Collecting money Armenian Public Television had a two-hour long telethon on November 11, to raise funds for establishment of a pan-Armenian Literary Fund. The first donation to the Fund was made by the Union of Russian Armenians in the amount of $100,000. The Union of Moscow Writers sent $10,000.

During the press conference Levon Ananyan, the chairman of the Union of Armenia's Writers, told that the money will be used for publication of Armenian writers' work , translation of foreign authors' books into Armenian, as well as to help resolve part of problems faced by elderly writers. Another part of the money will be paid to them as monthly supplements to their pensions.

Similar funds raising campaigns will soon be held in Iran, France, Canada and other countries with strong Armenian communities.

Khachatryan' s year Among the events devoted to composer Aram Khachatryan, were the performances of violinist Eward Tadevosian in Uruguay. PanArmenian network reported that together with the local philharmonic orchestra the violinist introduced Khachatrian's "Violin concerto." The concert, which was held through promotion of the First Lady of Southern Republic of Uruguay, Mercedes Menatra de Butly, hosted many foreign diplomats, musical critics, governmental officials. The mass media called the concert "great cultural event."

Another anniversary-related event was the concert tour of Armenian state dancing ensemble "Barekamutyun" (friendship) in Lebanon.

According to Asparez (USA) newspaper the concerts took place through promotion of Minister of Culture of Lebanon Ghazi Ariti in UNESCO hall with capacity of over 2,000 spectators. For three days the "Barekamutyn" ensemble led by Norayr Mehrabian presented dances based on Khachatrian's "Spring Yerevan," "Highlanders," Pink Girls," "Lezginka".

The tour of piano player Armen Babakhanyan, who is a winner of nine international contests, in Syria and Lebanon was also devoted to the anniversary. The celebrated piano player introduced Khachatrian's pieces for piano: piano interpretation of "Spartak" ballet, which was a premier in its presentation.

His tour has been continued in Argentina as well, where with the State symphonic orchestra conducted by Piedro Ignasio Kalderona he performed fragments from ballets "Masquerade" and "Gayane" and " the Concert for a piano with an orchestra" at Colon theater of Buenos Aires. Among 3,000 spectators there were numerous representatives of the government of Argentina and different officials.

Friendly visit A team of Georgian and Abkhaz journalists and film-makers, a rare union of representatives from two rival sides, visited Nagorno Karabagh last week to shoot their film about the conflict of Armenians and Azeris over this territory Armenpress reported November 10.

The joint team has already done five films, telling about the disagreement between Georgians and Abkhazians and the problem of Northern Ireland. They also visited Azerbaijan and Armenia and met with government officials, refugees and analysts.

During a meeting with representatives of non-governmental organizations of Karabagh they demonstrated a film about the plight of Georgian refugees living in the Gali region, effectively controlled by Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

Festival for Children The third Children's Theatrical Festival "Pomegranate grain" is under way in the Puppet theater named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, in Yerevan. The 10-day festival brings together theatrical troupes from Yerevan, Taush, Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, Armavir and Stepanakert, plus grammar school students from the Torosyan school in Beirut.

The festival opened with the performance " Mesrop Mashtots", staged by Levon Ivanyan and dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet.


Young Poets work A presentation of the collection of poetry entitled "Egyptian love affair" by Gagik Kilikyan has been held at the Moscow cinema in Yerevan, on November 11, Arminfo reported.

Literary critic Hrach Bayadyan mentioned that despite his short-term creative activities, Gagik Kilikyan has proved to be a talented and promising poet. During a few years he has published two collections - "Ellipse" and "Metaphors". According to critics, his poetry is a synthesis of antique, eastern and medieval Armenian traditions and is characterized by new forms of self-expression. The book was published with the assistance of the "Paradis" company.


Region Tour Planet abide writes that Armenian pop singer Arsen Safarian had concerts in the region of Syunik from the 9th of November till the 13th. Right after returning he'll take up the preparations of his first solo concert, which will take place in the hall of American University of Armenia in the beginning of December.

On Yerevan Stages …

November 14-16; 19, 21, 22: Yerevan Chamber Theatre presents " 7 Jokes from Armenia". The performance is staged by Ara Yernjakyan, the artistic director of the Chamber Theatre.

November 16, 19, 21: "Broadway" will be presented at the Musical Chamber Theatre.

November 15: As part of "Brittens days" festival, a round-table will take place a round table on the theme "Benjamin Britten and Armenia" will be held at the Armenian Composers Union.

November 21 Concert-show "Awakening, Love and Union" will present Armenian pop singers performances at the American University Big Hall.