Category: 2017

Chris Cornell to Posthumously Receive Inaugural "Promise Award"

Arbi Tashjian
Loud Wire
Nov 10 2017
 
Chris Cornell to Posthumously Receive  Inaugural “Promise Award”

In the spring of this year, Chris Cornell released “The Promise,” a beautiful acoustic song he penned for the Christian Bale film of the same name that documents the last days of the Ottoman Empire and the genocide that swept through it. Cornell reflected on the Armenian Genocide in the track and used it as a vessel to further refugee advocacy, a cause close to his heart. Now, the Los Angeles Committee of Human Rights Watch will honor the late musician’s efforts with the inaugural “Promise Award” at a dinner on Nov. 14.
 
“The award recognizes an outstanding song, television show, or film that advances the values of equity and justice in an original and powerful way,” states a press release describing the purpose of the “Promise Award.” System of a Down’s Serj Tankian, who is of Armenian descent, will be on site at the Voices for Justice Human Rights Watch Annual Dinner to present the award. The singer served as the Executive Music Consultant for The Promise film and also contributed a song to the soundtrack.
 
Since Cornell’s passing, celebrities like Cher, Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Christian Bale, George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Tom Hanks and Oscar Isaac vowed to maintain the rocker’s passion for refugee advocacy in a compilation video.
 
“‘The Promise’ to me is mainly about paying homage to those we lost in the Armenian Genocide, but it’s also about shining a light on more recent atrocities. The same methods used in the Armenian genocide were used to carry out crimes against humanity in Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda and right now in Syria on multiple fronts, contributing to a massive global refugee crisis. Unfortunately, the words ‘never again’ seem like just words when we recall these mass executions of the twentieth century, as well as renewed racism and prejudice around the world,” stated Cornell upon the song’s release.
 

HRW announces Armenian Genocide-inspired Promise Award

Tatoyan Vazgen
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Nov 11 2017
– 11:15 AMT
HRW announces Armenian Genocide-inspired Promise Award

The Los Angeles Committee of Human Rights Watch will present its inaugural Promise Award to the song ‘The Promise’ on November 14, Human Rights Watch announced on Friday, November 10.

The pioneering recording artist Chris Cornell, who sadly passed away in May, wrote the title song for the film, ‘The Promise’, the first major Hollywood film about the Armenian Genocide.

“The song and its video fittingly weave the Genocide with humanitarian crises of today. The song focuses on courage, perseverance, and hope – connecting with emotions that characterize and amplify the worldwide struggle for human rights. Cornell donated all proceeds from the song to benefit refugees and children, and his song continues to inspire millions as an anthem for the human rights movementm,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

“We are proud to name this award after The Promise, and present the inaugural award to Chris Cornell’s inspiring song,” said Justin Connolly, director of the Human Rights Watch Los Angeles Committee.

The renowned singer, songwriter, film composer, and human rights activist Serj Tankian – also known for leading the Grammy-winning band System Of A Down – will present the award. Tankian also served as the executive music consultant for The Promise and also contributed a song for the film’s soundtrack.

‘The Promise’ film has raised awareness about the atrocities during the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and recruited the general public and leaders from around the world to fight for human rights with its #KeepThePromise social media campaign. All proceeds from the film are being donated to non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes – including the establishment of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA.

Art: The retrospective exhibition of Ara Shiraz artwork opened at National Gallery

Chatinian Lara
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 11 2017
Culture 17:46 11/11/2017 Armenia

The retrospective exhibition of one of the most famous representatives of Armenian new fine art Ara Shiraz opened today at the National Gallery of Armenia.

The Head of the Sculpture Department at the National Gallery Mariam Davtyan told reporters the exhibition is aimed at representing the whole creative way of Ara Shiraz, with transformations of all volumes and forms, from sculptural works to graphic papers including about ninety works from the collections of the National Gallery of Armenia, Yerevan Modern Art Museum and the artist’s family.

It was noted that graphic works of the artist’s earlier period are displayed for the first time.

A close friend to Shiraz Robert Elibekyan noted that the artist’s works have been under confinement for years, yet Shiraz has always wished his works to live. 

Director at the Gallery Arman Tsaturyan informed the event concludes the series of exhibitions planned for the ongoing year.

To note, Ara Shiraz was born in 1941 into the family of remarkable poets Hovhannes Shiraz and Silva Kaputikyan. In 1966, he graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Arts. From 1968 till the end of his life he was a member of the Union of Artists of Armenia. In 1987 the artist was elected as the president of the Union of Artists of Armenia. He was awarded a title of Honoured Artist of Armenia in 1977. In 1979 Shiraz was awarded a State Prize for the sculpted ornaments of hotel “Dvin” (Yerevan). He received a title of People’s Artist of Armenia in 2009. The sculptor participated in numerous exhibitions in Armenia and abroad.

Depi Evratesil: Could former Genealogy member be more succesful for 2018?

Emil Lazarian
EuroVisionary
Nov 11 2017


Pedro Santos / 11th November 2017 at 19:49 / National Selection / Armenia
Genealogy representing Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015

Armenia’s official broadcaster is selecting their Eurovision 2018 entry through a new version of Depi Evratesil. In its new method, AMPTV is opening submissions for original songs until December of this year and since it’s an open competition, Tamar Kaprelian – former Genealogy act – has already revealed she is trying her luck solo.

One more country is readying things for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, that is Armenia. Its broadcaster, AMPTV, has announced their own national selection – Depi Evratesil – and decided to shake things up a little hoping for a better result next year. This time, Depi Evratesil will open its doors to original songs from the artists and composed specially for the contest.

