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A festival of Japanese films will be held in Yerevan on January 14-17, according to the Facebook page of Hikari Center.
6 films will be screened during the festival. A discussion with the participation of Japanese directors is scheduled for January 16.
The Japanese-language films with English subtitles will be screened in “Moscow” movie theatre of Yerevan. Admission is free.
Source Panorama.am
Armenian atmosphere up at the announcement of this teams in Armenian Christmas Day at the stadium “Michel-Hidalgo” of Sausset-les-Pins. It is in a relaxed atmosphere that the 22 players enter the pitch, the Armenian and French anthems resound to the hundred people present in the stands. The proceeds are donated to charitable organizations in Armenia. Faced with several dozen supporters came to that first meeting, the selection of Western Armenia where players evolve Armenian professionals or semi-professionals playing in the championship of Armenia but also in the championships of France such as UGA Ardziv or Switzerland (Servette Geneva) Division3 well as Belgium and Germany, almost on a par with phocéens. The Armenians were determined. The Football Federation of Western Armenia who wishes to bring together players from the Western Armenia can count on 10 million Armenians in the world where a large majority is from the genocide.
It took 6 minutes to attend the opening of Fabrice Apruzesse score that easily manages his first face to face, and allows Olympians to lead quickly to score. OM then manages the first period, but can thank his guardian Mendy author of several major parades. At the 35th minute the Armenians were close to equalize from the penalty spot. But the shooting Zaven Bulut turned away by goalkeeper olympien.A halftime, OM leads 1-0 to the Armenian selection that plays its first official game since its inception in June 2015. In the second period, arrival of new Armenian supporters drums heats the temperature. Inside the box, the OM midfielder Kraichi his left foot and allow OM to make the break in the 58th minute. Only three minutes after the second goal, Berberyan defender just entered the field for the Armenian selection catapult the ball into his own goal on a strong center Omrani, joined the half. The show continues in this second act. Vahagn Militosyan is not attacked by the Olympian defense. He tried his luck from 20 meters and beats Madade, entered at the break. Armenia amounts to 3-1. While the cold sets in, Vahagn Militosyan doubles the mark on a free kick close to the surface, facing Olympians liabilities at the end of meeting. Armenians are brave close to equalize in the last munites the match. Olympique de Marseille will fear to the end and a last stop Madede allows the Marseillais to prevail 3-2.
Referee: M. Pierre Martinenq assisted by Mohammed Brahim Arabtani and Freddy.
Goals – OM: Apruzesse (6) Kraichi (58) Berberyan (61 og). Armenia Militosyan (66, 85)
OM: Mendy (Madede, 45) – Dubois, Pepe, Toure, Dacosta (cap) – Gimenes (Araai, 77), Chabrolle (Apruzesse, 77), Kraichi – Boutobba, Apruzesse (Omrani, 45) Porsan Clemente. Coach: Thomas Fernandez.
Western Armenia: Khanzaryan – Tepelyan, Bezdikyan, Yagan (cap), Kaya – Yagan, Oz (Odemis, 83) Kurkciyan – Hoysepyani (Berberyan, 53), Bulut (Kaya, 63) Militosyan. Coach: Gilbert Catikoglu.
Article partially taken from the OM website.
Krikor Amirzayan
The cast of Peer Gynt at Royal Festival Hall
By Hasmik Harutunyan
Anoush Hovhannisyan
Philharmonia Orchestra and Philharmonia Voices under the baton of renowned Norwegian conductor Salonen gave a recital dedicated to the great Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843 –1907) at Royal Festival Hall in London on the 26 November 2016.
Armenian soprano Anush Hovhannisyan performed in the role of Anitra in extracts from Peer Gynt by the composer. The Guardian reported that “Anush Hovhannisyan made a superbly impudent Anitra”. Meanwhile Richard Fairman of FT stated that “Marita Sølberg and Anush Hovhannisyan were the pure-voiced sopranos. Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra helped to conjure Grieg’s magic of the theatre”.
