Mexico City Commemorate Genocide Centennial

March 18, 2015 By administrator

Holy liturgy was served in commeoration of the Armenian Genocide at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral by Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera

MEXICO CITY—An event organized by Armenian communities of Mexico and the US West Coast marked the start of commemorations of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Mexico.

Mexican intellectuals, scholars, politicians and public figures, diplomats and journalists participated in the event.

During the event, the Ambassador of Armenia to Mexico Gregor Hovhannisian presented the program of events to be held from March through November, 2015, in Mexico.

On March 15, holy liturgy, dedicated to the memory of innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide was served at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral by Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera. Archbishop of Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church Hovnan Derderian and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Catholic Church in Latin America, Bishop Vardan Poghosyan attended at the liturgy.

At the end of the liturgy, on the behalf of the Armenian community of Mexico an Armenian cross-stone was given as a gift to Mexico City, that will become one of the exponents at Mexico’s National Museum of Civilizations from now on. Ambassador Hovhannisyan, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Director of the National Museum of Mexican Culture Carlos Vasquez, as well as member of the Los Angeles City Council Paul Krekorian, who specially arrived from California, took part in the ceremony of cross-stone installation.

The liturgy was widely covered by the Mexican media.

The video for “Do not deny” Genealogy is in the 3rd position of the most viewed videos of Eurovision 2015

March 15, 2015 By administrator

The video for the song Genealogy group that will represent Armenia at Eurovision 2015 “Do not deny” is in the third position of the video songs of Eurovision 2015 most viewed. And on YouTube, “Do not Deny” has been watched more than 250,000 times. Video representatives of Britain leads with over 720 000 visits, followed by Estonia totaling more than 300,000 visits. The music of “Do not deny” (Do not deny) is Armen Martirosyan and lyrics Inna Mkrdtchian. The director of the video is Aren Bayadian.

Krikor Amirzayan

Armenia: Fifth artist of Genealogy known! 2015 Eurovision

March 3, 2015 By administrator

erevan, Armenia –

Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian, Armenian Artist from Australia

Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian is the fifth confirmed member of the band Genealogy, representing Armenia in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with Don’t Deny. She will represent the Australia in the project.

Stephanie Topalian, Essaï Altounian, Vahe Tilbian and Tamar Kaprelian have already been announced as members of the group Genealogy, representing Armenia in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. Today they are officially joined by Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian from Australia. Thus, only one more member is left to be officially announced.

Mary-Jean’s stunning and crystal clear voice of coloratura soprano filled many famous opera houses. It was because of her mother’s Armenian education that Mary-Jean was encouraged to study dance, flute and singing. Being proud of her Armenian roots and origin she was inspired by Armenian composer, singer, musicologist and priest Komitas.

An Armenian Artist from Australia

Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian was born in Houston, Texas to an Armenian-Greek mother and an Australian father. Pursuing studies at North Carolina School of the Arts and East Carolina University Mary-Jean has received her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice and Flute performance as well as Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2005.

Studying singing in Sydney with Arax Mansourian in 2008, Mary-Jean O’Doherty was the first recipient of the Australian International Opera Award to study at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice, directed by the international tenor Dennis O’Neill. Mary-Jean O’Doherty was the first recipient of the Australian International Opera Award to study at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice, directed by the international tenor Dennis O’Neill.

Activists Turn Their Backs to Denialist Speakers at UofT

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Over 70 human rights activists (Photo: Ishkhan Ghazarian)

Over 70 human rights activists from the university community, who made up the majority of those in attendance, held the silent protest by standing in unison and turning their backs to the lecturers. (Photo: Ishkhan Ghazarian)

TORONTO, Canada—On Feb. 27, Armenian youth held a silent protest at a lecture entitled “WWI 100th Anniversary-Human Suffering in Eastern Anatolia,” featuring genocide deniers Justin McCarthy and Bruce Fein. The lecture, organized by the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, was held at the University of Toronto (UofT), St. George Campus.

The Armenian Youth Federation of Canada (AYF Canada), in collaboration with the Armenian Students Association (ASA) of UofT St. George and Scarborough campuses, and the Armen Karo Student Association spearheaded this protest action.

Over 70 human rights activists from the university community, who made up the majority of those in attendance, held the silent protest by standing in unison and turning their backs to the lecturers.

Protesters allowed the speakers to deliver their opening remarks. However, when it became apparent that the speakers would deny and misconstrue the factuality of the Armenian Genocide, the group stood up and turned their backs to the podium as a silent protest against genocide denial.

Several racial slurs and discriminatory comments were directed at the protesters as they stood in silence.

Lecture organizers briefly stopped the event, but after campus police made it clear that the form of protest did not interfere with the event, they were asked to continue.

Protesters continued standing with their backs to the podium as Fein spoke, then marched out in an organized walk-out, leaving the remaining twenty or so attendees to listen to the rest of the lecture.

