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ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
Yerevan, Armenia
IN THIS ISSUE
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
 AGBU President’s New Year
message (p. 1)
 NKR President meets AGBU
leadership (p. 2)
 AGBU honors Dr. Armen
Sargsyan (p. 2, 3)
 Ashot Ghazarian joins AUA as
vice-president/COO (p. 3)
 Donation to AVC (p. 4)
 AVC offers Christmas giftcards (p. 4)
 The first phase of the NUR
program in Karabakh (p. 5)
 AGBU scholarships to the best
students of UFAR (p. 6)
 AGBU continues supporting
the development of chess (p.6)
 APO performs with legendary
violinist Pinchas Zukerman (p.
7)
 “Armenian Rhapsody”: APO
and Al. Chaushian (p. 7)
 AGBU YP Yerevan meets
with business representatives
(p. 8)
 AGBU YP Yerevan celebrates
Halloween (p. 8)
 AGBU Yerevan Scouts’ New
year events (p. 9, 10)
 “Nora Injijian” pregnant
women’s center in Yeghvart
(p. 10)
 AGBU Western District celebrates Krikor Satamian’s
golden jubilee (p. 11)
 George Bournoutian’s book in
Turkish (p. 11)
 Jubilee concert in Buenos
Aires (p. 12)
AGBU PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE
As we begin 2012 with great enthusiasm and anticipation, I would like to convey to the members, benefactors, donors, and friends of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, my best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New
Year. May it be filled with happiness and success.
We look back at the
past year with pride
and contentment for
the many successful
and expanding programs that AGBU has
implemented, both for
its worldwide communities, as well as in
Armenia and Karabakh. True to our century old mission, we
persevere in the spirit
of dedication and service to the Armenian
people and homeland.
AGBU President Berge Setrakian
The year 2011 was of deep significance. It was marked by the 20th Anniversary of Armenia’s independence, a milestone for the heroic achievements of
our republic and our people in the homeland. It was the culmination of two
decades of hardship and sacrifice, but also of celebration and evolution in
spite of all the shortcomings that most young republics face in terms of economic and human rights issues, and democratic values. Moving forward, we
should meet the challenges we all share to safeguard Armenia in assisting it to
overcome the new milestones ahead of us.
The year 2012 will test our resolve for strategic action and serious initiatives. It
will be the year of the Armenian Diaspora, with an emphasis on issues related
to our successful young generations and restoring focus and concerted cooperation among diasporan communities. We should all together play a forceful
and coherent role in the development of Armenia and Karabakh, and toward
the pursuit of our demands of recognition and restitution. It is the year we think
fixedly in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Genocide.
It is with these understandings that we take on the New Year with a heightened sense of urgency and responsibility.
I would like to extend an invitation to all Armenians to join us in the efforts of contributing in the
mission of building our nation.
Wishing you all the best,
Berge Setrakian
January 5, 2012
Page 1
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
NKR PRESIDENT MEETS WITH AGBU LEADERSHIP
AT AGBU CENTRAL OFFICE
Shortly after arriving to the United States on November 16, 2011, Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, who was accompanied by Primate of the Artsakh Diocese Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, NKR Permanent
Representative to the United States and Canada Robert Avetisyan, and Press Attaché of the NKR President David
Babayan, attended a dinner-meeting hosted by AGBU President Berge Setrakian and members of the Central Board at
the AGBU Central Office in New York, during which a
number of issues related to Karabakh were raised and
discussed. Also in attendance were Armenia's Ambassador to the United States Tatoul Markarian, Armenia's
Permanent Representative to UN Garen Nazarian and
Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
Discussions focused on new and developed projects
implemented in Karabakh. President Sahakyan stressed
AGBU's important role in the development of the republic over the past several years, as well as the need for
AGBU's further involvement. NKR's leader also called
on AGBU to give a new impetus to the organization's
programs and projects throughout the country.
NKR President Bako Sahakyan
After welcoming the guest of honor, AGBU President
at the AGBU Central Office in New York
Berge Setrakian said that he was pleased to have had
the opportunity of meeting with the Karabakh President to discuss the national policies and programs of AGBU, its
long-standing commitment to the safety and well-being of Armenia and Karabakh, the integrity of ancestral territories,
as well as the various venues through which AGBU could coordinate and channel assistance to Karabakh by encouraging and organizing investment strategies from the Diaspora, toward its socio-economic development. He then introduced Central Board member Joseph Oughourlian, who has been involved actively in developmental efforts in Karabakh. Oughourlian, in turn, expressed his admiration for the heroic qualities of the citizens of Karabakh and extolled
their noble character and integrity, which he had come to appreciate through his personal experiences and business
dealings in the country. President Setrakian said that Mr. Oughourlian will act as the board representative on issues
related to Karabakh, emphasizing the importance of investing in the very rich natural resources of the country that
Azerbaijan is unfairly trying to stifle through its diplomatic and oil-powered leverage. AGBU continues to sponsor various projects in Karabakh, including the Artsakh Chamber Orchestra, and chess competitions, and has recently partnered with the Fruitful Armenia Fund (FAF) to launch the NUR plan, which is based on One Laptop Per Child project.