This all-Grieg concert showcased a performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A-minor that marked the start of Grieg’sdazzling career and fame throughout Europe. Legendary Chinese pianist Lang Lang performed masterfully Grieg’s only piano concerto, however the sound of this heroic concerto was somehow understated right from the beginning, which was good news for the performers after the interval, as Lang Lang could have easily outperformed any artist with his characteristicexuberance and virtuosity.
In the second half of the eveningNorwegiandirector Juha Hemanus had staged an original mixture of theatrical performance and operatic excerpts from Grieg’s Incidental Music inspired by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s drama Peer Gynt.English actor Sam Bondplayed the role of theanti-heroPeer Gynt – a wonderer, dreamer, womanizer and by conventional standards an utter failure. He is selfish, lethargic and self-centered, yet it is exactly how the great dramatist wanted to portray Peer Gynt: a real person. Charismatic young violinist Gjermund Larsen with his fiddle boosted the dramatic interludes with heart-warming folk tunes.
The two singing female parts were shared between Norwegiansoprano Marita Sølberg in the role of Solveig and Armenian soprano Anush Hovhannisyanin the role of exotic Anitra, one of the foreign conquests of Peer Gynt. Her performance in the role of Anitra, a young and beautiful Moroccan girl enhanced the operatic sections, especially her joyful performance of Anitra’s dance. Dressed for the occasion in a traditional Armenian folk garment and head cover(rather than Arabian costume), Anushexcelled not only by her vocal ability, velvety timbre of her voice, but also herenthrallingacting skills.Anush Hovhannisyan convinced the critics and the public in equal mannerthat she was a truly multi-talented and all-around artist: exceptional vocalist and captivating actress.
I caught up with Anush after the evening performance at Southbank Centre to share her thoughts on the event.
Question: What are your feelings after performing in such an interesting project alongside world famous Lang Lang and the Philharmonia conductor Salonen?
Anush Hovhannisyan: There has been a great atmosphere at the rehearsals. Everyone working on Peer Gynt was realizing that it is going to be a big shift of energy at the concert when we get to perform after Lang Lang. We worked twice as hard to provide the best experience for the audience. On the other hand, I was enjoying hugely working with Maestro Salonen for the first time. I had worked with the Philharmonia Orchestra earlier this year and was looking forward to meet the Maestro. It was a wonderful experience to share the stage with such a fascinating artist. He managed to get a very special sound out from the orchestra and this is what excites me in classical music!”
Q: 2015 has almost come to end, what were the highlights in the year for you as an artist and performer?
AH: 2015 was a wonderful year, full of hard work and great results. I completed my young artist’s contract at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and joined the Royal Opera House’s highly anticipated tour in Japan with star cast. I also made my Italian debut at the season opening production of Don Giovanni in Lyric Theatre of Trieste. Very grateful for the opportunities I got and all wonderful friends I found this year. ”
Q: You have won several prestigious international competitions in the past, how did they help you in your career so far? Are you planning any more competitions in the future?
AH: The results of the competitions for me has been partly a payback for the hard work and preparation, partly a luck. Competitions are a good tool for young artists to expose themselves to the market. For me being in competitions is a chance to meet people and make contacts. I never hope for a prize because the decision depends on thesubjective taste of a small group of people, however I am happy with the results so far.
I am not very keen to take part in competitions because I never feel in competition with any other singer in the world. I have things to offer that are absolutely unique and it is the same for every other singer in the competition. It is very tiring both physically and emotionally to be in a competition because of the atmosphere is highly artificial. However, I cannot underestimate the importance of the exposure at the early stages of musical career so I will make effort for couple of more times.”
Q: What are your projects for 2016 and beyond, what would you like to be performing and where?
AH: I have a busy year coming up with lots of new repertoire to learn and prepare for the future projects. In the first half of the season I will be travelling and performing. After the Christmas I am working on recording of new CD projects. The news will follow soon.”
We would like to congratulate Anush Hovhannisyan once again for her musical achievements in 2015 and wish her utmost success in her conquest of opera stages worldwide with roles that she is passionate about. The news of her upcoming concerts will be available on her website:http://www.anushhovhannisyan.co.uk/
The Armenian community in Iran is the country’s sole national minority that celebrates New Year on the night of December 31.