The demonstrators then marched to UofT’s Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office to voice their concern regarding the event, and to deliver a petition of over 2,000 signatures denouncing the event and demanding that the university distance itself from the organizers and speakers. The group had previously sent to the university a letter signed by academics, human rights groups, and student associations, including Hillel of Greater Toronto, the Greek Students Association of UofT-Scarborough, and the Hellenic Students Association of Ryerson University, demanding that this event be cancelled.

McCarthy, who was previously turned away from the University of Melbourne and Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2013, has long been regarded as a mouthpiece of the Turkish state in spreading denial of the Armenian Genocide. Fein is employed by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) as a resident scholar, to similarly support and propagate the Turkish denial policy of the Armenian Genocide, and has penned several articles attacking the veracity of the genocide.

AYF-Canada Chairperson Daron Keskinian said it was ”extremely troubling” that such an event took place at UofT.

“As we saw today, the University of Toronto should distance itself from this event immediately. The lecture organizers have used the location to bring legitimacy to their event, and have been given free rein to present their denial propaganda at the expense of the University’s reputation,” said Keskinian.

The ASA of UofT released a statement stressing that the event should be disconcerting to the university community at large.

“In the interest of maintaining its integrity and making amends for this event taking place on campus, the University of Toronto’s President’s Office should release a statement indicating that they distance themselves from this event. The Armenian Genocide is taught at this institution and the University of Toronto should not provide podiums to those who are looking to legitimize their denial of the first genocide of the twentieth century,” read the statement.

2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and is being commemorated globally by countless organizations and governments. In 2004, the Canadian Parliament passed a resolution acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and condemning it as a crime against humanity.

Founded in 1934, the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada is the largest and most influential Armenian-Canadian youth organization, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness among Armenian-Canadian youth.

LOS ANGELES: Paul Krekorian Leads LA’s Sponsorship of Genocide Centennial Events

February 27, 2015 By administrator

LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian (center) with ANCA leaders at the Los Angeles City Hall

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian is spearheading the City of LA’s sponsorship of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Krekorian, the first Armenian-American ever elected to the City Council, has introduced motions that show the city’s commitment to human rights and justice. Here’s what the city is doing:

–City Sponsorship of Events: Designating Armenian Genocide Centennial observance activities as official citywide special events.

–“America We Thank You” Library Exhibit: Providing funding for and co-sponsoring the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” exhibit at the Los Angeles Central Library in March and April. The exhibit highlights the outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

–March for Justice: Providing funding and support for the “March for Justice” on April 24 that begins in Little Armenia.

–Street Banners Across the City: Providing street banners positioned around the city to promote the March for Justice.

–Centennial Art Contest: Hosting the Centennial Art Contest with the winner’s artwork to be featured on city buses in April.

–Turning City Hall Purple: Lighting City Hall’s façade in purple for the week of April 24 to symbolize the forget-me-not, the official emblem of the worldwide observance of the Armenian Genocide Centennial.

–100 Pomegranate Trees: Planting 100 pomegranate trees in parks throughout the city, including at City Hall.

“The City of Los Angeles is committed to recognizing the Armenian Genocide and educating people throughout the city about our continued struggle for justice,” said Councilmember Krekorian. “There will be an extraordinary exhibit at the city’s Central Library that highlights America’s generous support for the Armenian people, along with banners advertising the ‘March for Justice’ across the city. Because of my efforts, we will also light City Hall in a purple glow to symbolize forget-me-nots, display art commemorating the centennial on city buses, and plant pomegranate trees throughout LA’s parks. This is an unprecedented commitment by Los Angeles to our community and to telling our story. I’m proud to have helped make it happen.”

Pursuing Justice Through Art: 2015 A Multi-Cultural Genocide Exhibition and Symposium

February 26, 2015 By administrator

Hope Ricciardi
Diaspora
collage and oil on three fir panels

By Heather Linton

This exhibition brings attention to genocide, the fragmented history of various cultural groups, and art as a means of educating us about humankind’s inhumanity. The year 2015 is significant. It is the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Jewish Holocaust, and the 40th Anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide. Details on the symposium and related events will be listed here as they are added:

Save the Dates!

Exhibit Runs March 18 – April 25, 2015

Reception: Saturday, March 21, 2-4 pm

Symposium: Saturday, April 18, 1-4 pm

http://whistlerhouse.org/index.php/exhibits/parker-gallery/80-pursuingjusticethroughart2015

And

https://www.facebook.com/WhistlerHouseMuseumofArt

Exhibitiing artists of Armenian descent include:

Aroutiunian, Gagik

Avakian, John

Babaian, Ani

DerMarderosian, Adrienne

Dulgarian, Stepan

Janjigian, JoAnn

Kasbarian, Lusin

Megherian, Talin

Odabashian, Marsha Nouritza

Ricciardi, Hope

Sperandio, Jessica

Whistler House Museum of Art | 243 Worthen Street | Lowell | MA | 01852 USA

Eurovision 2015: Armenia names third participant

February 23, 2015 By administrator

Vahe-Tilbian.jpg

The Public Television of Armenia has announced the name of the Eurovision 2015 Song Contest’s participant from the African continent.