Despite the announcement, and the national selection’s slogan being “It’s Your Turn”, the winning song may not be the one that Armenia will present in Lisbon next year.

Nonetheless, and while things are being prepared, one known Eurovision act has already announced she will be attempting her luck in next year’s national selection: Tamar Kaprelian. The Armenian singer has already stepped on the Eurovision stage back in 2015 as a member of Genealogy finishing at number 16 in the grand final with a total amount of 36 points.

Sports: ESPN: Henrikh Mkhitaryan stops providing goals

Chakrian Hovsep
News.am, Armenia
Nov 10 2017

Portal ESPN published an article dedicated to the midfielder of Manchester United and the Armenia national squad Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

“Having assisted five goals in the opening weeks of the season, plenty were sneering at Jose Mourinho’s decision to freeze him out for large spells when he first joined the club last season,” the article says.

“More recently, Mkhitaryan hasn’t been contributing. He hasn’t been providing goals. He’s just been occupying a space on the pitch, with Jamie Carragher claiming that in the recent defeat against Chelsea it was as if United were playing with ‘10 men’”.

“He turns 29 in a few months’ time so you get the feeling it’s now or never. This has to be the season he shines otherwise he may well have to make room for someone who can perform on a more consistent basis and find himself on the transfer list,” ESPN says.

In 16 matches of the current season, Henrikհ Mkhitaryan scored two goals and six assists.

Book about Armenian Genocide missionary published in Denmark

Tambiyan Samvel
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Nov 11 2017
– 10:34 AMT
Book about Armenian Genocide missionary published in Denmark

A book aboutDanish missionary Karen Jeppe known for her work in the Ottoman empire during the Armenian Genocide has recently been published in Denmark, Bogvaegten reports.

Jeppe was described as the “Danish Mother of Armenians” by the Golden Apricot International Film Festival.

The Danish missionary heard a lecture about the Armenians at the age of 26 and decided that she wanted to be a teacher for orphaned Armenian kids.

Jeppe arrived in Urfa where she joined a school-orphanage under the direct supervision of the German clergyman Johannes Lepsius.

She has helped save many Armenians in the early 20th century, also adopting two children herself.

Sports: Scotland U19s draw with Armenia but Euro qualification still on

Jirair Kafian
Daily Record, UK
Nov 11 2017

Donald Park’s side were held by Armenia and face a difficult game with Czech Republic in their final group match.

Scotland U19s were dealt a blow in their bid to qualify for the elite stages of the European Championship.

The young Scots drew 3-3 with Armenia in a high-scoring game in Luxembourg and are still likely to qualify.

Scotland’s youngsters had went a goal down after just 11 minutes when Vahan Bichakhchyan opened the scoring.

Celtic kid Mikey Johnston equalised on 47 before Bichakhchyan put Armenia back in front eight minutes later.

But Scotland were back on level terms on 64 when Jack Aitchison scored from the penalty spot.

Another spot kick was awarded five minutes later and this time it was Johnston who stepped up to score.

But Scotland couldn’t hold on and Karen Melokonyan scored to make it 3-3.

The result leaves Scotland on four points from two matches, after their 3-1 win over Luxembourg earlier this week.


    • Sports: Armenia’s Tigran Kirakosyan wins gold at Sambo World Championships

    Emma Jilavian
    Pan Armenian, Armenia
    Nov 11 2017
    – 13:56 AMT
    Armenia’s Tigran Kirakosyan wins gold at Sambo World Championships

    Armenia’s Tigran Kirakosyan won gold at the Sambo World Championships in Sochi, Russia on Friday, November 10.

    Kirakosyan beat defending champion Maral-Erdene Chimeddorj of Mongolia to the men’s 52kg title.

    1000 sambo fighters from 93 countries of the world are competing in the World Championships which will run through November 12.

    Sports: Armenian weightlifter becomes three-time Austrian champion

    Chakhmakhchian Vatche
    Pan Armenian, Armenia
    Nov 11 2017
    Armenian weightlifter becomes three-time Austrian champion

    Armenian athlete Sargis Martirosyan has become a three-time Austrian champion in weightlifting.

    At the Austrian weightlifting championship in Graz, Martirosyan took the first spot in the 105kg weight category to snatch gold.

    The 31-year-old athlete is thus eligible to take part in the World Championships 2017, which will be held in the United States between November 28 and December 5, Rusarminfo reports.

    Artsakh’s existence and status within Azerbaijan in any option is impossible, says Speaker Babloyan

    Babken Chilingarian
    | 12:56 | November 10 2017
    Categories
    Artsakh
    Politics
    Region

    The people of Artsakh continue to unconditionally be in charge of their destiny, by purposefully leading their chosen path, Armenian Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan said in his remarks during the 12th session of the inter-parliamentary committee of cooperation between the parliaments of Armenia and Artsakh.

    “It has been numerously said that Armenia is the security guarantor of Artsakh, however the people of Artsakh are in charge of their destiny on their own. There can never be in any format a decision which will be unacceptable for the people of Artsakh or will threaten their security”, Babloyan said.

    According to him, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict doesn’t have an alternative to peaceful settlement.

    “The right of the people of Artsakh to freely decide its future must be recognized and respected and its security must be guaranteed. Artsakh’s existence and status within Azerbaijan in any option is impossible and unacceptable”, he said.

    Babloyan said in order to achieve true progress in the talks, Azerbaijan must first of all refuse from the idea of even theoretically picturing Artsakh as its part.