Los Angeles based music aficionados gathered at the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Saturday, May 21st to launch the celebration of Armenia’s 20th anniversary of Independence at the 60th International Benefit Ball of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The evening was dedicated to Armenia: The Melody of Eternity, where its ancient culture was featured in all its fame and glory.
Each year the event honors the Los Angeles Consular Corps-Chefe de Poste and their spouses. To enhance its international dimension, each year a different country is chosen to be honored. Armenia was also honored in 1999 at the 48th Annual International Benefit Ball entitled Armenia: Its Passion and Its Soul. “We are an integral part of the cultural community in Los Angeles,” said Elizabeth Agbabian. “This event is the ideal venue to highlight our culture and heritage.”
The evening began with the grand entrance of the Los Angeles Consular Corps. Nora Yacoubian announced and welcomed members of the Consular Corps as they descended down the stairs and into the banquet hall. “We are proud of our rich cultural heritage,” said Yacoubian. “Music has helped Armenians face challenges of monumental magnitude during three thousand years of history. It has been a guiding light and an inspiration not to give up, but to flourish.”
Master of Ceremonies, Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian welcomed the more than 400 guests and highlighted Armenia’s musical mark in the international committee. “Armenia is exploding with talent and I’m so inspired that our young Republic takes such strides to maintain excellency in the arts,” said Aposhian. “Armenia has yielded notable soloists. It has developed the breadth of talent and the collaborative mentality that engenders great orchestras. Talent stemming from Armenian roots entertains global audiences. And this evening is no different.”
Remarks were made by the Dean of the Consulate Corps, The Honorable Jorge T. Lapsenson, Consul General of Argentina, followed by the Consul General of the host country, Armenia, The Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian.
Letters of praise and congratulations were received by Music Director of the LA Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Consular Corps and various Armenian organizations based in Los Angeles.
A spectacular and unique cultural program followed dinner. The program began with Tigran Mansrian’s “Yes Im Anoosh Hayastani” performed by the Lark Choir, under the direction of its founder and director Vatsche Barsoumian. Next, the audience welcomed Metropolitan Opera star, renowned baritone Vladmir Chernov and the Dilijan Chamber Ensemble who performed three pieces conducted by composer Ian Krouse, Professor of Music Composition at UCLA. The Dilijan Chamber Music Series was founded in 2005 by world renowned violinist Movses Pogossian. Guests embraced the various selections with great excitement.
The Lark Choir followed with a selection of fun filled, entertaining renditions, which set the ultimate ambiance for a dance performance by the Gevorkian Dance Academy choreographed by Vartan and Siranoush Gevorkian.
The final artist presented the perfect performance to balance the genre of music and conclude the cultural program. The charismatic composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Arto Tuncboyaciyan took center stage. “Guests experienced music in artistic ways never seen before,” said Ani Aivazian. “The program was very refined and truly exclusive to serve the discerning audience of the evening.”
“This evening will be embedded in the minds of all who attended,” said Yacoubian. “Armenia once again has positioned itself amongst the cultural icons of the world.”
On behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia, LA Phil Affiliates, and the Consulate Auxiliary Committee, we thank all of our guests and supporters for showcasing Armenia: The Melody of Eternity.
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Armenia is truly one of the cultural icons of the world!