AGBU WESTERN DISTRICT HONORS DR. ARMEN SARKISSIAN DURING
A GALA BANQUET DEDICATED TO AGBU'S 105TH ANNIVERSARY
More than 500 AGBU members, supporters, government officials, and dignitaries gathered for a gala banquet dedicated to AGBU's 105th anniversary on November 12, 2011, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Special guests present included AGBU president Berge Setrakian, AGBU vice president Sinan Sinanian and his wife Angele, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los
Angeles Grigor Hovhannissian and his wife Victoria,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and
AGBU benefactors Vatche and Tamar Manoukian from
London. Also in attendance was the evening's keynote
speaker and honoree Dr. Armen Sarkissian, former
prime minister of the Republic of Armenia and AGBU
benefactor, who was invited from London with his wife,
Nune, for the occasion. The principal donors of the anniversary celebration organized by the AGBU Western
District Committee were Mr. and Mrs. Vatche Manoukian, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Turpanjian, Mr. and Mrs.
George Agazarian, Mr. and Mrs. Sinan Sinanian, EH
From left: Mr. and Mrs. Armen Sarkissian, Berge Setrakian and
National Bank, and the AGBU Western District Asbeds.
Mr. and Mrs. Sinan Sinanian
In his opening remarks AGBU Western District chairman Haig Messerlian stressed the importance of the Armenian identity and legacy, and its safeguarding and perpetuation through AGBU's educational, cultural, youth, and humanitarian programs. He also remarked on not just maintaining current worthwhile programs, but the importance of creating new ones, in order to meet the needs of the new generation and keep them connected to their roots.
(Continued on page 3)
Page 2
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU WESTERN DISTRICT HONORS DR. ARMEN SARKISSIAN...
(see page 2) AGBU President Berge Setrakian then addressed the audience. He provided an insightful overview of the
focal issues facing the entire Armenian nation and its homeland. He outlined the framework of AGBU's national agenda
by delineating the great potential and challenges of the new Armenian diaspora, the importance of adopting the technological advances to meet these challenges. President Setrakian underscored the importance of strengthening Armenia and Holy Etchmiadzin for the diaspora, maintaining
that a strong diaspora is conditioned solely on a strong
homeland. Setrakian also touched upon the disconcerting phenomenon of emigration from Armenia, pointing
out that an equally and probably more alarming form of
emigration was the alienation of youth in the diaspora.
He stressed the importance of reaching out to the youth
and providing role models and quality programs that
will cultivate pride in their identity and trigger their Armenian DNA so they will be moved to take interest in
their legacy and reconcile it with their global identities.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Armen Sarkissian, former
prime minister of the Republic of Armenia, the first Armenian ambassador to England and European counDr. Armen Sarkissian receiving the
tries, scientist, businessman, and well-known AGBU
AGBU Western District Committee Special Award from Haig Messerlian benefactor. He is currently the president of Eurasia
House International, which he founded in London. Speaking at the evening Dr. Sarkissian placed much importance on
the 105-year-old past and experience of AGBU as a guide for the Armenian people in facing the challenges of the 21st
century. He compared the AGBU founder and the emergence of the organization to Noah and his ark. Dr. Sarkissian
expressed optimism about the future of the Armenian people. "Organized work is necessary in order for our people's
potential to be realized. Trust must be secured in order for investments to be made in Armenia, and Armenian citizenship is of high importance for all Armenians," he said.
On behalf of AGBU's Western District Committee, Haig Messerlian bestowed Dr. Sarkissian with a special award honoring and thanking him for his continued services to Armenia and the Armenian people. The AGBU Western District
Committee wished to fete such a unique individual for his philanthropic endeavors, his outstanding leadership ability,
and for becoming the defender of Armenia's national interests and its culture.
ASHOT GHAZARIAN JOINS AUA AS VICE-PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Ashot Ghazarian, Director of the AGBU Armenian Representation
joined the American University of Armenia (AUA) as Vice President of
Operations/Chief Operating Officer, effective December 5, 2011.
AGBU expresses its appreciation to Ashot Ghazarian for his dedicated
services as a senior staff member of AGBU for over 20 years and
wishes him full success in his new role at AUA, an institution which was
co-founded by AGBU and to which the organization remains dedicated.
The appointment comes as AUA undergoes an expansion of its administration capacity in preparation for the proposed launch of its undergraduate program in 2013, pending WASC approval. The university's Strategic Plan calls for a fourfold increase in the size of the student body by 2017. Additionally, AUA's Papazian Library is about to
begin a major renovation that will double its size.
