HOVANNESS BADALIAN MUSIC FUND BANQUET

WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS, November 22 (Noyan Tapan). The first annual
banquet of the Hovanness Badalian Music Fund (HBMF) will be held
on December 4, 2004 at the Hellenic Cultural Center, Watertown,
MA. H. E. Arman Kirakossian, Armenia’s ambassador to US, will be
in attendance and composer Konstantin Petrosian of Providence,
RI will be the MC. Among the highlights of the evening: first US
appearance of young and talented folk singer Artur Anushavanian;
soprano Nune Karapetian performing with pianist Nune Hakopian and
recognizing Bostonâ~@~Ys own Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble with an
Appreciation Award.

HBMF was established in early 2004 to celebrate the life of the
singer who made songs such as Hayastani Karmir Ginin, Yes Im Anoosh
Hayastani and Mayres Mahes Chimana famous. The goal of the Fund is
to provide merit-based scholarships, worldwide, to children enrolled
in Armenian music education programs. The Fund will also provide
assistance to individuals and organizations that create material and
training programs for children.

In October of this year Armenia celebrated Badalian’s 80th birthday
at the National Opera in Yerevan with the participation of prominent
artists including his daughter, opera singer Nuneh Badalian. Fifty of
his students led by pedagogue Arsen Grigorian came on stage singing
together and watching the great Maestro sing “Yes Im Anoush Hayastani”
on the screen, representing not only the past, but inspiring hope for
the future. “Badalian’s dedication and unrelenting work will always
be an enduring reminder to his devotion to his art and ultimately to
his people,” said Aram Gharabegian, Artistic director and conductor
of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, and a key organizer of
the event.

HBMF is organized under the charter of Amaras Art Alliance, a not for
profit organization. For the past ten years Amaras has been an active
member of the Boston, MA cultural scene, presenting jazz concerts,
solo performances, art exhibits and organizing student trips to
Armenia. Amaras has co-organized major events such as the multi-venue
celebration of composer Aram Khachaturian’s Centennial in 2003.

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