Armenpress News Agency, Armenia Friday Dr. Hayk Demoyan's new book on first Armenian in America out now YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Dr. Hayk Demoyan, former director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute, presented his new monograph titled “Armenian Legacy in America: A 400-Year Heritage. “Armenian Legacy in America: A 400-Year Heritage” is dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Armenian to America. Four hundred years ago, in 1618, ‘Martin the Armenian’ arrived in Virginia. The book is an illustrated edition with 620 pages and more than 2,200 photos, including artifacts, documents and rare images demonstrating the history and legacy of the Armenian-American community and the important contributions of the Armenian community to the American homeland. The volume is the first attempt to present a concise illustrated history of the American-Armenian community. It comprises materials from Armenian institutions of both the Republic of Armenia and the United States. Most of the materials and visual data are published for the first time. Book chapters and illustrations are presented in chronological order, covering the time period from 1618 until the early 1990s. The book has been published through the generous support of the Noubar and Anna Afeyan Foundation on behalf of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiatives”, Mr. Demoyan said on Facebook. English –translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
Category: 2018
Music: 9th Festival of Armenian Composers’ Art dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Grigor Eghiazaryan
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday 9th Festival of Armenian Composers' Art dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Grigor Eghiazaryan Yerevan February 23 Alexander Avanesov. From March 5 to 9, Yerevan will host the 9th festival of Armenian composers' art. Each year the festival is dedicated to one of the famous Armenian composers. This year it is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the composer, teacher, People's Artist of the USSR Grigor Eghiazaryan. Grigory Yeghiazaryan is one of the founders of the modern Armenian composer school. Among his students are Alexander Ajemyan, Emin Aristakesyan, Grigor Ahinyan, Edgar Hovhannisyan, Geghuni Chichchyan, Martun Israelyan and many other composers. Grigory Egiazaryan composed music mainly in symphonic and ballet genre, wrote symphonic poems, symphonies, ballets, romances, music for theater and cinema. Since the foundation, the festival of Armenian composer art has been held under the high patronage of RA President Serzh Sargsyan. The organizer of the festival is the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. This initiative is in the center of attention of the RA Ministry of Culture, and the ministry sponsors the festival. The artistic director and chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, Sergei Smbatyan, stressed the importance of the Festival of Armenian Composers' Art. "Some people always say that the works of contemporary composers are not being performed, but the festival of Armenian composer's art proves the opposite. The festival has a very important mission and purpose. We must preserve our national culture, and society must see our heroes, those who create our contemporary music, "said Sergei Smbatyan. It should be noted that much work has been done in the framework of the festival in recent years. Symphonic and chamber works of more than 50 Armenian composers were digitized, more than 200 works were recorded, as well as premieres of more than 150 works by Armenian composers. This activity is aimed at the preservation and development of cultural heritage. Within the framework of the festival of Armenian composer art, the compositions of Grigor Eghiazaryan were also digitized. The organizers of the festival are trying to find the archives of the composer. His writings are mostly manuscripts and very poorly preserved. Several works were published from 1930 to 1940. The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra found chamber compositions by Grigor Eghiazaryan in the archives of the Conservatory and individuals. The team is trying to find symphonic works of the composer in order to restore the notes and in the future to include them in concert programs. Within the framework of Gregory Yeghiazaryan-Fest there will be 5 concerts. Works by Grigor Eghiazaryan, his students and also contemporary Armenian composers will be performed. The works of Alexander Harutyunyan, Arno Babajanian, Simon Hovhannisyan, Gagik Ovunts, Valery Sargsyan, Vagharshak Kotoyan, Geguni Chichyan, Eduard Baghdasaryan, Alexander Ajemyan, Barsegh Kanachyan, Stepan will be presented at the festival. Lusikyan, Eduard Abrahamyan, Vache Sharafyan and other composers. A separate evening will be dedicated to composers living in the Diaspora: chamber pieces by Richard Yardumyan, Alan Hovhannes, Harutyun Dallalyan, Nubar Aslanyan, Konstantin Petrosyan will be presented.