Armine Elajian, a journalist of Tehran-based Alik Armenian daily, told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“The [Iranian Armenian] national social associations celebrate New Year on December 31, from 7pm to midnight,” Elajian said. “And some of the [Iranian] Armenians celebrate [the New Year] at home, since New Year is a family holiday.”
In her words, the Armenian community in Iran maintains all the traditions, and also celebrates all national religious holidays with great fanfare.
“We are the largest [national] minority in Iran,” Armine Elajian added. “The [Iranian] Armenian community is very traditional, and it retains all the traditions, especially national religious. There are many people in Iran who are interested in our holidays. They come and partake in the celebrations, as a guest.”
According to the latest official data, about 80 thousand Armenians live in Iran, and there are several dozens of Armenian schools that provide education in this country.
Most Iranian Armenians are artisans and traders, but there also are numerous physicians, lawyers, engineers, and architects among them.
The 127th Rose Parade has kicked off with a flyover, song and, of course, a spectacular flower-bedecked float. reporters and photographers are along the route sharing photos and stories from fans and parade participants. Stay with us for the live stream of KTLA’s broadcast, “It doesn’t matter where you come from,” 17-year-old Donaly Marquez told foster children after she was selected to the Tournament of Roses’ Royal Court. “You can do anything as long as you set your mind to it.”
Author: Aida Hovhannisyan
In the night of January 1, the Armenian community of Kuwait organizes a dance festival. The New Year festivities are celebrated according to the traditions of the Middle East. Representative of Kuwait’s Armenian community and teacher of Armenian, Maral Amboyan, who has been living in that country for already 11 years, told the aforementioned to Armenian News – NEWS.am.
“Armenian college and church operate in Kuwait. On December 30, our pupils have to attend the church, and then a big festival is held in the educational institution. And on December 31, a dance festival is held, which is attended by actually all Armenians of Kuwait. We prepare eastern dishes by all means. [Then] We come together and enjoy ourselves,” Amboyan said.
According to her, there are also Armenians who don’t attend the festival, preferring to celebrate New Year with their family, although the majority still joins the joyful festivity. “Our community is very friendly. We celebrate all the holidays together, and each Friday we must attend the Armenian church,” she said.
About 4,000 Armenians live in Kuwait. Most of them are mainly craftsmen, but the country also has famous jewelers of Armenian descent. But, apart from this, in Amboyan’s words, some Armenians there hold quite high offices.
Happy New Year 2016 from Gagrulenet to all our members of humanity. pic.twitter.com/IFTWIrtksv
— Wally Sarkeesian (@gagrulenet) January 1, 2016
The world has begun celebrating the start of a New Year, with revellers in Australia and New Zealand some of the first to usher in 2016.
Crowds counted down the last seconds of 2015 at Auckland’s Sky Tower, which hosted a laser show and fireworks display.
Up to 25,000 people had been expected to turn out for the festivities in New Zealand’s largest city.
The country welcomed 2016 at 1100 GMT, an hour after Samoa and Kiribati.
Fireworks lit up Sydney harbour at midnight (1300 GMT) as the New Year welcomed in many parts of Australia.
About one million people were expected to turn out, and a pre-show for families was held at 9:00pm.
As the New Year sweeps across Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and other major cities will kick off their own grand celebrations.
In Egypt, festivities will be staged in front of the pyramids near Cairo, as the government works to revive its tourist industry.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, an extravagant display will illuminate the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, with 400,000 LED lights and 1.6 tons of fireworks set to be used.
When 2016 hits Europe, approximately one million people will countdown at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany’s capital, Berlin.
Despite security fears across the continent, many major public events are going ahead, though with heightened security restrictions.
In Madrid, only 25,000 people will be allowed into the Puerta del Sol Square. More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the Mayor of London’s fireworks show, a ticketed event.
Over in Sierra Leone, the declared end of Ebola will mark a return to festivities, after Freetown, the capital, was left deserted a year ago due to the disease’s outbreak.
As 2016 finally reaches the Americas, up to a million people are expected to converge on Times Square in New York, amid tight security, to watch the famous ball descend.
On Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, crowds will not only mark the New Year – they will also fete the 100th anniversary of Samba music, and the upcoming summer Olympics.
