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The date and location of the wedding of Heinrich Mkhitaryan to Betty Vardanyan, daughter of Mikael Vardanyan

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.@HenrikhMkh is getting married to Betty Vardanyan, daughter of Mikael Vardanyan and granddaughter of the late Hrant Vardanyan, the founder of Grand Holding, Armenia’s main cigarettes and candy producer. The multi-millionaires’ wedding will be in Venice.

Armenian footballer and his lover have chosen one of the most romantic cities in the world for the solemn ceremony.
YEREVAN, May 13 – Sputnik. The captain of the Armenian national football team and the London Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose Venice to host the wedding ceremony.

According to the Sputnik Armenia source, the wedding with the daughter of Armenian businessman Mikael Vardanyan will take place on June 17.
As it is known from circles close to the bride’s entourage, guests from Armenia will arrive in Venice on a charter flight.

It should be noted that the head of the national team of Armenia will approach one of the most important events in his life after two important matches. Within the framework of the Euro-2020 qualifying round, the Armenian team will meet with the Liechtenstein team on June 8, and on June 11 will hold a friendly match with Greece.

Let us hope that the results of our team will be positive, and Heinrich and Betty will celebrate the wedding ceremony with a double victory.
It became known earlier that Mkhitaryan was engaged to the daughter of businessman Mikael Vardanyan, but this information was not officially confirmed by the representatives of the footballer. The young people themselves are kept modestly and do not speak publicly on personal topics.

The most enviable groom of Armenia met Christmas with the chosen one >>

Only once did a couple appear at a public event – the AGBU (Armenian General Benevolent Union) gala evening in London. Although the young ones didn’t advertise their relationship, attentive journalists noticed Betty’s wedding ring.

A Cultural Performance for May 28th Independence Day by Armenian Youth, Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley

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On Thursday, May 23, 2019, the Educational Committee of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley will host “A Cultural Performance for May 28th Independence Day by Armenian Youth”, with the participation of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School Students. The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Prelacy “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall (6250 Honolulu Ave, La Crescenta, CA 91214).

The students will present May 28th Armenian Independence historical events, with appropriate recitals and group songs.

We invite our parishioners and the greater community to attend the presentation. The event is free of charge to the public.

Asmik Grigorian titled world’s best female opera singer

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The winners of the International Opera Awards were presented at a gala ceremony in London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre yesterday, April 29. Asmik Grigorian took the Female Singer of the Year award for her role as Salome at Salzburg festival.

She is known as the daughter of famous opera soloists Irena Milkevičiūtė and Geham Grigorian became a world opera sensation over summer and on this evening her title was anchored – she is currently the best female opera soloist in the world.

One of the founders of the Bohemians, long time soloist at the Vilnius City Opera, she performed last in Vilnius at Dalia Ibelhauptaitė’s Pikų Dama[Queen of Spades], performing the role of Liza. Asmik Grigorian career once started namely at the Congress Palace with the now iconic role of Musette in La Boheme. And the rest is, as they say, history. A long, stormy and emotional journey to the largest stages and highest accolades. Today, Asmik is preparing for the main role at La Scala in famous director Graham Vick’s opera The Dead City. 

“Trust. Understanding. Support. Love. What else could you want? Perhaps some time in life? So I could thank everyone, who helped me reach where I am today. Thank you,” Asmik Grigorian spoke laconically when receiving her award, while her husband, director Vasily Barkhatov was also nominated for an award this year alongside such famous creators as Calixto Bieito, Katie Mitchell and Krzysztof Warlikowski.

Opera Oscars

The annual International Opera Awards ceremony, which is comparable to the Oscars, honours exceptional achievements on stage, backstage, the orchestra pit and many other operatic art areas. Nominations are made for troupes, choirs, young performants, debutants and also lifetime awards are bequeathed. Another Lithuanian, Justina Gringytė, has won in the young performer category where Asmik has also won before.

In 2019, over 100 nominations were made in twenty different categories. They were selected from thousands of proposals by an expert commission, which is headed by John Allison, the editor of one of the most important publications on operatic art Opera Magazine, which has been published since the 1950s.

The awards were founded by philanthropist and opera lover Harry Hyman and are intended to not only honour well-known stars, but also to support the upcoming generation of talents. The International Opera Awards also gather funds for a special charity fund, which aims to help opera talents across the world improve.

Azerbaijan confirms security guarantees to UEFA for Mkhitaryan visit in Europa League finale

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Azerbaijan’s football authority has given assurances to UEFA that Armenian international, Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not have problems to travel to Baku for the May 29 Europa League final where the Gunners face Chelsea, according to a written answer by UEFA to TASS.