Eurovision Song Contest: Preview for the national final in Armenia
ESC Daily
Feb 24 2018
In the last few days the semi finals of Depi Evratesil took place in Armenia where 10 artists out of 20 advanced to the final with 5 finalists from each semifinal. Our reporter Ani Shahoyan will now look ahead to that final on Sunday!
One of the biggest names of this year’s contest Tamar Kaprelian, who represented Armenia as a member of Genealogy in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, was eliminated in the first semifinal which shocked many fans as in Armenia as abroad. On February 25, the winner and Armenian representative for Lisbon will be determined by SMS voting and international jury. Below are comments on each finalist separately.
Hasmik Shiroyan is perhaps the most wanted artist to sing in Eurovision for many Armenians. Last year when she was eliminated in the first edition of Depi Evratesil, it triggered a huge complains among the fans as she was a favorite for many. Hasmik was hesitating to take part in this year’s contest however see the motivation of her fans she committed again. She returns to the contest with the aim of victory only and has gathered a big team on this purpose.
Her international team includes Neil Ormandy, Marli Harwood and HAJ who have worked with artists like James Arthur Kelly Clarkson and many others. Her song for Depi Evratesil “You and I” is up tempo pop which bring cheerful vibes to her audience. She seems close to the victory, however she needs to perform better vocals in the final.
Last year Gevorg Harutyunyan participated in the first edition of Depi Evratesil. Being in the team Inga he managed to show his vocals and dancing talent as his performances were full of artistic play and dance. Besides, he performed songs penned by himself. This year as well he is composer of his own song. While performing his song “Stand up” with some ethno elements in it, he feels his song and delivers his message through his specific vocals, dance show and emotions.
However, it will be difficult to convince everyone with this type of song and performance. Gevorg states that music and dance are important part of his life and he dreams seriously to sing on Eurovision stage. So it seems like if he is not strong enough for winning Armenian Final then he would do everything to reach for his dream.
Lusine was Tamar Kaprelian’s student in Nvak Foundation, where she started her first steps in professional singing. Although Tamar herself didn’t make it to the final being in the same semifinal of Depi Evratesil, she was still happy to see her student qualifying to the final. During performance Lusine is in black and white outfit and during her performance the screen remains black and white. Lusine’s song is a low-tempo ballad which she has composed herself. During her performance she makes a few vocalic errors which she has to improve for the final.
Mger is one of the famous artists of this contest for Armenians as he is an honored artist of Armenia. He has represented Armenia in international contest like Novaya Volna. He was a runner up in the 2009 Armenian national selection which was not called Depi Evratesil back then. However after nine years he tries himself once again to reach the popular stage of European contest. His vocals are one of the strongest in the contest however we will see if his stage performance and song about longing to live forever will help him to win a ticket to Lisbon.
The band decided to take part in this contest because of the motivation of their fans as they have acquired a huge FanClub on social media who give them a great support and inspiration. For Depi Evratesil they perform their own song ’I am a lier”. The members of the rock band that want to have a nice time in Eurovison and see Portugal keep their vocals strong and confident. During their performance “No Show, Enjoy the music” is displayed on the backdrops which itself is a nice flavor of their show. Nemra is one of the serious contenders and top favorites to win the Armenian Final.
Robert Koloyan sings from his early childhood. Apart from singing he is also a professional Photographer whose pictures got their places in the online version of Italian Vogue. His song “Take away with us” is about time and Robert tells that time is the most important thing that people have. For his staging he is dressed I black and white on a chess board with his dancers. Chess figures are displayed on his blackdrops. His vocals were not bad but perhaps he should try better for the final. T It doesn’t seem that this act will represent Armenia, however, it still can reach a good place in the Armeanian final.
Kamil is a humorous character by Arsen Grigoryan who in his turn in real life is a quite serious and talented artist. He is both known for his acting and singing career. However, while taking part in comedy shows he has created this character of confident and somehow arrogant Kamil. It is worthy to mention that Kamil also has three backing vocalists who provide the act with great vocals.
