U.S. EMBASSY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FEATURING THE PAROS CHAMBER CHOIR
Panorama.am
21:10 21/11/06
On November 21, the United States Embassy in Armenia held a gala
concert featuring the Paros Chamber Choir.
The concert is dedicated to the 2006 International Day of People with
Disabilities, which is December 3.
Since the adoption and implementation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the United States has led by example by addressing
such issues as equal rights, accessibility and equal employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. By organizing and
sponsoring this concert, our hope is that we can raise the awareness of
the plight of people with disabilities in Armenia and around the world.
Since 1993, the Paros Chamber Choir has dazzled audiences throughout
Armenia, the Middle East and Europe with their repertoire of classic
chamber music and ethnic folk music by Armenian, Russian and Western
composers. The Paros Chamber Choir has blossomed into a beacon of
hope for people with disabilities in Armenia as most members of the
choir are individuals with spinal cord injuries.
"The United States is a leader in fighting for the rights of people
with disabilities," said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the
Paros Foundation, a California-based foundation, which supports the
Paros Chamber Choir. "It is an honor for us to perform at the US
Embassy on such an important occasion."
Performing and rehearsing under the direction of Maestro Vachagan
Navasardyan, the Paros Chamber Choir takes its name from the Armenian
word for lighthouse.
Indeed the choir is seen as a beacon of hope by fans around the
world. The choir entertains worldwide audiences, participates in
international competitions and encourages people with disabilities to
live full and active lives. Two of the goals of the foundation are
to promote and nurturing Armenia’s culture and to help improve the
quality of lives of people with disabilities in Armenia. The Paros
Chamber Choir is a bright star within Armenia and we hope to help
them deliver their message to the world.