Ghazarian spent the last twenty years as Director of the AGBU Armenia. During that time he also served as a member of the RA Committee
on Humanitarian Projects, the Academic Council of the Yerevan State
Academy of Fine Arts; the Board of Trustees of the World Bank-funded
Social Investment Fund of Armenia; and Friends of the Armenian State
Philharmonic Orchestra. Prior to leading the AGBU, Ghazarian headed
the Medical Cybernetics Laboratory of the Yerevan Surgical Institute,
headed a Department in the Experimental Factory of the Yerevan
Physics Institute, and worked as Head of the Supply Department of the Ashot Ghazarian joins AUA as Vice-President/COO
Bridge Construction Company of the Armenian Highway Construction
Ministry. Ghazarian holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the State Engineering University of Armenia.
We are also pleased to inform all concerned parties that Ashot will remain a devoted member of our organization and
henceforth will assume on voluntary basis the position of Chairman of the Managing Committee of the AGBU Armenian
Representation. Hovig Eordekian, Deputy Director, will assume in the interim, the role of Director of our Yerevan office.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
40,000 USD DONATION TO AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE
From August 4-7, 2011, AGBU FOCUS touched down in Paris for its sixth biennial celebration with close to 400 participants from 25 countries, the most ever. This year's affair marked the first time FOCUS took place outside North
America and the location attracted new energy and faces from even more countries than ever before.
Tailor made for young professionally aged Armenians from around the globe, FOCUS is the world's largest gathering
of its kind.
The FOCUS 2011 Paris committee was chaired by
Aurelie Deyirmendjian, who helped to orchestrate the
festivities and all its thrills. "We were all very excited to
welcome for the first time so many Armenian young
professionals in Paris. They arrived from all over the
world. From Hong Kong to Argentina, Denmark to
Egypt and even Mexico, and it was great that everybody had the opportunity to exchange views and experiences," she said.
Through pre-event fundraising efforts, the FOCUS
Committee in Paris and New York was able to raise
$40,000 for AGBU's Armenian Virtual College program. The state-of-the-art school is a unique online
resource that allows students of all ages from around “FOCUS” raised 40,000 USD for the AGBU Armenian Virtual College
the world to take credited classes or audit courses in
Armenian language, history, culture or music. Offered in six, soon to be seven, languages-Eastern and Western Armenian, English, French, Spanish, Russian and in the near future Turkish, the school shares with FOCUS a global
vision to unify Armenians and reach out to communities everywhere.
First initiated in 2001, FOCUS was created not only to unite alumni of AGBU's various youth programs but to bring
together young Armenian professionals from all walks of life to share their perspectives on a variety of important issues. The weekend also showcases the notable contributions and achievements made by AGBU's high-quality programs that appeal to Armenians of all ages. Over the years, this affair has become the most highly anticipated event
with over 2,500 participants, setting a standard for other gatherings of its kind and cultivating a new generation of
AGBU members. To date, pre-event fundraising efforts for all six FOCUS weekends have raised over $200,000 for
AGBU programs, including the three AGBU-funded Children's Centers in Armenia, the American University of Armenia's Digital Library, the New York Summer Intern Program, the Generation Next Mentorship Program of Southern
California, Camp Nubar in upstate New York, the organization's Scholarship Program, the Hye Geen Pregnant
Women's Centers, and now the Armenian Virtual College.
"It was great to see many members of the Parisian-Armenian community join us in our efforts to make FOCUS 2011
into a unique experience. Everyone contributed their own personal touches to the events, which resulted in a truly
original weekend. The outpouring of support by numerous donors and sponsors allowed us to realize our vision and
for this we are grateful. FOCUS was a fantastic opportunity to mobilize, gather, surprise, and unify Armenian young
professionals, while raising funds for a great cause," Deyirmendjian said.
AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE OFFERS
CHRISTMAS GIFT-CARDS
On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, the AGBU Armenian Virtual College greets all Armenians wishing that 2012 be a prosperous year for the Armenian people and Armenia.
Following the tradition, this year too the AGBU Armenian Virtual College offers
online courses in Armenian studies; Armenian Language, Armenian History
and Armenian Culture, bringing together many Armenians from over 50 countries of the world around one educational program.
As a special Christmas present you can give this wonderful gift of Armenian
education to your loved ones by visiting www.avc-agbu.org and purchasing the
2012 AVC Gift-Card, which will give you the opportunity to take one AVC
course tuition free.
Gift-Cards don’t last long, so please hurry!
The AVC Winter 2012 Term classes will begin on January 9.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE NUR PROGRAM
SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED IN NKR
XO computers distributed to the teachers who passed training courses and took exams successfully
In January 2011, “Fruitful Armenia” Fund (FAF) and Armenian General Benevolent Union launched the NUR
(New Educational Strategy) program in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. The main goal of the program is to
provide Karabakh schools with Internet and XO computers designed specifically for educational purposes. As
announced earlier during a joint press conference NUR will be implemented in several phases.