According to the report, UEFA told TASS that the Azerbaijani Association of Football Federations has confirmed that Mkhitaryan’s visit will not be a problem and it will provide security guarantees.

Earlier in 2015 when Mkhitaryan was with Borussia Dortmund, the German club decided not to take the Armenian international to Baku for a match against Gabala due to “security reasons”, referring to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict-related situation.

Azerbaijan currently bans citizens of Armenia to enter its territory.

Other details weren’t immediately clear.

Earlier in April it was reported that UEFA will support Mkhitaryan for a visa bid.

Whether or not Mkhitaryan himself wants to travel to Baku for the match remains unclear. 

Armenia’s Pashinyan makes barbecue on downtown Yerevan street, celebrating Citizen’s Day

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who on Saturday is walking along the streets of capital city Yerevan on Citizen’s Day in Armenia, approached a group of barbecue makers on Mashtots Avenue in downtown Yerevan, and picked up the metal skewers for the barbecue

Pashinyan noted that he had only heard that people had made barbecues on the streets during the days of revolution one year ago.

One of those in attendance said that making barbecue on the streets has become a symbol of this revolution, and Pashinyan responded: “Thank you for keeping this tradition.”

At one point, the PM even joined the people who were dancing a folk dance on the street.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that he is in a festive mood.

As reported earlier, Armenia on Saturday celebrates Citizen’s Day for the first time.

Bay Area Community Embraces AUA’s New Initiative in Support of Its Veteran Students, Photos

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San Francisco, CA — On April 23, members of the Bay Area Armenian community gathered
at the home of Dr. Shahe and Ani Yeni-Komshian, long standing supporters of the American University of Armenia (AUA), to learn about the “Honoring Those Who Served: Investing
in Our Veterans’ Education” campaign. Launched in April 2019, the campaign aims to raise$1.5 million in endowed scholarships to support veterans of the Armenian Armed Forces who continue their education at the University after completing their two-year mandatory military service.

Each year, AUA welcomes close to 40 veterans on campus with open arms. Upon return from service these young men do not receive targeted support services and professional attention in order to successfully transition to civilian and academic life. Hence, in addition to building the scholarship endowment fund to support their education, AUA aims to fill the critical need for establishing a Veterans Affairs Office on campus, which would provide veteran students with a wide range of social and psychological services. AUA will be the first university among Armenia’s higher education institutions to provide an institutionalized support network to veterans.

The hosts of the event welcomed the guests and underscored the significance and magnitude of the new AUA initiative. “We are honored to host this event as its purpose speaks to our heart,” said Mrs. Yeni-Komshian. “Armenia’s veterans risk their lives to guarantee the safety and security, and in doing so, the future of Armenia. The least we can do is support the veterans who have served selflessly to help guarantee their future.”

“During the April 2016 Four-Day-War that brought conflict back to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a number of the young men protecting Armenian lands were students of AUA, who were serving their time in the military,” said Gaiane Khachatrian, AUA Director of Development. “While they survived, their traumatic experiences stayed with them after they served their country. As a gesture of gratitude, AUA is committed to providing full scholarships to all its veterans in recognition of their sacrifices. The University serves as a second home where veterans can find appreciation, peace, love, and support.”

Arman Vardanyan, the recipient of the AGBU Asbeds Scholarship (2017-2018) and the Mario Mazzola & Luciana Cavallet Endowed Scholarship (2018-2019), majoring in English and Communications, was among those brave soldiers serving in the army when the Four-Day-War erupted in April of 2016. He was present at this official launch of the campaign and moved the audience with his emotional speech.

“There was a call of duty and I had to pause my educational journey at AUA to serve in the army for two years. My time in the Armenian military gave me the strongest respect for everyone who wears the uniform. I am proud to be a part of the generation of soldiers who participated in the April Four-Day-War of 2016 in Artsakh, and I bow down to all the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect Armenia and shed their own blood to secure our borders.

Recalling the events that unfolded during the April Four-Day-War brings out the emotions, stories, and the voices that should be heard. I can testify that participating in this War was an honor, huge responsibility, and an expression of my dedication to my country. This is where I had to turn into action my love, skills, courage, determination and resilience. Serving my country has made me a better person —a better person in my family, community and country. It has increased my confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, loyalty, and the ability to realize my full potential.

AUA gave me and all its veterans the most heartwarming and caring welcome back. It is beyond description what it really meant for us to feel appreciated and taken care of after returning from service. AUA has always held and expressed love, care and attention to all students from many different backgrounds.

