DONATION FOR STEPANAVAN: Widow of an Italian painter Ancelmo Francesconi, Margarita Tovmasyan, donated several museum exhibits to Stepanavan City Museum. An act on transfer of these values was signed in Milan Armenian House on May 22, reported Arminfo on May 26.

Participating in the ceremony were members of the Armenian communities of Italy. The document was signed by the donators, Armenian Ambassador to Italy Gagik Baghdasaryan and an Honorable citizen of Stepanavan, Italian-Armenian, Petros Kukuchyan.

PHOTO EXIHIBITION : Personal exhibition of Head of the photo service of Arminfo News Agency Hakop Berberian HakBer will open in Beirut on June 2.

Beirut's "Hripsimian" Lyceum is the initiator of the opening of the exhibition. It is the first personal exhibition of HakBer, and about 50 photos will be displayed. The photos depict nature in Armenia and ancient Armenian churches.

POSTHUMOUS EXHIBITION: The first posthumous exhibition of painter Vruyr Galstyan opened at the Union of Painters of Armenia May 21. Chairman of the Union Karen Aghamyan said the exhibition opened on the occasion of the painter's 80th anniversary (he died in 1996). Paintings from the "Contemplations" series, separate still-life, as well as the portraits of well-known people were exhibited.

RUSSIAN CULTURAL CHANNEL IN ARMENIA: Armenian President Robert Kocharian has approved of the idea to retransmit Culture Russian TV channel in the country, presented in a letter of an Armenian intelligentsia group. It was reported by Press Secretary of the President Ashot Kocharian. In his words, thereupon the state leader commissioned the Armenian Embassy in Moscow to begin negotiations with respective state bodies. It should be noted that a group of culture figures had made a similar proposal to the Armenian President at a meeting in April, reported Panarmenian network on May 27.

AZNAVOUR’S BIRTHDAY: RA President Robert Kocharyan congratulated French singer Charles Aznavour on the occasion of his 80th birthday May 22. “It is hard to wish you more successes as you had in your rich artistic and public activity. You are one of exceptional artists that were and continue being an idol for several generations”, the president’s message said.

At a concert in Paris, the “Little Singers Of Armenia” choir joined noted singers that included Liza Minelli in celebrating the French-Armenian’s birthday.

FESTIVAL IN REGIONS: On May 21-23 a festival "Young creative workers" was held in Ijevan. The aim was to discover young talents in the region, reported Armenpress on May 22.

The first day of the festival was opened with an exhibition of paintings, graphics, handicraft and decorative works. On the second day a round table was held titled “The challenges of youth in frontier regions and the ways to solve them”. On the third day of the festival a delegation of culture and youth ministry, headed by Deputy Minister Lilit Asatrian, participated in the festival. The festival was concluded with a concert of young performers.

OPEN AIR CONCERT: The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia will perform an open air concert at the steps of the Cascade Sunday. Organized in collaboration with the Cafesjian Museum Foundation, the uprecedented concert will feature a  program under the artistic direction of Aram Gharabekian. Soloists will include Anna Sarkisyan , (shvi, bku), and Tatevik Baghdasaryan ( flute), vocal soloists Nune Badalyan (soprano), and Gayane Grigoryan (soprano).

ON YEREVAN STAGES …

May 29 National Opera and Ballet Theatre , Aram Khachatryan’s Ballet “Gayane” with stage decorations of painter Minas Avetisyan. Performance Ballet master Vilen Galstyan, artistic director Gegham Grigoryan. Ticket cost 2000-5000 AMD

May 30 Aram Khachaturyan Philharmonic Concert Hall Lyric and Music Evening devoted to Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz. Ticket cost 1000-3500.

May 31 Stanislavsky Dramatic theatre, Rock Festival “Rock gives children smile” with participation of Armenian groups Bambir, Oaksenham, Sacvoyage, Sard etc. Ticket cost 1500.