Vahe Tilbian, who is from Ethiopia, is thus the third representative of Geneology which aims to bring together ethnic Armenian singers from different continents across the globe at the international music event set to be held in Vienna, Austria in May.

Tilbian is represented as a popular musician known for his outstanding image and energetic character. His unique music style is said to range from rock to techno, raggie to R&B, Armenian to Ethiopian and Latin.

The band’s six singers will be representatives of different continents sharing a common history.
The first two named participants are Yesai Altunian from France and Tamar Kaprielian from the United States.
The band will perform the song “Don’t Deny” at the contest.
The fourth participant will be named on February 27.
This year’s song contest will unite participants from 40 countries under the slogan Building Bridges.

Vahe was born in Ethiopia to a family of Armenia parents (Garo Tilbian and Ani Aslanian). His grandfather on father’s side settled in the country after narrowly escaping the Genocide. His mother’s ancestors left Western Armenia in the later 1890’s and early 1900’s.

A graduate of the Vancouver University, Canada, Vahe began demonstrating a serious interest in music upon obtaining his bachelor’s degrees in biology. He commenced as a senior tenor in the choir “The Motley Singers”.

The young singer’s first song, “Life or Something Like it”, was released in 2010. In 2012, his single “Don’t Stop” won the third place in the Armenian Pulse Music Award.
Later the same year, he completed the disc “Mixology” which was released for free.
In 2013, the singer released the song Yene Tizita (Nostalgia or Memories), which was a reproduced version of an old Ethiopian prototype. Its director and producer are Aramazd Kalajian and Mulugeta Amaru.

For the past two years, Vahe has been the soloist of Zemen Band. He has collaborated with singers Zeritu Kebede and Michael Belayneh, and the Nubian Arc Band. The ethnic Armenian singer has also been a back vocalist and first concert performer for Abby Lakew, Nhatty, Tsedenya Gebremarkos, Eyob Mekonnen and Shewandagn Hailu. He has performed concerts with Oliver Mtukudzi and Vee and Liz Ogumbo during tours in Ethiopia.

Vahe has been a correspondent for the Ethiopia-based Zoma Magazine; he can freely expresses his thoughts in Armenian, English, Amharic, Italian and French.

The young singer now intends to release two more discs, of which one will be completely Armenina, while the other will feature the Ethiopian musical culture, at the same time presenting a mix of equivalent elements.

Vahe is now training for the contest.
The Eurovision 2016 semifinals are due on May 19 and 21. The final concert will take place on May 23.

Eurovision: Armenian-American singer Tamar Kaprelian joined the “Genealogy” group to represent Armenia at Eurovision 2015

February 22, 2015 By administrator

Armenian-American singer Tamar Kaprelian

After the French-Armenian singer Essaï Altounian and probably the Armenian singer Emmi, the third member of the “Genealogy” formed Armenian diaspora and Armenia and will present the song “Do not deny” ( do not deny) at Eurovision 2015 in Vienna (Austria) is known. This is the Armenian-American Tamar Kaprelian representing the American continent in “Genealogy”. Public Channel of Armenia confirmed that the singer Tamar Kaprelian who lives in New York will participate for Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. “I’m excited, it’s an honor for me to represent Armenia Eurovision “wrote on his facebook site Tamar Kaprelian the announcement of information. “Genealogy” will be composed of Armenians from the five continents of the world (Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia) as well as Armenia, rich symbol in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide that decimated the Armenian people and dissemina worldwide survivors. “Do not deny” would address the deniers -mainly Turkey- that distort history and deny their responsibility in this crime against humanity.

Krikor Amirzayan

LOS ANGELES: ANCA WR Luncheon Debuts ‘Historic Armenia, After 100 Years’ (Video)

February 16, 2015 By administrator

Author Matthew Karanian presents ‘Historic Armenian’ to a capacity crowd

LOS ANGELES—A capacity crowd of over 200 supporters and friends of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) were in attendance at the highly anticipated official book launch of Matthew Karanian’s “Historic Armenia, After 100 Years: Ani, Kars, and the Six Provinces of Western Armenia” hosted by the ANCA-WR Advocacy through Film and the Arts Committee on February 11 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

“We are privileged to join forces with Matthew Karanian and feature his impressive and critical work which chronicles and beautifully illustrates our historical landmarks and cultural treasures of which we are the rightful heirs,” remarked ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “It is fitting that the launch of the first-ever guide book to Western Armenia served as ANCA-WR’s inaugural event of 2015, the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide. This publication is an imperative tool in our arsenal with which we can assert our collective demands for reparations and restitution,” added Asatryan. report asbarez