Serving for two years in the military does not end my responsibility for my homeland and vision for Armenia. My goals and aspirations of becoming a diplomat have helped me to seek out    opportunities where I can gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact in Armenia.

I dream of an Armenian military where soldiers are given undivided attention and can get 100% support from their officers and have all the components necessary for a successful and safe military service. I dream of the Armenia where we take pride in our president, our politicians, our police and our country. I dream of the Armenia where people earn their living and respect their positions. I dream of the Armenia where wealth has value but is not above ethical values, honor or personal integrity. 

A new type of conversation has begun in Armenia, a positive and optimistic conversation that places family unit, education, integrity, responsibility, and dedication first. Today’s Armenia is on the path of unfolding its indubitable impact and worth to the world.” 

There are many young brave men like Arman Vardanyan in Armenia who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the country, risking their lives to keep the homeland secure. Although Arman survived the war and served his country with dignity and honor, a number of his friends fell.

While the soldiers are serving Armenia, it is up to us in the Diaspora to continue to support the homeland in our own ways, such as helping to build a better future for the veterans upon their return. Their service to country is appreciated by AUA students, faculty and staff who understand the significance of the contribution they’ve made and stand in full support. Today, we celebrate the safe return of our veteran students and invite you to join hands with us in building a better future for them in a New Armenia. 

To learn more about the AUA “Honoring Those Who Served: Investing in our Veterans’ Education” campaign, please visit veterans.aua.am. You have the power to build Armenia’s promising future through your participation in this campaign!

Join AUA’s Forces to Support Armenia’s Veterans. Every dollar helps us reach our campaign goal and a gift of any size is greatly appreciated. GIVING LEVELS
50,000 + General 1 Named scholarships annually in perpetuity Personal acknowledgment letters with photos from the recipients Annual Impact Report Donor name will be listed on campus Honor Wall, AUA publications, and campaign website page Featured story about the donor and the recipient Special campus tour with the AUA President when in Armenia Invitation to special events
25,000-49,999: Colonel Donor name will be listed on campus Honor WallDonor name will be listed in AUA publications, and one campaign website page Annual Impact Report Featured story about the donor Special campus tour with the AUA President when in Armenia Invitation to special events
10,000-24,999 Captain Donor name will be listed on AUA publications and campaign website Annual Impact Report Featured story about the
donor Special campus tour with the AUA President when in Armenia Invitation to special events
5,000-9,999: Lieutenant Donor name will be listed on AUA publications and campaign website Annual Impact Report Campus tour by an AUA Administrator when in Armenia Invitation to special events
1,000-4,999: Soldier Donor name will be listed on AUA publications and campaign website Annual Impact Report Campus tour by an AUA Administrator when in Armenia

Our Contact Information
American University of Armenia
Development Office
1000 Broadway, Suite 280
Oakland, CA 94607
510-925-4282 development@aua.am

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a strong proclamation recognizing April 24, 2019 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Nevada,

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By Andy Armenian, Las Vegas Honorary Consul of Republic of Armenian

Las Vegas, Nevada – April 24, 2019: Close to 1000 Armenian-Americans either marched or throughout the day gathered at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument at Sunset Park to commemorate 104th Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

Las Vegas commemoration events concluded at the Sunset Park with a candlelight vigil where young and old placed candles and remembrance flowers at the eternal circle of the monument.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a strong proclamation recognizing April 24, 2019 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Nevada, encouraging public awareness and educating Nevadans across the state on the Armenian Genocide.

Las Vegas is home to a fast-growing Armenian-American community with several individuals contributing significantly to the economic growth of Southern Nevada, particularly casino and resort developer Kirk Kerkorian, legendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and world-renowned tennis player Andre Agassi.

Source: Andy Armenian,

Here is the schedule “March for Justice” #ARMENIANGENOCIDE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS THIS WEEK IN CALIFORNIA

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March for Justice
Wednesday, April 24, 20191:00 pm
The annual march and rally will take place on Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard, in front of the Turkish Consulate.
6300 Wilshire Blvd,Los Angeles, California 90048
Buses will leave at 12:00 pm from various locations, listed on the flyer. For bus reservations and more information, call (888) 924-1915.
For those who wish to drive to the March for Justice, there will be FREE shuttle buses from the parking structure of The Grove to Wilshire Blvd.