160 teachers of Stepanakert, Shoushi and Qarin Tak participated in the
NUR training courses
The first phase of the project - the training of teachers - started in September. As part of the training five specialists from Argentina and Uruguay
spent three weeks in Karabakh holding courses for
the school teachers and introducing the educational software used by XO called SUGAR. Upon
their return the training courses continued online.
From October 17 to November 28, 160 teachers
from Stepanakert, Shoushi and Qarin Tak secondary schools attended the 6-week online traning
courses. Through weekly gatherings, discussions
and forums the teachers were provided a unique
opportunity to master the XO programs, realize the
importance of introducing new information and
communication technologies at schools and in the
society in general.
On December 27th, a month after the training courses, XO computers were distributed to 80 out of 160 teachers, who attended the training courses and successfully passed the exams. The others, who haven’t yet took
their exams, will do so in January 2012.
“There are teachers, who have successfully completed the course, but have not managed to take one or two
exams. According to our policy the teachers will receive the computers after successfully taking all the exams.
The students will receive their computers most probable in February, when the schools will have internet access”, said Sassoun Baghdassarian, NKR projects coordinator of AGBU Armenian Representation.
The following stage will consist of the deployment of NUR Plan laptops to 3.600 children, promoting equal opportunities and integrating technology in everyday school classes.
NUR was conceived following the concept of One
Laptop Per Child (OLPC). OLPC is an educational
program developed at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT) in Boston. OLPC develops
state of the art laptop computers, which are
equipped with advanced educational software for
students in developing countries. In Karabakh the
program will be providing XO laptop computers to
first- to fourth-grade students and their teachers.
As part of the agreement, the government of Karabakh has agreed to provide Internet access at participating schools. NUR was launched in NKR in
January 2011 with a memorandum of understanding signed between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, Mr. Ara Harutyunyan
and a world-renowned Argentinean-Armenian entrepreneur, Mr. Eduardo Eurnekian. The program
Teachers having taken the exams successfully
is implemented in partnership with the Armenian
received their XO computers
General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s
largest non-profit Armenian organization, which has undertaken the responsibility of providing the necessary
on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the OLPC project, and the government of NKR. The goal of
this program is to change the future of education system.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE BEST STUDENTS OF UFAR
UFAR graduation ceremony at the “Aram Khachatrian” Concert Hall
The French University of Armenia (UFAR) held a festive graduation ceremony at the Aram Khachatrian Concert Hall
on December 3rd. The national anthems of the two countries opened the evening, during which around 200 students of the University’s three departments received their diplomas and academic degrees. The official ceremony
was attended by Henry Reynaud, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Armenia, Joëlle le Morzelec, Rector of
the French University in Armenia, Jean Jacques
Wunenburger, Dean of the Philosophy department
at the Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University, Stepan
Gishyan, Chief Executive Officer of ACBA-Credit
Agricole Bank, and Ashot Ghazarian, Chairman of
AGBU Armenian Representation Managing Committee, both representing long-term partner and
sponsor organizations of UFAR, other guests.
The official opening and congratulatory speeches
were followed by the ceremony of granting scholarship certificates to the best students of UFAR by
the Armenian General Benevolent Union. This year,
AGBU presented 30,000 USD in scholarships to the
21 best students of the University.
AGBU and UFAR have been cooperating on a
number of projects since 2004. Starting in 2007,
UFAR administration and AGBU representative
AGBU supported the University in covering the tuihand in diplomas to the graduates
tion expenses for a select number of students. For
the last six years, over 120 UFAR students have received this financial support from AGBU.
“UFAR is an institution that embodies the values of the French education system and contributes greatly to the proliferation of the French language and culture in Armenia. Along with the Armenian, American and Russian universities
functioning in Armenia, UFAR completes the unique multi-cultural facet of Yerevan. It enables Armenian students to
gain an education of European standards”, AGBU President Berge Setrakian wrote in his congratulatory address.
UFAR heads and graduates expressed their gratitude to the UFAR administration and faculty, RA and French governments, as well as the sponsors and supporters of the university. UFAR students also thanked AGBU for its continuous assistance adding that it gives them additional incentive to study better and they are further encouraged by
the importance and value placed on education in Armenia. The official ceremony was followed by a reception.
AGBU CONTINUES SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHESS IN RA
6th Republican Interschool Chess Championship underway
The republican interschool chess tournament has been held in Armenia for the last 6 years, upon the initiative of the
Armenian Chess Federation and the Republic of Armenia’s Education and Science Ministry, through AGBU’s sponsorship. Schoolchildren from all the regions of Armenia, as well as Artsakh and Javakhq compete to reach the finals.
The second round of the olypmiad took place on November 1-25. The teams of the Yerevan schools competed at the Armenian Chess Academy on November
11-17. Present at the Yerevan games were Education
and Science Minister of the Republic of Armenia Armen
Ashotyan, Armenian Chess Federation Vice-president
Smbat Lputyan and AGBU Armenian Representation
Director Ashot Ghazarian. The winning teams will continue to the 3rd round, which will take place in MarchApril, 2012. The finals of the 6th interschool chess tournament are scheduled for May, 2012.