Kamil’s show with Spanish song “Puerto Rico”has been one of the most discussed acts of this contest. It is liked by many Eurovision fans but at the same time it is also criticized by many others both in Armenia and abroad. However, we will see if Armenia agrees with the humorous act and decides to take Eurovision less seriously by sending Kamil. Still good result in Eurovision with this act is not excluded either.
Amalya is known for Eurovision fans for her participation in last year’s episode of Depi Evratesil followed by her experience in Eurvision Song Contest 2017 as backing vocalist for Artsvik. She states that she was not ready for victory last year indicating that she retrns to competition with better experience and better intentions. Amalya has also participated in talen shows like the voice of Russia and Ukraine. Amalya has co-written her own song for Depi Evratesil, which is about hope and light.
She sings it with tied eyes and unties only in the middle of the song (maybe indicating that she hopes and reaches the light). She says that her dream to represent Armenia in Eurovision is like this bright light for which she waits hopefully. Amalya also opens her wings in the end of her song as huge wings appear on her back on the backdrops.
Sevak is another serious contender for many people with determined intetons to win the contest. Sevak has won the 7th edition of Ukrainian X- factor and is among the judges of the Voice of Armenia. He composed his own song for Depi Evratesil “Qami” (Wind) in Armenian. His staging for the contest is simple but memorable at the same time as he is alone in a black outfitwith his vest reminding of an ancient Greek armor. Sevak delivers his song emotionally with strong vocals.
Mariam is fond of songwriting and she was happy to hear of Depi Evratesil which is an oprtunity for her to present her own song. She takes part in the competition with the song Fade which she delivers with flawless vocals with simple staging. Mariam has recently won Serj Tankian’s 7 Notes music challenge. Let’s see if she can record another victory on Depi Evratesil Stage in Armenian Final.
It seems like the top will comprise Hasmik Shiroyan, Nemra, Sevak Khanagyan, Kamil Show and Mger Armenia. All in all, Armenia has organized a good show with a new and different format from that of last year (link to the article to be added). However it doesn’t seem like there is 100% winner for Eurovision among the acts that we have seen during the semifinals, although a lot can be changed in the Eurovision show.
View all videos at the link below:
Chess: Armenia’s Tigran Petrosian continues to lead Aeroflot Open chess festival
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 24 2018
Sport 13:31 24/02/2018 Armenia
Armenian GM Tigran L. Petrosian continues to lead the Aeroflot Open 2018 international chess festival underway in Moscow, Russian.
Petrosian drew his game against Viktor Bologan of Moldova in Round 4 of the top A Tournament and continues to share the first spot with Bologan with 3,5 points, the National Olympic Committee told Panorama.am.
Other representatives of Armenia – Gabriel Sargissian, Manuel Petrosyan, Aram Hakobyan and Haik Martirosyan have collected 2 points apiece to take the 24th, 34th, 41st and 58th spots respectively. Shant Sargsyan comes the 92nd.
The fifth round games are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24.
Sports: Shooter Hovhannes Margaryan wins bronze at the European Championship
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 24 2018
Sport 14:15 24/02/2018Armenia
The European Shooting Championship(10m) is underway in Gyor, Hungary. Armenia’s representative Hovhannes Margaryan claimed bronze in the running target 30+30 event. The Armenian scored 559 points reached the final. In the demi finals, Margaryan suffered defeat from Denis Balyukin of Ukraine, and claimed a 6:1 victory against Maxim Babushokin for the third place.
As the Shooting Federation of Armenia reports, at the men’s air pistol event, Armenian representative Hrachik Babayan scored 623,8 points, placing the 26th. In the women’s tournament Irina Lauer scored 617,3 points, taking the 62nd place.
Sports: Henrikh Mkhitaryan is “brilliant to work with”, says Per Mertesacker
PanArmenian, Armenia
Feb 24 2018
– 15:33 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has hailed Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s attitude since joining the club, pronouncing the January signing “brilliant to work with”, The Evening Standard says.
Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal from Manchester United in a swap deal that saw Alexis Sanchez go in the opposite direction and the Armenian playmaker has settled swiftly into life in north London.
