norms for
a democratic society, but when it comes to human relations, I do
believe we need to behave according to our human emotions and
morality. Throwing a person accused of committing a `crime of hatred’
into prison may wind up punishing that person, but it does not erase
the hatred from his heart. My friends, I do not believe in going so
far as to injure others for the sake of my `freedom of thought.’ Never
mind putting religious beliefs on trial, or questioning the things a
person holds sacred; I support even accepting the colors they love.
Let that person love red while I love blue; I support neither the
slander and mocking of red, nor the overt praising of blue.
There was a rally that took place in Ä°stanbul’s Taksim Square to
commemorate the Armenian massacre of 1915. It was a rally that even
some Armenians were afraid to attend, but despite that, there was a
group that refused to make concessions, and that was there that day,
despite being accused by some `patriots’ and `socialists’ of acting as
`tools for imperialism.’ What’s more, this group included Muslims.
Young girls in headscarves sat with us with arms linked, and there
were young Muslim men carrying posters and signs as well. I recall
clearly the sense of strength and hope lent to me by the very presence
of those companions on that day, within the larger framework of trying
to understand my own pain, pain which is not accepted by the official
history of the country.
I support the idea of people not showing respect for other beliefs
because of `laws’ and `concepts of freedom,’ but rather learning from
their own consciences. My own intention is to work to protect that
which is sacred for my friends as much as to protect that which is
sacred to me. A value which does not overlap with your own thoughts or
beliefs should be important to you first and foremost because your
friend might hold it true and believe in it; after all, the truly
important thing here is your friend.
*Alin Ozinian is an independent analyst.
*.html
The Philadelphia Inquirer
October 12, 2012 Friday
CITY-D Edition
A home that’s a perfect backdrop for music and art
By Sally Friedman; For The Inquirer
In the music room of Ramona and Jack Vosbikian’s Moorestown home, a
silver picture frame rests on the baby grand piano. Does it hold a
cherished family picture, perhaps? A fine painting?
No, but it’s just as dear: Displayed are two ticket stubs from a 1971
Philadelphia Orchestra concert.
“We were newly married and struggling, but we managed to scrape
together the $8.50 each for seats toward the back of the Academy,”
says Ramona, 71, of their first time. “It didn’t matter – we were so
excited just to be there.”
Some things have changed since the couple were back-of-the-theater
types; the orchestra’s home is now the Kimmel Center, and the two are
season subscribers. But their passion for music – and devotion to the
orchestra – is just as strong. Ramona and Jack, who is the president
of International Rollforms in Deptford, are principal benefactors of
Thursday’s Opening Night, the traditional gala start of the
orchestra’s season and the debut of music director Yannick
Nézet-Séguin.
So it’s no surprise that music’s role in their home’s decor literally
begins in the front garden. There, a statue of a small boy holding a
violin greets visitors. He’s been affectionately named “Paganini” at
the suggestion of Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Gloria DiPasquale.
Italian-born Niccolò Paganini was playing the violin by the age of 7,
so the name was apt.
Inside the Vosbikian home, the large foyer, with its soaring 18-foot
ceiling and curved stairway, has actually become a mini-concert hall
for orchestra benefits. The space can accommodate 70 to 80 people,
some on the second-floor balcony for a dramatic view of the crystal
chandelier, which would be at home in a Parisian or Viennese opera
house.
The Vosbikians built the home in 2002 after 30 years in a more
conventional house in Cherry Hill, what many think is counterintuitive
for empty-nesters. The Vosbikians didn’t see it that way.
“We really wanted exactly the kind of home we built – one with lots of
open areas and room for our growing family,” said Jack, 75. The couple
has three children and five grandchildren. “And we did downsize,” he
quips of their 5,300-square-foot home. “Our Cherry Hill house had five
bedrooms – this one only has four.”
The couple borrowed ideas from various sources, from the outdoor
elevation they saw at a Stone Harbor house to a local sample home they
visited for interior design ideas. Lovers of the outdoors, they built
the less formal living spaces – the kitchen/breakfast area and family
room – with sweeping views of the gardens and the parklike setting
they created over the years. A pergola and fountain – and another
outdoor sculpture – add to the pleasures of spring and summer
entertaining.
A soft off-white color palette in the formal living room and dining
room in the front of the home provide a mellow backdrop for the
Vosbikians’ extensive art collection. As much as home is an anchor for
them, the couple has traveled to every continent, including with the
Philadelphia Orchestra on its forays to Hungary, Spain, England,
Germany, and Switzerland, where they were witness to performances at
the Lucerne Music Festival.
On a safari in Africa, the couple found a unique painting crafted from
banana peels that now hangs in their living room. The dining room
holds two pieces that spell out Ramona’s and Jack’s names in
hieroglyphics. And one of the most meaningful art pieces is a painting
that stretches across the music room wall. Abstract in style, it
incorporates images of musicians and musical instruments, and was
purchased in Armenia, where Jack’s roots are.
“Early in the 20th century, my family fled the Armenian genocide and
established their lives here,” explains Jack, who has been active in
the Armenian Assembly of America, a lobbying group dedicated to
recalling and preserving that history. The Vosbikians have made three
trips to that region in recent years.
There will be no forays far from home this month as the Vosbikians
bring out their formal attire for Opening Night. Ramona’s
responsibilities as a member of the orchestra’s board and chair of its
education committee – along with other administrative duties – have
kept her working nearly every day. She also serves on the board of
Symphony in C – formerly known as the Haddonfield Symphony.
It’s no wonder that on a typical day, the Vosbikians’ sound system is
playing classical music. One recent afternoon, Mozart’s Symphony No.
40 in G minor was offering its majestic background in the sunlit
kitchen.
The two play some music themselves – Ramona, piano; Jack, clarinet –
and it’s in their blood. Her father played trumpet with the Benny
Goodman Orchestra and his played multiple instruments with Armenian
family bands. But their greatest joy now, they say, is in opening
their home to events like a recent daylong retreat for the orchestra’s
teaching artists.
The bookmarks that Ramona distributes to hundreds of schoolchildren
through the orchestra’s education outreach program summarize the
couple’s personal anthem:
Borrowed from Friedrich Nietzsche, the saying reads: “Without music,
life would be a mistake.”