AGBU presented large-scale demonstration chess
boards to the winners of the 2nd round .
The growing interest towards chess is evident in the
whole territory of the republic. The 2011-12 academic
Yerevan games of the 6th Chess Championship at the Chess Academy year saw the introduction of chess into the secondary
school curriculum.
AGBU has already donated a large number of chess sets, chess clocks and computers to the schools, thereby creating a solid base for the development of chess in the republic. This year, thanks to the financial assistance of the
AGBU, the participants of the tournament will also receive demonstration chess boards, netbooks and projectors.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
APO PERFORMS WITH LEGENDARY VIOLINIST PINCHAS ZUKERMAN
On October 26th, “Yerevan Perspectives” 12th international music festival and Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra (ASPO) presented an exceptional evening of classical music at Aram Khachatrian Concert Hall - legendary violinist, 2-time “Grammy” award winner Pinchas Zukerman performed with the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra
under the principal conduction of Maestro Eduard
Topchjan. This was the second visit of the prominent
musician to Armenia, but his first concert with ASPO.
“Yerevan Perspectives” is held under the high patronage of RA President, with the assistance of the RA
Culture Ministry. Stepan Rostomian is the founding
president of the festival.
“We are happy and honored to have the opportunity to
welcome the world’s most famous musicians in Armenia thanks to this festival and the President’s assistance. We are pleased to say that collaboration with
these artists has become a common tradition for us”,
said Maestro Topchjan during a press conference before the concert.
Zukerman spoke about the coming concert and his
impressions of the orchestra. He also remembered his
Armenian teacher at the famous Juilliard school,
Pinchas Zukerman performed with APO in Yerevan
“Galamian was a great man. He has educated two brilliant generations of performers and pedagogues”. Zukerman also expressed his admiration of violinist Sergey
Khachatrian and cellist Narek Hakhnazarian, whom he has already invited to work with in Canada.
For four decades Pinchas Zukerman has been considered
“Every orchestra is unique in its own way, but I am impaa phenomenon of world classical music. He is equally retiently waiting for today’s concert, because I’ll be performing
spected as a violinist, altist, conductor, teacher and chamwith a fantastic orchestra”, said Pinchas Zukerman
ber musician. With more than 150 annual concerts at the
world’s most famous halls Zukerman is ranked as one of the greatest violinists of the century. Since 2009 he has
been the main guest conductor of the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. During the 45 years of his career the
virtuoso musician has won a number of prestigious awards. 21 of his over 100 recordings have been nominated and
2 of them have won “Grammy” awards. Zukerman’s music sounds in a number of famous Hollywood movies. The
Yerevan concert featured pieces of Verdi, Bruch, and Tchaykowski.
“ARMENIAN RHAPSODY” NAMED “ALBUM OF THE WEEK”
BY “THE INDEPENDENT”, UK AND WSNY RADIO STATION, USA
In August, 2011, famous Swedish “BIS Records” company released wellknown cellist Alexander Chaushian’s (Great Britain) and Armenian State
Philharmonic Orchestra’s (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Eduard Topchjan) new album called “Armenian Rhapsody”. The recording
was done at the Aram Khachatrian Concert Hall, Yerevan, in April 2010.
The album has won critical acclaim around the world.
It contains four pieces written for cello and orchestra; Aram
Khachaturian’s “Rhapsody”, which is one of the late works of the composer; Suren Zakarian’s “Monograph” for cello and chamber orchestra,
which is the complete opposite of the previous piece with its stylistic and
dynamic solutions, Vache Sharafian’s cello and orchestra suit with its
equal performance of the soloist and the orchestra, and “Krunk” by Komitas performed by ASPO, Vache Sharafian (piano), Alexander Chaushian
(cello) and Emmanuel Hovanissian (duduk). The Armenian folk song is
presented in a unique manner, where the sounds of three instruments
smoothly merge into each other.
“Armenian Rhapsody” was named “Album of the week” by the British “The Independent” (Nov. 19, p. 12) and New
York’s WCNY radio station (Nov. 9).
“Cellist Alexander Chaushian is a wonderful artist with excellent technique and musicianship, conveying a wide
range of emotions and styles of music. The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Eduard Topchjan
is an excellent accompaniment to the cellist, equally capable of evoking many emotions through their technically
solid and artistically superior musicianship”, wrote music critic V. Vasan Rovi.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU YP YEREVAN MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF
AUCHAN GROUP AND LEGRAND GROUP
Lecture on French business culture, ethics and experience
AGBU YP Yerevan regularly organizes meetings with different professionals and company representatives that have
reached substantial success in their fields. Being an open group, which includes youths of different backgrounds
and professions, YP Yerevan holds such meetings to gain a deeper understanding and view of development tendencies and focus on more vulnerable targets in Armenia and the region in their future projects.