The 29-year-old, long admired by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, provided three assists in his home debut, a 5-1 win over Everton, and was the star player in last week’s 3-0 win in Ostersund.
When Mkhitaryan arrived Mertesacker said that his signing had given the Arsenal squad a “lift” and it appears that his encouraging first impression was correct.
“I said when we signed Micki that I was delighted to have him with us, and the early signs have been impressive,” Mertesacker said.
“I’m told that he has already assisted five goals [sic], and I’m not too surprised at that because he has that vision, that creativity. He’s not only a good player but he’s a great character too. He’s interested in improving and is eager to learn, even though he’s 29.
“Honestly, it’s been brilliant to work with him. Micki wants to work hard, he wants to learn and he wants to take on our DNA, which fits so well to him personally.
“It was promising to see Micki combining the way he did with Mesut, who also impressed me. It’s good to see him getting into those positions and finishing the way he did.”
Mkhitaryan is ineligible for Sunday’s EFL Cup Final against Manchester City after playing 21 minutes earlier in the tournament with United.
Letter to the Editor of Hartford Courant: Time To Recognize Genocide
Hartford Courant, CT
Feb 24 2018
Letters
On Feb. 23, The Courant printed an article on the Dutch parliament’s recognition of the genocide of the Armenians by the Ottoman government [news, “Lawmakers In Netherlands: Genocide In Armenia”]. Thank you people of the Netherlands for your acknowledgement.
I have written to both U.S. senators from Connecticut on this topic. And they both understand the history of the event, as did President Barack Obama. But the Congress never takes the final step of recognition because of the turmoil it causes with the Turkish government. The reaction of the denier should not be the deciding factor as to whether or not a historic event occurred. I am sure Sen. Richard Blumenthal did not have to consult with the representatives of the Nazi party before he spoke on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Why allow the denial and prejudice of a foreign nation to speak louder than the voices of the hundreds of thousands of descendants of the Armenian diaspora living in America today? We are your fellow Americans. We are your constituents.
David Davis, Windsor
Vardan Mnatsakanyan’s body found in river
On February 23, at 10:50 pm, a call was received to the Mashtots Police Department that they were dead body in the river under the Kiev bridge in Yerevan.
The operative group, which had arrived, revealed that the dead body was Vardan Mnatsakanyan’s body, who was in search by Erebuni Division of the Police since January 30.
External examination did not reveal any traces of violence on the body.
A forensic medical examination was appointed.
An investigation is underway.
Henrikh Mkitaryan to compete with Milan
Arsenal, where Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan plays, will compete with Milan in the 1/8 finals of the Europa League.
The other pairs were the following:
Lazio (ITA) v Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Leipzig (GER) v Zenit (RUS)
Atlético Madrid (ESP) v Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS)
CSKA Moskva (RUS) v Lyon (FRA)
Marseille (FRA) v Athletic Club (ESP)
Sporting CP (POR) v Plzeň (CZE)
Dortmund (GER) v Salzburg (AUT)
AC Milan (ITA) v Arsenal (ENG)
Armen Sarkissian is not candidate only of Serzh Sargsyan – Aghvan Vardanyan (video)
Aghvan Vardanyan, secretary of the Dashnaktsutyun faction, states that RPA presidential candidate Armen Sarkissian’s vision of Armenia’s future is the same as his.
Touching upon the discussions on the idea that isntead of MPs, people should elect Armen Sarkissian, Aghvan Vardanyan answers:
“I’m not a narrow professional lawyer. One lawyer expressed such an opinion and a dozen of not less reputable experts have expressed an opposite view and are convincing, re-entering into these issues is a senseless occupation.”
According to him, Armen Sarkissian is a candidate of two factions, not only of Serzh Sargsyan. Aghvan Vardanyan also thinks Armen Sarkissian has sufficient powers.
“According to our new Constitution, he is the head of Republic of Armenia. The President of the Republic of Armenia can apply to the supreme legislative body of the National Assembly. His functions are not just formal, but stem from the spirit of the Constitution,” said Aghvan Vardanyan.