Community-Wide Commemorations of the Armenian Genocide
Wednesday, April 24, 20199:00 am
Program includes a religious service officiated by participating religious denominations of the Armenian community and placement of wreath and individual flowers to honor the memory of 1.5 million Martyrs.
Armenian Genocide Martyrs’ Monument Bicknell Park 901 Via San Clemente Montebello, CA 90640

Friday, April 26, 20197:30 pm
Community-wide panel discussion on “Demands, Restitution, Justice” relative to the Armenian Genocide and featuring three distinguished speakers, Romanian Parliament Deputy Varujan Vosganian, international lawyer Karnig Kerkonian, and University of Southern California Professor Frank Zerunyan
St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church 1510 E Mountain Street Glendale, CA 91207

Armenian Genocide Commemoration at the Mount Davidson Cross in San Francisco
The Bay Area Armenian community and friends come together for the 104th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and break bread with family and friends once again at Mount Davidson Cross memorial park. Come together over a special community wide madagh supper and program to remember the 1.5 million sanctified martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. 

Wednesday, April 24, 20197:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Mount Davidson Cross 125 Dalewood Way San Francisco, CA 94127

co-sponsored by the Armenian Assembly of America

Australia get venues, dates Events to commemorate the 104th Armenian Genocide anniversary

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The Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee (AGCC) has announced the schedule of events organised to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Australia.

The National Armenian Genocide Commemoration Evening in Sydney, will featuring as keynote speaker the Vice President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Dr. Melanie O’Brien. The event will take place on April 24 at The Concourse in Chatswood.

The Melbourne Evening will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Donna Lee Frieze and is set to take place again on April 24 at Springvale Town Hall, Springvale.

The annual wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 104th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Adelaide will take place on Wednesday 24 April 2019 at the Migration Museum.

The Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Brisbane will take place on April 24. That same day,Holy Mass and Wreath Laying will be offered at Beauchamp Park, Willoughby.

On April 26,the Western Sydney Armenian Genocide Commemoration Evening will take place at the Redgum Centre.

The Melbourne Armenian Genocide March for Justice will take place on the next day on April 27 from the VIC State Library.

The Sydney #MARCHFORJUSTICE will take place on April 28. It will begin at the Hyde Park Fountain in Sydney and end with a special program at First Fleet Park in Circular Quay.

Armenians commemorate the mass killings on April 24 because on that date in 1915 a group of Armenian intellectuals was rounded up and assassinated in Constantinople by the Ottoman government. On April 24, Armenians worldwide will be commemorating the 104th anniversary of the Genocide which continued until 1923. Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians as Genocide. Turkey denies to this day.

The 1915 genocide New musical tracks the path of an Armenian girl will Have Workshop in LA

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A new musical, A Journey of Angels will tell the story of an impassioned, 14-year-old Armenian girl named Flora, who dreams of furthering her education at the American Missionary school and traveling to far-away places to experience the diversity of the world, Broadway World reports.

A new musical, A JOURNEY OF ANGELS, is currently in development with a theatrical workshop planned for June 2019 in Los Angeles. The musical features a book by Brent Beerman, music and lyrics by Kathi Chaplar and directed by Kay Cole. Additional information about the workshop will be announced at a later date.

Based on the novel My Mother’s Voice by Dr. Kay Mouradian, A JOURNEY OF ANGELS tells the story of an impassioned, 14-year-old Armenian girl named Flora, who dreams of furthering her education at the American Missionary school and traveling to far-away places to experience the diversity of the world. Her dream comes to an unforeseen halt, when the Turkish government announces the proclamation that all Armenians must be removed from their homes and driven on a forced march, leaving behind everything. Flora is faced with the horror of losing her entire family with the exception of her beloved sister. As she travels down the harrowing paths during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Flora finds the courage and will to survive and fight for her freedom.

Her dream comes to an unforeseen halt, when the Turkish government announces the proclamation that all Armenians must be removed from their homes and driven on a forced march, leaving behind everything. Flora is faced with the horror of losing her entire family with the exception of her beloved sister. As she travels down the harrowing paths during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Flora finds the courage and will to survive and fight for her freedom.

The musical is based on the novel My Mother’s Voice by Dr. Kay Mouradian. Brent Beerman, a performing arts teacher at the school, wrote the play and directed the selections. The musical features music and lyrics by Kathi Chaplar and is directed by Kay Cole.

“Flora’s story is a symbol of hope. A young girl’s struggle to know her story and to witness her survival is to find hope in the struggle against all oppression and intolerance,” said book-writer Brent Beerman.

“Her story, however, is more than an historical marker; it chronicles the life and journey of one Armenian village, focusing on one family, chronicling the persistence of one girl’s dream in the face of unspeakable atrocities. If we are to overcome future despots, then we must never forget what has happened to Flora, and the Armenian people through the horror of the genocide,” he added.