On November 5th, at the AGBU Armenian Representation, AGBU YP Yerevan hosted two specialists
of prestigious French companies, Eric de Beauchamps, Chief Executive Officer of Auchan Group in
CIS countries, and Rafayel Zokhrabian, Head of the
Law Department of the Legrand Group. Both spoke
about the French model of business, the specifications of starting and developing a business in CIS
countries and their own experience in this field.
Other subjects of discussion were the prospects of
founding branches of the mentioned companies in
Armenia, the development of entrepreneurship and
business opportunities in Armenia. The meeting
AGBU YP Yerevan with Eric de Beauchamps and Rafayel Zokhrabian
was open to the public and was attended by other
interested individuals, including the students of the French University of Armenia.
Active discussions followed the lecture, during which the YPs voiced their positions and viewpoints on the subject. A
small reception concluded the evening at the AGBU offices.
These kinds of meetings are an important part of AGBU YP Yerevan team’s activities and will certainly have a continuation in the future.
ANOTHER EVENING OF FUN AND BOOK DONATION
BY AGBU YP YEREVAN
Like many countries around the world, Armenia also celebrated Halloween
on October 31st. Different events were organized on this occasion all over
the city, and AGBU YP Yerevan once again took the opportunity to combine
fun with philanthropy.
A fun evening was organized at “Club 12” not only to celebrate Halloween
but also to collect books for the remote schools and libraries of Armenia.
Each participant of the evening was asked to bring at least one book to enter the club. About two hours after the start the YPs had already gathered
more than 100 books mostly in Armenian, Russian and English. This literature is so important for the residents of the remote villages of Armenia,
where internet is not yet accessible and where online literature has not yet
replaced printed publications. The process of book collection did not end
with the party. Those willing can still donate books and literature for this
purpose until the YPs organize the trips to the remote villages of the republic.
This is the third such book collection held by the AGBU YP Yerevan. The
first was organized in autumn 2010, when over 1300 books were taken to
the schools and libraries of Artsakh. The second was held in May, 2011
provided literature to the only Armenian school in Batumi, Georgia.
The AGBU Young Professionals (YP) (www.agbu.org/yp) are a growing network of YP groups and supporters from around the world who promote the
Armenian identity and heritage for young Armenians between the ages of
Fun + philanthropy at “Club 12”
22 to 40. Inspiring YPs to get involved and stay involved through an opendoor policy, the network has acquired an international reputation for fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The AGBU Young Professionals are the largest Armenian YP network of its kind today.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS’ NEW YEAR BALL
One of the most anticipated of the many traditional annual events of the AGBU Scout Yerevan is probably the New
Year ball. It is always with impatience and great excitement that they spare no effort in preparation.
On December 10, the “Metropol” hotel hosted AGBU
Yerevan Scouts’ New Year ball attended by AGBU
Central Board members Vasken Yacoubian and Aris
Atamian, Chairman of the AGBU Armenian Representation Managing Committee Ashot Ghazarian, AGBU
Armenian Representation deputy director Hovig Eordekian, AGBU Diaspora youth programs coordinator in
Armenia Hermine Duzian, AGBU and Holy See Youth
Centers’ Director Reverend Father Komitas Hovnanian and other guests. Guest singers Nara and
Janna made the evening special with their beautiful
songs.
AGBU Yerevan Scout group, scout leaders and members of the scout council, AGBU members and guests
participated in the New Year’s gala full of unforgettable moments and interesting surprises, games and
AGBU Yerevan Scouts’ New Year ball
dances. Through a raffle many participants of the evening won New Year’s gifts provided by the sponsors of the gala dinner. Donations were made to the scout movement. Warm and friendly atmosphere reigned during the evening.
AGBU SCOUT YEREVAN PARTICIPATED
IN THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EXPO
Armenian International Women’s Association held an
annual Christmas expo at Armenia-Marriott Hotel’s
“Tigran Mets” hall on December 11. For the first time
AGBU Scout Yerevan was among the participants of the
expo.
Weeks prior to the expo, scout attended carpentry, pottery, weaving and design classes and showcased at the
expo their own handmade crafts.
The whole scout group was in attendance. Some were
exhibiting and selling their own works, others were giving information to the visitors about the AGBU scout
movement in Armenia.
This expo was an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the above-mentioned fields and inform
AGBU Yerevan Scouts participated in the Christmas expo
people about the activities and mission of the scouts.
at Armenia-Marriott Hotel
Hopefully, this will become a tradition and will add to the
series of annual scout events. In time the scouts will try to explore new fields and master new skills to showcase a
wider variety and better quality items during the expo.
AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS RENOVATE TWO ROOMS
AT ARABKIR CHILDREN’S CENTER
Voluntary community works are an important part of the scout activities. Thus, from time to time, AGBU Yerevan
Scout Council organizes similar events involving all the members of the scout movement. One of the recent undertakings of the AGBU Yerevan Scout group was the renovation of two rooms at the Arabkir Children’s Center of
AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. After days of hard work, the Arabkir Children’s Center now has two
clean, fresh and comfortable rooms, which are used both by the center’s students and the scout movement members for their weekly gatherings and events.
AGBU Yerevan Scout movement was established in 2008 with only several members. In time more than 150 young
boys and girls have joined the movement, which has weekly meetings at the AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Arabkir Children’s Center and organizes various interesting events.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU SCOUT YEREVAN’S NEW YEAR EVENTS
Scout swearing in ceremony at Nor Nork Children’s Center
On December 25, the members of the AGBU Yerevan Scout movement held a festive New Year’s party at the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU Nor Nork Youth Center in Yerevan. The event was organized by the
AGBU Scout leaders for the younger generation of
AGBU Scout Yerevan movement. It started with a traditional swearing in ceremony during which the new
members of the movement, who had been actively involved in scout activities and participated in the
“Antranik” camp last summer, attended classes and
took exams officially joining the AGBU Yerevan Scout
movement. In front of the RA and scout flags they
sworn to remain faithful to God, scout rules and code,
serve the homeland and always help others. A congratulatory speech was delivered by AGBU Yerevan
Scout Group Leader Kevork Simonian.
AGBU Yerevan Scouts’ swearing in ceremony at Nork Children’s Center
Argishti Aroyan was appointed scout leader at the recently established Nor Nork Scout branch, which came
to expand the AGBU scout movement in Armenia operating for the last 2 years.
Santa Claus visited the AGBU Yerevan Scouts
A festive award ceremony, held for the first time in the
movement’s history, followed. For weeks the scout
members participated in different courses on natural
disaster preparation, handcrafts, sharp tool usage and
culinary skills, and the best of which received certificates and awards.
After the official ceremony everyone was invited to taste the food prepared by the scouts. A happy atmosphere
reigned at the Youth Center from early morning until late in the evening with a lot of dancing, singing, interesting
games and food, and videos about scout movement and activities. The culmination of the event was the arrival of
Santa Claus, who brought Christmas presents to the children. The scouts bade farewell to each other while looking
forward to meeting next year with renewed energy and ideas.
“NORA INJIJIAN” PREGNANT WOMEN CENTER OPENED IN YEGHVARD
AGBU “Hye Geen” program started in South California in 1994 and later expanded its activities to Armenia establishing assistance centers for pregnant women, under the management of Sona Yacoubian, first in Gyumri in 2002, and
later in Vanadzor and Talin. As part of that program,
at the initiative of the South California “Hye Geen”
women, a new center for pregnant women opened at
the maternity home of the Yeghvard hospital on November 8. Present at the opening of the “Nora Injijian”
pregnant women center were South California “Hye
Geen” representative Arshakuhi Davidian, Nani Oskanian, AGBU Armenian Representation Deputy Director Hovig Eordekian and Finance Officer Lena
Baghdasarian, as well as “Armenian People’s Forum”
NGO representative Anahit Sahakian, and the whole
medical personnel of the hospital. Members of the
South California “Hye Geen” program had also sent
warm clothes for the newly-born, which were also distributed to the pregnant women of Yeghvart that day.
The two rooms renovated by the financial assistance
of AGBU “Hye Geen” are meant for medical checkup,
AGBU “Hye Geen” representative Arshakuhi Davidian (center)
pre-birth care and individual consulting.
surrounded by women attending the newly opened center
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
AGBU WESTERN DISTRICT CELEBRATES RENOWNED ACTOR,
DIRECTOR AND ENTERTAINER KRIKOR SATAMIAN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE
On October 30, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of renowned actor, entertainer, comedian, and director Krikor Satamian. The program featuring speakers Assadour Guzelian from London, and
Sarkis Minassian, as well as lifelong friends, co-stars, and admirers of Satamian, commemorated and honored his 50
years as an entertainer with a highly anticipated artistic program.
Satamian is currently the director of the AGBU Ardavazt Theatre
Group in LA. Following his graduation from the American University of
Beirut (AUB), Satamian attended the London School of Film Technique and the Bristol Old Vic Theater School. Following a season of
theatrical performances at the Belgrade Theater in Coventry City,
England, he returned to Lebanon as the Artistic Director of the AGBU
Vahram Papazian Theatre Group. While in Lebanon, he also served
as a lecturer of Drama at AUB. Satamian joined the AGBU Vahram
Papazian Theatre Group as a young actor in 1960. 12 years later, as
its Artistic Director, he led the group on a well-received tour of Armenia. Tours of France, England, and Cyprus followed. Following his
work with the Vahram Papazian Theatre Group, he went on to teach
at the Bristol Old Vic Theater School before becoming resident director at New York's famous "Colonnades Theater Lab," in 1976.
Satamian has been an avid, active member of the AGBU since his
childhood. In 1978, he rejoined the world's largest organization in New
York City as its national artistic director. Since the 1970s, he has
founded several AGBU theater companies in Boston, Detroit, New
York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In 1988, Satamian was appointed as artistic director of the AGBU Western District. He then became the director of the AGBU Ardavazt Theater Group.
To date, Satamian has directed and staged 75 plays and three operettas, as well as acted in 85 productions. Some of Satamian's most memorable roles include: Shirvanzadeh's "Evil Spirit", Nishan Parlakian's "Grandma Pray For Me", and Raffi
Arzoomanian's "The Moths". Some of his TV credits include: Suddenly Susan, The Naked Truth, Team Knight Rider, and
Alias. Satamian's film credits include: Assignment Berlin, One False Step, Enemies of Laughter, After Freedom, Pomegranate, and Gary David Goldberg’s Must Love Dogs, which stars Diane Lane, John Cusack, and Christopher Plummer.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Principal Nat Brenner wrote about him, "Mr. Satamian has proved one of the most gifted
and brilliant students of the theatre it has ever been my experience and pleasure to direct."
TURKISH EDITION OF GEORGE BOURNOUTIAN’S
“A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE” JUST PUBLISHED
Renowned historian and author George Bournoutian's A Concise History of the Armenian People has just been published
in Turkish by Aras Publishers in Istanbul. The book, translated by an Armenian and a Turk, and containing 464 pages of
text, several maps, photos, and time tables, made its debut at the annual Istanbul International Book Fair in November.
This was the first time that an Armenian publishing house participated in the fair.
A Concise History, the first of its kind in English, was commissioned by AGBU in
1993-94. More recently, AGBU Buenos Aires published the Spanish version of the
book, and AGBU Cairo will publish the Arabic version in the first quarter of 2012.
With over 20,000 copies in five different editions sold, a sixth updated edition will go
to press shortly. The book has been adopted as the main text at a number of colleges, universities and high schools teaching Armenian history.
Originally published in two volumes as A History of the Armenian People, this muchpraised book, which was the first history of the Armenians from ancient times to the
early 1990's, was printed three times before going out of print. That circumstance,
plus recognition of the increasing political importance of the region, necessitated a
fourth revised and updated edition, renamed A Concise History of the Armenian People, in which the two volumes were combined into one.
Beginning in November, AGBU launched a tour of Bournoutian's newest publication,
The 1823 Russian Survey of the Karabagh Province. Scores of enthusiastic attendees came to hear Bournoutian speak in Detroit, Montreal, New York and Toronto.
Dr. George Bournoutian is a professor of Eastern European and Middle Eastern History at Iona College, a recipient of the IREX, NDEA, and Mellow Fellowships. He has
taught Armenian and Iranian history at UCLA and Columbia University. Moreover, he
organized and taught the first Armenian history courses at University of Connecticut,
Glendale Community College, New York University, Ramapo College, Rutgers University and Tufts University. Bournoutian is also the author of more than a dozen
other volumes consisting of annotated English translations of primary sources in Armenian, Russian, and Persian.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 17, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2011
CONCERT IN BUENOS AIRES DEDICATED TO THE
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE AND
THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGBU BUENOS AIRES CHAPTER
As part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Buenos Aires chapter of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union and on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, a
concert by Ara Gevorkian and his national instruments’ ensemble took place on October 9 in front
of the Buenos Aires municipality, Argentina. It
was organized by and under the auspices of
AGBU Buenos Aires, RA Diaspora Ministry, RA
Embassy in Argentina, and Buenos Aires Ministry
of Culture.
The concert was attended by Mauricio Macri,
Head of the Buenos Aires government, culture
minister Hernan Lombardi, Head of the Buenos
Aires Institutional Relations General Office Claudio Avruj, Ambassador of the Republic of ArmeAra Gevorkian performing in front of the Buenos Aires Municipality
nia to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalian, AGBU
Vice President Sinan Sinanian, AGBU Central
Board member and AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter
Chairman Ruben Keshishian, other heads and
members of AGBU and Buenos Aires community
structures.
The concert by the Armenian musicians was unprecedented both for the local Armenian community and the city’s cultural life. As Buenos Aires
Culture Minister Hernan Lombardi said, “This
was a unique opportunity to get acquainted with
the Armenian art of music”.
Concert dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence
and the 100th anniversary of the AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter
On October 14th, Ara Gevorkian and his ensemble performed in Cordoba, the second largest city of Argentina, and later in Montevideo, Uruguay, and
Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Please be advised that in the event of any full or partial reference or citation of the texts above AGBU Armenia Newsletter
must be mentioned. All rights reserved.
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New
York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION
NEW YORK
55 East 59th Street,
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212 319 6383
Fax: 212 319 6507
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.agbu.org
PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION
YEREVAN
9 Alex Manoogian Street,
Yerevan, Armenia
Phone: (374 10) 51-22-51
Fax: (374 10) 51-22-52
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.agbu.am
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