Tert.am is providing a brief summary of the major historic developments in Armenia in 2015.
Below are the major developments following the historic events concerning international recognition of the Armenian Genocide:
the events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; adoption of a Pan-Armenian Declaration on the Armenian Genocide; international mass media’s response; Kim Kardashian’s visit to Armenia; a Yerevan concert of System of a Down (SOAD); a religious service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican; canonization of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide; 15-day protests against rising electricity prices in Yerevan’s Baghramyan avenue; a referendum on constitutional reforms; a Sargsyan-Aliyev meeting toward the end of the year.
The 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide has been a key event of this year. It not only opened a new chapter in the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Due to Pope Francis’ speech and condemnation by a number of European structures it is not a global tragedy, not only that of Armenians.
A Pan-Armenian Declaration on the Armenian Genocide was unanimously adopted in Yerevan. On April 12, a religious service dedicated to the Armenian Genocide was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican.
Turkey attempted to prevent that service by the Pope by exerting unprecedented pressure on Vatican. Turkish Premier Ahmet Davutoğlu accused the Pope of joining the axis of evil against Turkey.
Another historic step in international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a concert the world-famous SOAD Armenian-American rock band gave in Yerevan. Besides bringing joy to thousands of Armenian residents, the concert was a cultural means of informing the world of a need for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
A few days after the concert, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute organized an international conference themed ‘The Crime of Genocide: Prevention, Condemnation and Elimination of Consequences’ in Yerevan.
On April 23, the Mother See held a ceremony of canonization of 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide.
On April 24, the Russian, French, Serbian and Cypriot presidents were among the hundreds of guests that visited the Memorial to Armenian Genocide victims in Tsitsernakaberd.
The same day Turkey marked the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had to think up a scheme for guests in Yerevan and in Çanakkale.
International mass media provided extensive coverage of the April 24 events.
On April 23, an ecumenical service dedicated to the Genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Pontic Greeks in the Ottoman Empire took place in Berlin Cathedral.
In 2015, three more states, Brazil, Luxembourg and Austria recognized the Armenian Genocide.
Moreover, different European structures approved resolutions condemning the Armenian Genocide.
An Armenian pavilion presented Armenian culture at the Vienna biennale.
Yerevan hosted successive cultural events, concerts by Vladimir Spivakov, Dmitri Khvorostovski and Chulpan Khamatova, which were dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Yerevan hosted one more major cultural event this year. Beth Hart, an American singer, songwriter and musician, performed in Yerevan. Ornella Muti and Nastassja Kinski visited Yerevan during the Golden Apricot 12th Yerevan International Film Festival. World-famous singer Charles Aznavour performed in Yerevan as well.
This year, Armenia hosted the 6th Pan-Armenian Games.
A referendum on constitutional reforms on December 6 was a major event in Armenia’s political life.
The most important event in Armenia’s foreign policy was a meeting between Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. The Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential meeting behind closed doors in Bern, Switzerland, followed a meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ participation and a meeting with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Toward the end of the year, Azerbaijan intensified ceasefire violations. Speaking at a collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Moscow, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan did not rule out Azerbaijan used tank fire, egged on by external forces.
According to the 2015 statistics, more than 16 thousand tourists have visited the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR, or Artsakh).
Head of the Tourism Department at the NKR Ministry of Economy, Deputy Minister Sergey Shahverdyan, told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.
He added that about 14 thousand tourists had visited the country in 2014.
“The Artsakh hospitality and historical and cultural centers attract the tourists,” Shahverdyan said. “In addition, today we are able to provide tourists with corresponding hotel conditions.”
Artsakh has different types of tourism, including modern military-history tourism.
“Mostly, they come to Artsakh from the CIS countries, Iran, France, the US,” Sergey Shahverdyan added. “People who are interested in our culture.”
An as per Arusyak Adamyan, a tour guide working in the NKR, tourists visit Artsakh primarily to get familiarized.
“The [hotel accommodation] prices vary,” Adamyan said. “As a rule, tourists mostly come [to Artsakh] in summer. But this year there were many tourists in the New Year, too.”