“Flora’s story is a symbol of hope. A young girl’s struggle to know her story and to witness her survival is to find hope in the struggle against all oppression and intolerance,” said book-writer Brent Beerman. “Her story, however, is more than an historical marker; it chronicles the life and journey of one Armenian village, focusing on one family, chronicling the persistence of one girl’s dream in the face of unspeakable atrocities. If we are to overcome future despots, then we must never forget what has happened to Flora, and the Armenian people through the horror of the genocide.”

Composer and lyricist Kathi Chaplarsaid, “Music is a direct link to culture, and for this reason I turned to traditional Armenian music for inspiration. Because this is a play about survival, about the power of family, and the preservation of culture, I didn’t want the music to take us out of the historic setting. At the same time, I want it to appeal to contemporary audiences, so the music has as its harmonic structure and melodies similarities to music transcribed by Komitas, often called the Armenian Mozart, but infused with a more contemporary feel,” She explained, “And for some of the lyrics, I turned to traditional Armenian proverbs as inspiration in order to stay true to its imagery and spirit. In this way the music is an anthem of the Armenian spirit of both those lost in the Genocide as well as the power of the voices of the survivors.”

“My collaboration with Brent and Kathi began several years ago, quite by accident. A mutual friend introduced us, and we just became instant friends and collaborators. Our first project together was an original musical, created by Brent and Kathi, entitled 22% Fear. It is a wonderfully diverse partnership and has been easy since we all care deeply about the young voice and their future,” said director Kay Cole. “I have had the joy of directing the yearly musical with both Brent and Kathi for the last few years and directing their Falcon Players in many plays and teaching classes for young directors.” She added, “Also, Brent and I have written a heartfelt film script about bullying that we hope to have in pre-production in 2020.”

In commemoration of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the creative team of A JOURNEY OF ANGELS will present an evening of select songs and scenes from the musical in development on Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 pm at Herbert Hoover High School Auditorium (651 Glenwood Road, Glendale, CA 91202). Tickets for the evening are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students; and are available for purchase at the theatre on the night of the performance.

The evening will feature students from Crescenta Valley High School’s Theatre Department.

“Dr. Kay Mouradian approached us about presenting selections from A Journey of Angelsas a springboard to initiate an education and understanding of the Armenian Genocide by using high school students to help audiences relate to Flora and the events surrounding her struggle from the point of view of an ordinary teenager. Since education is handed down from generation to generation, today’s teenagers need to be informed so that they can lead theirchildren into the future. It is therefore imperative they participate in projects that, at their core, teach tolerance,” said book-writer Brent Beerman. “As Kathi, Kay and I continue our journey in developing our theatrical workshop production, we want to impress on our future audiences that this horrific event is not an isolated moment in history or geography. The Armenian Genocide certainly set a precedent for the Holocaust which itself resulted in countless other heartbreaking stories like that of Anne Frank. Such manifestations of racism, hatred, and genocide continued throughout the world in the 20thand 21st centuries and tragically, there are too many modern-day Anne Franks and Floras in such places as Bosnia, Rwanda, and Syria.”

“As an educator, it has always been my mandate to empower young voices, and this project provides a unique opportunity for our theater students to work alongside professional actors. The students have also been given exposure to a dark chapter in history, one that is not usually taught in the history books, which enables them not only to bring to life the voice of these survivors, but to find the connections within themselves and realize the impact of their performance on their audiences,” stated composer and lyricist Kathi Chaplar.

The selection of songs and scenes from A JOURNEY OF ANGELS will also be presented on Wednesday, May 8 at the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles (346 N. Central Avenue, Glendale, CA 91203. The evening will be attended by Armenia’s Consul General of Los Angeles, H.E. Dr. Armen Baibourtian. Attendance to the event is by invitation only.

“The rehearsal process and the ‘journey’ of a workshop for a new musical is very familiar territory to me. I have had the good fortune to be involved with several original musicals, when I lived and worked in New York on Broadway, the most notable being A Chorus Line,” shared director Kay Cole. “It is so important as a director to have a strong concept, great listening to your collaborators, a unique vision and trusting my own instincts. Keeping the rehearsal space a joyful and comfortable space is also vital.” She continued, “You want everyone to work with respect and humor. When I am directing my goal is to always to honor the writer’s story but at the same time allow for a way to make discoveries and ultimately allowing the magic of the piece to blossom.”

Source: https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/New-Musical-A-JOURNEY-OF-ANGELS-Will-Have-Workshop-in-LA-20190409