ANCA-WR Board Member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, before proceeding with her opening remarks, acknowledged the news received earlier in the morning about the passing of Hall of Fame basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian. Tarkanian, who was the son of an Armenian Genocide survivor, was honored by the ANCA-WR two years ago with the People’s Champion Award. A moment of silence was observed in his honor. Khanzadian then extended a warm welcome to all and conveyed the Board’s appreciation and praise for Karanian’s inspirational efforts to compile his decades-long research and photographs into a visually compelling and highly informative narrative compilation of Armenian ancestral territories. Invoking the book launch luncheon as the first of many in the series of ANCA-WR’s Centennial events, Zerounian-Khanzadian urged the attendees to continue their unwavering support for the Armenian Cause and make their collective voices heard by participating in Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol on April 20th and the Pan-Armenian March for Justice of April 24th.

Before Karanian’s book presentation, ANCA-WR Chairperson Nora Hovsepian’s documentary “Journey to the Homeland” was premiered. Filmed during Hovsepian’s trip to Western Armenia in May 2014, the documentary features Karanian and his exploratory research, which informs his book.

After the screening, ANCA-WR Advocacy through Film and the Arts Committee Chairperson Nora Yacoubian shared her remarks and introduced Karanian. “I have no doubt that Matthew’s book will shed insight and pave the way for many more travelers who journey to the homeland,” expressed Yacoubian. “Please do not leave here today with just one book, buy one for each of your children and your grandchildren. This is the first guidebook of Western Armenia. Let it guide you home,” advocated Yacoubian before inviting Karanian, whom she thanked for being an ambassador and an advocate for the Armenian Cause, to present his book.

“I’m honored to have the steadfast support of the ANCA-WR and am grateful for this opportunity. We’re standing together on the critical issue of preserving and protecting our heritage in Western Armenia,” expressed Karanian. Karanian invited all those gathered to accompany him on a journey of rediscovery as he presented a slide show and immediately captivated the audience with his repertoire of stunning photographs of ancient Armenian churches, cultural dwellings and the regional landscapes. The crowd, transfixed by his accompanying narrative of the ancient and historic monuments in Ani, Kars, and the provinces of Bitlis, Dyarbakir, Erzerum, Kharpert, Sebastia, and Van, listened intently to the fascinating details Karanian has amassed over the years. His first visit to Van was in 1997. After the presentation, guests hurriedly seized the opportunity to purchase their copies of Karanian’s 176 page book that is illustrated with 125 color maps and photographs. Yacoubian’s earlier pleas did not fall on deaf ears; many guests bought multiple copies for their family members and friends and had all of the copies signed by Karanian. While signing hundreds of his books, Karanian happily answered the many questions guests had about his numerous trips to Western Armenia as well as his upcoming projects.

To purchase your copy of Karanian’s “Historic Armenia After 100 Years: Ani, Kars, and the Six Provinces of Western Armenia” please call 818.500.1918.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Armenia: First artist of Genealogy known! Eurovision Video

February 16, 2015 By administrator

Yrevan, Armenia –

Essaï Altounian. Photo: Public Television of Armenia

Essaï Altounian is the first member of the band representing Armenia in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest to be announced. The well-known French-Armenian singer will represent the continent Europe in the project.

ssaï is a French-Armenian singer whose charming voice has touched many hearts. He is also a songwriter, keyboardist and an actor.

First of all I’m really proud to represent Armenia. To be a part of the Genealogy means something powerful to me. It is like being a link between the past and the future, a link between earth and sky.

Armenian Public TV Company has announced earlier that Genealogy will be uniting the new generation of Armenians spread through 5 continents (Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia) around the world in the year of 1915. The group consists of 6 artists with Armenian origin – 6 destinies with 1 story

Armenia has come up with a new and innovative idea for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest: The country will be represented by artists from all five continents! The project will be called Genealogy, and … Read more

In the band, Essaï Altounian will represent the continent of Europe. Even though he has grown up and lived in France, he feels Armenian and has strong feelings about his roots:

With Genealogy I’m one of the bridges connecting Armenian people around the world. I am also one of the bridges who are spreading love and positivity around the world through music. I represent Armenians from Europe – the continent of the Human right and the peace. I want to send a powerful message of humanity and serenity on behalf of European Armenians.I wish that people all around the world realize that Armenians will always climb on the higher mountains to sing, dance and spread joy and happiness.

My official logo ! U like it? 🙂 #genealogy #Armenia #Eurovision #Esc2015 #Austria #Vienna pic.twitter.com/nhj72AQVDx

— Genealogy (@GenealogyMusic) February 14, 2015