Embassy Announcement: 'Taste of Armenia' (Cultural Extravaganza Week!)

The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the U.A.E. presents:

“Taste of Armenia”

Cultural Extravaganza Week!

October 20-25, 2007

Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah

Under the patronage of Mrs. Nani Oskanian, Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Stimulate all your senses with Armenian culture in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E

Cultural Performances
Concerts and Live Jazz Band & more
Food & Drink Tasting
Art Exhibition
Exclusive Gala Dinner

“Taste of Armenia” complete brochure (PDF format, 6 pages, 1.3MB). Click on each page for the details (details are in JPG format):
1- Front cover of the announcement (Page 1).

2- The program (20-25 October 2007) (Page 2).

3- Barekamutyun Dance Band and Hakob Shirinian (Page 3).

4- Zara Gasparian and Arman Hovhannisian (Page 4).

5- “Time Report”, Aramo and Emma (Page 5).

6- Sponsors (Page 6).

Participants:

?Barekamutyun?

?Barekamutyun? Dance Ensemble was established in 1987 with the aim of supporting and promoting Armenian dance traditions. The troupe consists of about 40 dancers graduated from the Yerevan State Choreography School. They are professionals who understand the fine art of dance and are devoted to their work.

The artistic director of the ensemble is Norair Mehrabian, who holds the title Honored Professional in the Arts, the highest award in Armenian Arts. Original reproductions of Armenian dances, folk dances of various nations and new interpretations of classical dances are the main repertoire of the ensemble.

The colorful dresses, made from sketches of talented designer Rubina Hovhannisian, are in perfect harmony with the music and dances.

The audience loves the young soul of the troupe, which makes each concert a very exciting experience.

Hakob Shirinian

Hakob Shirinian graduated in 1972 from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory with orchestra soloist and music teacher degree.

From 1970- 1981 Shirinian was the Director of the ?Nairi? Vocal-Instrumental Orchestra. From 1981 until today he is a soloist-violinist at the Armenian Radio and Television National Symphonic Orchestra in Yerevan. He has presented Armenian culture and performed in many countries.

Zara Gasparian

Zara Gasparian was born

Zara Gasparian

Zara Gasparian was born in 1977 in Yerevan, in a family of artists. She graduated with honor from the Kojoyan Art School. In 1994 she was accepted into the Yerevan Art Institute (Industrial Graphic Department).

Zara?s creative style is unusual, her paintings depict mystical and fantastical images. Her works could be described as surreal dreams. She is a master of the line and color.

She is member of the Artist?s Union in Armenia and member of the Professional Painters of UNESCO. She has exhibited her works in many cities and internationally famed galleries and exhibition halls.

Arman Hovhannisian

Arman Hovhannisian has taken his first steps in vocal sphere in his childhood, while performing in the Song and Dance Ensemble of Masis City.

In 1997 Arman entered Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, Classical Music Department. From the 3rd course he was transferred to the Folk Music Department and studied at the renowned folk singer Rouben Matevosian?s class. He released his first CD album (Love and Motherland) during his student years.

In 2005 Arman presented music videos of the famous song ?Sirelis? (My Darling). ?Inchou? (Why) and ?Jeyran Bala?.

In 2006 he entered the Conservatory?s post-graduate course.

Arman Hovhannisian has performed at different international song festivals and contests.

?Time Report?

?Time Report? is one of the most popular jazz bands in Armenia, playing ethnic jazz. The original founders of the group are Khachatur Sahakian and Armen Hyusnunts, who produced their first album (Songs Without Words) in 1996. On the following year drummer Alexander Grigorian (Sash) and bass player Vardan Arakelian joined the duo.

The united band made its debut as ?Time Report? in 1998. It conquered highest acclaims in the First International Jazz Festival in Armenia (Yerevan-98).

In 2000 percussionist Eduard Harutyunyan joined the group and drummer Arman Jalalian replaced Alexander Grigorian. In 2005, duduk and zurna player Vardan Grigorian joined the band.

The style of music of ?Time Report? is defined as ?ethnic-jazz?. Their arrangements of Armenian traditional songs and the colorful original compositions of each musician had placed the band at an advanced position on the modern Armenian jazz scene.

They have toured and performed in many countries of the world and participated in various jazz festivals.?

Aramo

Aramo studied drumming at the percussion department of ?Sayat-Nova? musical school in Yerevan, Armenia. In his teen years he was a drummer with the popular ?Arevik? children?s band. In the 1980s he worked as a singer and drummer with the famous Armenian Jazz Band under conductor Constantine Orbelian. He represented Armenia at international song competitions and appeared on stage in many countries. He continues to collaborate with eminent composers and has written many songs himself.

In 1992 Aramo married singer Emma Petrosian. Their ?Black White? album became the Best Pop Album in Armenia in year 2001.

In 2004 Aramo?s album ?Yerani? (If Only) scooped the Year?s Best Pop, Retro and Folk album awards, while the title song won the Best Song of the Year Award.

Emma Petrosian

Emma Petrosian started her musical career as a violinist. Upon her graduation from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, Emma pursued post-graduate studies, while employed with the Armenian Radio State Symphony Orchestra.

Since 1999 Emma appeared as solo singer and composer. She has authored numerous songs, participated at international festivals and recitals.

In 1992 Emma married celebrated singer and drummer Aramo.

Today Emma collaborates with renowned composers and authors Robert Amirkhanian, Armen Smbatian, Arthur Grigorian and others. She teaches vocals at the Conservatory?s Jazz and Variety Department.

In November 2003, Aramo and Emma had gala concert with the Armenian State Jazz Band. They continue to work extensively with the Band.