Category: 2021

Sputnik

Jan 21 2021

Asia news, Italy

Jan 20 2021

BelTA, Belarus

Jan 21 2021

Belarus takes part in Armenia's elevator modernization program

COIN UPDATE

Jan 21 2021

 By Michael Alexander 

The Central Bank of Armenia has issued (18th January) new silver Proof collector coins on the occasion of the centenary anniversary of the birth of one of the country’s most notable and celebrated musicians in the modern era. Arno Babajanyan(1921–1983) holds a special place in Armenian and Soviet-era musical history thanks to his unique natural talent, deep sensitivity, and musical _expression_. He remains one of the most-loved composers in his homeland and further afield in countries that comprised the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. 

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, on the 22nd January 1921, his musical talents seemed to be immediately and distinctly apparent to his family and teachers. By the age of five, the well-known Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian suggested that the boy be given proper music training. Two years later, in 1928, Babajanyan entered the prestigious Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan and had already written his first musical composition at the age of nine.  

In 1938, he continued his studies in Moscow with Soviet composer Vissarion Shebalin, with Babajanyan graduating from both the Yerevan and the Moscow Conservatories. In 1950-1956 he managed to secure a teaching position at the Yerevan Conservatory, while, at the same time, composing and perfecting his talents as a musician. A celebrated piano virtuoso, Babajanyan was known for performing his own works. However, the renowned composers Khachatryan and Rachmaninoff had an influence on the artistic formation of Babajanyan’s creative style, which was mostly expressed in his early works such as the piano concert (1944) and the violin concert (1949). The works Vagharshapat Dance, Prelude, and Impromptu, won the first prize at the first World Youth and Student Festival in Prague in 1947. The composer’s creative personality was obviously shown in his composition entitled Heroic Ballad (1950), written for the piano and orchestra (USSR State Prize, 1951), then in the piano trio (1952). 

Babajanyan was effortlessly able to compose in different styles such as classical, pop, or jazz, though much of his music was rooted in Armenian folk music and folklore. Babajanyan became one of the prominent masters of song during the Soviet era and was even praised by Dmitri Shostakovich as being a “brilliant piano teacher.” He wrote many lyrical songs, music for dramatic performances such as Saroyan’s My heart’s in the highlands, and Soviet-produced films entitled The first love song, On the path of thunder, and The mechanics of happiness. 

During his eventful and varied career, he subsequently undertook concert tours throughout the Soviet Union and Europe. In 1971, he was named a People’s Artist of the USSR — an honorary title granted to performing and illustrative artists of the Soviet Union. Arno Babajanyan died in Moscow on the 11th November 1983 at the age of 62 years old. In memory of one of Armenia’s best-known modern composers, the State Philharmonic Hall of Armenia located in Yerevan was first constructed in 1921, the year of Babajanyan’s birth, and was named in his honour in 2003. 

The silver Proof quality coins are produced by the Mint of Lithuania at their facilities in Vilnius, on behalf of the Central Bank of Armenia, and are designed by Vardan Vardanyan. On the obverse side is a right-facing rendition of Arno Babajanyan. To his left are the images of piano keys and the distinctive grooves of vinyl records, along with a musical note and a pen, signifying his talents as a composer. To the left in a vertical direction is the Russian text АРНО БАБАДЖАНЯН and to the right of this are the commemorative years 1921 – 1983, along with the anniversary notation 100. Above the primary design is Arno Babajanyan’s name in Armenian letters ԱՌՆՈ ԲԱԲԱՋԱՆՅԱՆ.

The reverse side depicts a wedding couple shown within a square shape in front of a backdrop of vinyl records, symbolic of the many romantic songs composed by Babajanyan during his career. Above the couple is a depiction of a stylised rose and musical clef insignia. Shown in vertical text is the coin’s denomination of 1000 ԴՐԱՄ (“1000 Dram”) in Armenian.

Aysor, Armenia

Jan 21 2021

Jan 20 2021

Armenia plans to extend the service life of its nuclear power unit in Metsamor beyond 2026 and has not abandoned plans to build a new unit, ARKA news agency reported on 14 January, following Cabinet approval of the government's new energy strategy to 2040.

Metsamor nuclear power plant (Image: ANPP)

The Metsamor plant comprises two Russian-built 376 MWe VVER reactors which started operating in 1976 and 1980, respectively. Both units were taken off line in 1988 due to safety concerns regarding seismic vulnerability, although they both continued to operate and had not sustained any damage in a major earthquake in the region earlier that year. Unit 2 was restarted in 1995, and is subject to ongoing safety improvements. Unit 1 is now being decommissioned. Unit 2 accounts for 39% of total electricity generation in the country.

"The presence of a nuclear power plant in Armenia's power grid will allow us to diversify our energy resources, not to increase the country's dependence on imported natural gas, as well as to reduce the volume of emissions," the strategy document states, according to ARKA. "The government remains committed to its policy of having a nuclear power plant in the country's generating capacity. In this context, it should be noted that the option of maximizing the life of the existing nuclear power plant is a guarantee of the development of the system at the lowest cost," it adds.

The current investment programme to extend the operating life of unit 2 will be completed by 2023, by which time a total of USD330 million will have been invested, and the operating life of the unit will be extended until 2026. If the operation of unit 2 beyond 2026 is proved to be safe, then it will continue until 2036, which will require additional investment of about USD150 million.

Jan 20 2021

System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian is no fan of Donald Trump, having frequently vilified the former president and even calling for his resignation last year. Trump’s last minute deal with Turkey has incensed the vocalist even further, leading Tankian to proclaim that he had “never seen a president suck so much c**k.”‘

Trump’s U.S.-Turkey Memorandum of Understanding is meant to protect Turkish “cultural property,” however a large amount of Armenian groups have criticized the legislation, claiming it gives Turkey legal rights over the vast religio-cultural heritage of the Armenian people. System of a Down are a band composed entirely of Armenian-Americans, and their two latest singles “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz,” dealt with the conflict in the Artsakh region, which is a point of contention between Armenia and Turkey. Both nations also have a complicated history, as Turkey still denies its role in the Armenian genocide.

“Thanks Trump,” Tankian wrote on Facebook. “In your last minute you decided to grant Turkey my people’s indigenous cultural heritage, including ancient churches and stone crosses, as a reward for them trying to exterminate us. Never seen a president suck so much c**k.”

Proceeds from “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” were donated to the Armenia fund, which received over $600,000. These songs were also the band’s first new music in over 15 years, and the efforts to release the track were spearheaded by the band’s drummer John Dolmayan, who is a Trump supporter. Despite Tankian and Dolmayan’s differing views, the two have shared respect for one another, according to statements made in 2020.

Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado