Binding Notes - January/February 2002 by Armenian International Magazine

Th* Armsnfmn ffinns ffiarrnw ffinnmr R*sistry Itesds Y*ur Suppmrt. Register to Become a Donor

Bella Kocharian M.D. The First Lady of Armenia and Honorary Chairperson of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Charitable Ttust was the first bone marrow donor

It's a simple process. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health can give a small blood sample for tissue type testing and listing with the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

to register.

Join 1,500 Armenians in Los Angeles and in Yerevan who have registered to donate bone marrow to a patient with the same tissue type who is suffering from leukemia

or other blood-related disease. 10,000 volunteer bone marrow donors must be recruited by the year 2004 in order to achieve the rate

of one match per 200 donors.

\&rs

#*nnnt Affnrd to Lmse a $ingls flmffi.*

Opening of Recruitment Center at the Giendate Memorial Hospital in February 2001 Left to right: Bella Kocharian, M.D.; Lois Winston, Ph.D.; Frieda Jordan, Ph.D.; Sevak Avagyan, M.D

Send Your Monetary Donation The Armenian Bone Marrow Registry Charitable Trust was founded in 1999 to serve patients in Armenia and in the Diaspora who suffer from blood-related diseases. The Registry established its first tissue-typing laboratory in Yerevan, Armenia, in December 2000. A satellite recruitment center and typing laboratory was established this year at the Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, Los Angeles and the Foundation Laboratory, Glendora. The Registry has secured the cooperation ofseveral international medical centers, such as the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust in England, Glendale Memorial Hospital and St Jude Hospital in US. Plans include the establishment of recruitment centers in Europe and in the Middle East. $450,000 is needed to operate the tissue-typing laboratories with medical staff and testing equipment and to maintain a computer database for searching and matching leukemia patients with suitable bone marrow donors. Generous grants already have been received from the

Lincy Foundation, Glendale Memorial Hospital and private donations. USA Frieda Jordan, Ph.D., Chairperson 347 West Stocker Street Suite 208

Armenia

Glendale, CA91202

E-mail abmdr@arminco.com

Phone/Fax

8L8.547 .L37 4

Sevak Avagyan, M.D., Executive

Laboratory

in Glendora.

Director

Fax (3741) 53 98 90 375002 Yerevan, #1A Saryan Street ABMDR laboratory

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Armenian Bone Marmw Proiect

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llrr-uitirl

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in Yerevan. Tissue-typing is done on a small blood sample by DNA molecular typing methods.

(.r'tlllt'

Si.lttt. This ad has been sponsored by the Glendale Memorial Hospital.

The Amenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry is a nonprofit organization registered as a 501Oiil) under the Armenian Accredited by lhe Armenian government as an independent, nonprofit, non-governmental otganizatioD.

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I I

Gover Story

24 Binding Notes Armenian Music Hits a Popular Vein

From the Publisher

Letters

12 AIM View Notebook

14 Ouole Unquote 15 Biilhdays & Anniversaries Did You Know?

16 17

Postscript

Dateline

Bytes on File

Gommunity

22 RockofAges A Monument to Memory in Granite City, lllinois

Connections

A Struggle lor Survival

Vacancy in the Square

Cures for Golds

Zoo Gets by on Commitmentbut Little Cash

First Lenin, then Christ - Whos Next?

Arts

56 AngryAngel ol

History

Diamandq Galas Bears Testament to the Forgotten

60 62

Gonnections Special Beporl

Unlucky Anniversary

Ghaldranian, A Gontender at the Academy Symb6ls in Stone

64 Faces 66 Fashion 68 Sports 72 Underexposed 75 How I Got This 76 Essay 77 0n the shelf

Gumri Marks 13 Years as a Disaster Zone

Shot

Focus

Now Landing: A New Airport Zvartnots Gets the Promise

Armenian lnternational Magazine Volume 13, lssue

Gover design by Patrick Azadian

One

Foreignr $65. PGtmaslers: Send address changes to

ola Facelift

AIM, PO. Box

I0793, Glendale.

91209. USA.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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Farewell, Charles

Pubiisher

Michael ]{ahabet Edltor

Tony Halpin

hen we started to plan the publication of this magazine, we were fortunate in one important way: We had no idea about the world of journalism, and so we had the advantage of blissful ignorance. We didn't know how dfficult, contentious, complicated a process magazine production would be in the Armenian community. And so, we jumped right in. Of course, such ignorance was also a great problem. Or it would have been, if we hadn't found Charles Nazarian. Once we found him, he couldn't do enough to help some young Armenian professionals ready

l\,4anagin0 Edllor

Hrair Sarkis Sarl(issian Senior Editor

John Hughes Arl 0ireclor

Patrick Azadian, PADA Editor at Large

Palik Nazarian

to publish a professional magazine, and he did more than offer his help. He brought boundless enthusiasm. He had recently retired after half a century in the newspaper business, most recently atthe Daily News, Los Angeles's second-largest newspaper. He said he had plenty of free time, if one did not consider his many community involvements. Charles set up shop in our editorial offices, sent out letters by the hundreds to those who might be able to contribute to the magazine's editorial content, and recruited writers. He patiently explained to us why some things couldn't be done a certain way and just as patiently tried to adapt his ways to our expectations. He stayed with the magazine for about two yean, during which time his imprint was umistakable. His kindness, warmth, generosity, fairness, humility, flrmness, hard-work and endless energy were an example to the rest of the staff, many less than half his age. Charles Nazarian died last month, at the age of 87, after a long illness. His family will miss him, and so will we at AIM. This magazine and this community owe him a debt of gratitude. The appreciation with which we remember him is reflected in the letter below, written by Vartan Oskanian, who is Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs now, but was AIM's Founding Editor, in 1990 when AIM began.

Associate Editors

A. H. Alerandrian, Laurence Bitter

Yerevan

Conlr butin0 Editors

mailheu Karanian, Bonald Grigor Suny, Taline Vosleritchian Associate Publlsher

Teni Melidonian Subscriptions l\4anager

Seta Khodanian Adv€fiisin0 Manager

Fimi Mekhitarian l\,4arketing i\4anager

Anahid Der Vailanian Adm n strat ve Asslstanl

Chrislina Shirinyan Yerevan Bureau 67 Koqhbatsi Street, No

Phone 53 36 99

Ail\rarm@arminco.com Coord nalor

Anahil Marlkossian Pholo Editor

Arsineh lGachikian Web & Promolions

Michael Nahabed ,r

Publi"sher

Armineh Gregorians, Narine Arushanian Fd toria Assislanl Sona 0anielian

Adverl sirg Manager

Gohar Sahakian

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Conlr bulors: Armenia - Gayane Abrahamian, zhanna Al8raniaf,, Zam Chatinian, Suren Deherian, Ashol Garcginian, Laun G0nonian, Marianna Grigodan, Julia Halobyan, Michael Haruliunian, Shushan xurkchian, NaE Mar*0ssian, Lusine Zeytunian; Calitornia -Am Anumanian, Paul Chaderiian, Eliza Gallayan, Sona Gallatin, Xrislen Kidd, Asbed Pogharian, Janet Samuelian; London - Felix Corley, Susan Patlie; New York - Christophel Alamian, George B0urnoulian; Rhode lsland - Mar* Malkasian; Paris - Myriam Gaume; Uruguay - DiEgo KaEmanoukian; Washington, DC - Moorad iloondian.

- Mkiilar Khachatian, Zaven Xhachikian, Mangasrian, vahtrm Mikitarian, K€nn Minasian; - Arbim &oudiian, Amireh JolEnns; Calitornia - SNi l{adaunian, Edc iharian, An (hhagan; lvlasschusetts - Gam Ladinian;

Ph0tographers: Armenia Rouben

Ftre

New Y0rk

Harry X0undakiian; Rhode lsland

Berge Ara Zobian.

Accounting Services

Bedig Araradian, CPA

$,ii#T-',i.,",-?'#**gr#"trffitff"#[rrrr,..nc

Le0al Services

Shahen Haimpelian, Atlorney al Law

jf**,,9'*f,l*##,*i$*.fj:Ju,"*:r,;ffi**,

lnlernali0nal Subscripti0ns and Advertising Beprcsentatives

******n*******=*,"::*.U,,",, Cha.lq will be reme&bered

, foldty. IIe bas Ieft his oart.

Argenlina CoLegio lt4ekhilarisla. V fiey de Pino 35]1 11426) Buenos A res Phone 5411 Phone 45523590AuslraliaVarooj skenderian l4SKoolaAve.EaslKrlaraNSW.20Tl 029251 2BB2i A lred l\rarkariar P0 Box 370 Han s Park NSW 2150 Phone 029897 1846: Vahe Kateb P0 Box 250 Poil Me bourn€ Vicloria 3207 Phone03 9713 1213 Canada Rumrq Hakim an. 3150 Sarteon Slreet Sl Laurent ouebm f4R1E3. Phone514 339 2517 Hong Kong Jack Max an R[il M 1 l/F Slock A. 26 Kai Cheung Rd Kow oon Bay Kowloon. Phone 852 795 9888 llaly Pie(e Balanran Via l\.{orlacm 6l A4l5, Bome. Phone 995 1235 Lobanon Zanouh Kabak an P0 8ox 55669 Beirut L€banon. Phone (1) 510212 uniled Arab Emiratos Gu iza Jonran P0 Box 44564 Abu Dhab. IJAE, Phone 971 2 644 7721 tax 971 644 8191 Uritod Krgdom [4]sk ohanian 105A ltlil H ll Rd Aclon London W3&lF Phone 020 8992 4621

Wrile to AIM! We welc0me al communicalion Allhough we read all letlers and submrssi0ns, we are unable to acknowledge everything we receive due t0 limited slatling and resources. Lelters lo lhe Edilor may be edited l0r pubiicau0n.

Armenian lnternational Magazine Founded in 1990

Foundinq Editor Vartan oskanian Founding Publisher Michael Nahabet 207 South Brand Boulevard, Suite 203, Glendale, CA 91204 USA Phone

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

8]8 246 7979 Fax 818 246 00BB All\4aoazine@aol.com

and souls

into this venture.

Olympic games such as the Pan

doing their part to change the landscape of competitive athletics in Armenia.

Armenian games, the referees take the oath

Karineh Afiandilinns Los Angeles, Califumia

to officiate with utmost honesty and integrity. As a basketball coach for over ten years, I

found the officials to be incompetent and partial to a point that our continuing the game meant sacriflcing values that the mem-

as athletes, and I as the coach, held very dear to our hearts. Our team was a formidable opponent for Yerevan. Had we flnished playing this semi flnal with impartial and decent officials, this would have been a memorable, close and exciting game. Win or lose would not have mattered as long as we knew that the outcome was determined by us and our opponent, and not by two officials who demonstrated unspoken loyalty to the home team. The intensity of the game did not get the best of us. It was bad officiating that destroyed the spirit of these games for our women who had worked so hard in the hope of winning a medal. We walked out because we wanted the organizers to realue that there can be a downside to organizing Armenian Olympics without the necessary safeguards to ensure that guest teams are treated as fairly as the home teams. There is a deep-rooted problem that man-

bers

Unfair Play

I read your article titled "Spirit of Unity" (AIM, October) with great interest. As a participant in these games I found the reference to "the intensity of the games got the better of the competitors" a statement that needed clarification.

I was the head coach for the Ios Angeles Women's basketball team. Your article mentioned that the American team lost the semifinal game to Yerevan. While the end result is considered a loss in basketball rules, felt

compelled to inform your readers that our team did not lose this game, rather we walked out at haH time. In protest, we chose not to participate in the subsequent game for 3rd and 4th place (which we would have won easily). Indeed tempers were flared on both sides. The players from Yerevan were upset and quite aggressive during the game. As the guest team, we bore gifts and goodwill to our compatriots in Armenia. We wanted nothing but the opportunity to have a fair and friendly game against the best Armenia had to offer. In return we were disrespected by the players, the officials, and the coaches alike. To top it off, on the international telecast of Armen press the head coach from Armenia and the ref-

eree referred to our team as "hooligans from Los Angeles".

At the

conclusion of our game, our team

was surrounded by the private security guards of the sports complex, as well as by the audience who expressed their curiosity at our decision to walk out. The flared tempers did not result in any sort of violence but lead to a great deal of disappointment for our young women who had poured their hearts

of my team

Sweet Memories

Thankyou so much foryour article on Mary Vartanian, Sheker Mary (AIM November). Fifty years ago I was playing for her, Oudi Hrant and Marko Melkon as well as John

ClubZara,Port Said, Brittania and Egyptian Gardens, along with my cousin

Pappas at

Charles "Chick" Ganimian.

What irreplaceable, wonderful times! And what a sweet lady she was - God bless her angelic but robust voice!

Carl Zeytooniltn

By email

Underwiring While I often don't ag,ree with the views expressed in your publication, it is nevertheless the only Armenian one which I read. It is also the one which tries to be objective, and not

without success. However, I was surprised to read the "Wired

to the World" article (AIM November). In a number ofpages your correspondents manage

ifested itself not only in our game but in many games where coaches who had traveled thousands of miles from their respective countries found themselves battling unfair referees. The complaints were rampant, but they fell on deaf ears. I firmly believe that our protest, as painful as it was for us, did not go in vain if it allowed an honest dialogue to take place in forums such as this magazine. If nothing else, it was bad public relations for Armenia because it tainted the view of the homeland in the minds of many of our young athletes. The medals won by Yerevan and the other women's teams are tarnished because those medals were not true representations of the talent that participated in the Second Pan Armenia Games.

to tell the story of Internet and Information Technology in Armenia without ever mentioning ARMINCO, the Armenian Internet

The Games were a small window of

Believe it or Not? I have to admit that I did not want to. I asked a few people in order to verify this absurdity that you had reported on in your recent issue (AIM November). But unfortunately, I found out that it is true. People are not allowed to light candles in this new $12 million monster of a cathedral in Yerevan. I have been telling people about this and it has been such a laughing matter. I cannot believe how disconnected from the

opportunity that could have warmed and tied the hearts of all athletes from Diaspora to Armenia. Why lose this chance of a lifetime to forge a deep and committed relationship with our youth in Diaspora? What is there to gain by Armenians in Armenia? Winning at all costs is not the image that should be portrayed to the Diaspora.

Closing our eyes on our country's problems will not make the problems go away. The young women on my team are courageous

in that they withstood criticism for

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Company, once.

I shall not enquire about their reasons, but instead would like to remind AIM and its readers that

it is the Armenian Internet

Company that brought Intemet to Armenia,

and it is the Armenian Intemet Company that remains the flrst Internet Service Provider in Armenia despite all the natural and artificial obstacles in our country. Edgar Danielyan By email

State of the Church

people the Church continues

become

every day.

Fint, for them to

spend that ridiculous

amount of money to build a church, in a country that has more churches than it can upkeep, in a country (and a neighborhood) where the people who are supposed to enjoy the church have no money to eat a proper meal. And then not to let them do one of the fundamental things one is supposed to do in a church: light a candle for the soul of a loved one. Lately it has been apparent that this religious organization has forgotten its supposed role in the community. And now, it has also forgotten the role of its church. What's next? Are they going to cover the pews with plastic? Are they going to askpeople to take their shoes off, or ask them not to enter the church so as not to scratch the marble? Simon Sagherian Encino, Califumia

The Fourth Millennium Society is an independently funded and administered public charity committed to the dissemination of inlonnation for the purpose of developing an inlormed public. Underpinning all our work is the lirm c0nviclion [Bt he vitality of an independent press is fundamental to a democratic society

in Armenia and democratic institutions in the Diaspora, The Fourth Millennium Society publishes Armenian lnternational Magazine in ib etlort to contribute to the national dialogue. The directors are gmteful to the Benehctors, Trustees, Patrons and Friends of the Fourth Millennium Society who are committed to thewell-being, grou/th and development ol Armenians and Armenia through the promotion of open discussion and the free flow ol information among individuals and organizations. Their linancial contributions support the work ol the Fourth Millennium Society and ensure the independence of AlM.

-VaheAghabegians, Salpi Haroutinian Ghazarian, Shahen Hairapetian, Michael Nahabet, Raffi Zinzalian, Directors

Benelactots Sarkis Acopian, Albert & Tove Boyajian, The Calesjian Family Foundation, lnc.

Hirair and Anna Hovnanian, Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian, The Lincy Foundation, Louise Manoogian Simone

Senior Trustees AUSTRALIA Heros & Kate Dilanchian CANADA Razmig Hakimian, Kourken Sarkissian H0NG KONG Jack Maxian USA CA Armand & Nancy Arabian, Khachig Babayan, George & Flora Dunaians, Armen & Gloriat Hampar,

Aruie M. Haroutinian,

NH Jeannefte

John, George & Grace Kay, Joe & Joyce Stein NY James Tulenkian Rl Papken Janjigian

Founding Truslees

Amrenian Thoughts The only reason for me to subscribe to AIM is to get at least a little more optimism

and go on living and working in Armenia. You may not understand but loo[ when I remember the Soviet regime with all of its positive and negative sides, those who fought against Nazis saying "For Stalin, For Motherland" and throwing themselves with a grenade under a Nazi tank, the children who almost the second word they learned was "Grandpa Lenin", Irealae that I very much need to love my motherland! Now I'm asking a question to all of you: How can one love a country which looks like the one from John Hughes's essays? I dont mean something is wrong with the author or his essays; on the contrary his depictions are

the most realistic and true-to-life ones I've ever read. Let's simply agree it's hard to love Armenia for an Armenian citizen. But we try to do so using everything; let it be Ararat, duduk, Jivan Gasparian, Diaspora, AIM... I understand Sevak Khodaverdian saying "we are stuck with our Armenian-ness forev-

er", (AIM August/September) and think some people simply misunderstood him. I hope the majority of you are Internet users and have seen the live web-cam that shows Mount Ararat. Why was a web-cam directed towards Ararat? I think Armenians really are stuck with their Armenian-ness!

ArtakAsloyan Vanadzor, Armenia

AUSTRALIA Varoojan lskenderian USA CA Garen Avedikian, Mardo Kaprielian, Edward Misserlian, Bob Movelt Varoujan Nahabet, Norair Oskanian, Emmy Papazian, Zareh Sarkissian, Rafii Zinalian FL Hagop Koushakjian PA Zarouhi Mardikian

Tenlh Anniversary Gorporate Sponsorc Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Garo Kassabian; Armenian Jewelers'Association; Commerce Casino, Hasmik Mgrdichian; George Tumanjan; Grand Tobacco, Hrand & lVikayel Vardanian; ISB Group, Armen

& Ketty Kazandjian; Law 0ffice ol Aris Artounians, Aris & Karine Artounians;

Law 0flices of Ourfalian & 0urfalian, Rafi & Sarkis Ourfalian; NASA Services Inc., Sam & Elizabeth Sarkisian, Nick & Kamelia Sarkisian, Arsen Sarkisian; Pacilic Sales, Jerry Turpanjian; Remax of Glendale, Vahe & Aida Yeghiazarian; Yerevan Hotel

Associate Trustees ARMENIA Khachatur & Rouzanna Soukiassian AUSTRALIA Arman & Nairi Derderyan USA CA Vartkes

& Jean Barsam, Walter & Laurel Karabian, Gary & Sossi Kevorkian Nazar & Artemis Nazarian, Ralph & Savey Tulenkian

Palrons

AUSTnAII Artin Elmekjian George & Vartouhi Tavoukjian L4ack Vahaflian Anonymous cAl{ADA Louise funavour Gerair & Elise 0ervishian [4igirdic & Ani Migirdicyan Soghomon & Arpiar Sakarya & Families CYPBUS Garo Keheyan lsBAEt Adrine Karakashian ITAIY Krikor & Harout lstanbulian LEBAII0H Kevoil Bouladian UAE Hazmik A. Tatevossian Ul{IIEDmilGDoil Diran & Suzi Chakeiian USA CALlFoRlllA l\4ihran & Elizabeth Agbabian Garabed Akpolat Harry & Alvart Barseghian Amm & Terez Bassenian 0aniel B8hesnilian Berj & Hera Boyajian Rouben V & Tania Chakalian Hagop & Violet Dakessian

Danielian Derderian Dimitri $eve & Lucille Estephanian Manoushag Femanian Gagik & Knar Galstian Vahan & Audrey Gregor Pie(e & Alice Haig Shahen & Martha Haroutunian A0iar & Hermine Janoyan Z. Greg Kahwajian jack & Maro Kalaydiian Kevork & Satenig Karajerjian Nishant & Sona Kazazian Kirk & Ann Kesapyan John & Rose Ketchoyan Zaven & Sona Khanjian Krikor Krikorian Julie Kulhanjian & Roger SlGuch Louis & Grace Kurkiian DoraserviarianKuhn Avik Mahdesiant Stepan & Erdianik Markarian Harout & Rita Mesrobjan Tony & Ria Moroyan Edward & Alice Navasargian Armand 0. Norehad Kenneth & Cindy Norian Rati ourlalian l\4ichael & Hermine Piranian Hralch & Helga Sarkis Caro & Diyana Ardash & Marian

Dimitri & Tamara

Armenian Thoughts Too

As a gay Armenian man who has just come out of the closet, I have one subject close to my heart. I remember AIM publish10

Alex Sarkissian

Robert

Helen Shamlian

Sun Plastics, lnc. Petros & Garine Taglyan

Ara & Avedis Tavitian

& Dzovig zeitlian cor{ilEcTtcur

Gaidzag UsA

Louis Kevork

Hagopian

Pamela Toroyan

USA MASSACHUSmS Kevork AtinDian

Charles & Donna Kouyoumjian Richard Simonian

usA iICHtcAt{ George Chamchikian Edgar & Sarah Hagopian

Alex Manoogiant Kirakos Vapurciyan

usA t{EvADA Larry & Seda Barnes

]|EWJERSEY

Margarel Chantikiant USA t{Ew

yonK

M. l\,4ichael Ansour Harry & Aida Koundakjian Nancy Kricorian Vahe Nishaniant

V John & Lucille

G. Sarkissian

Harout Topsacalian UsA

wAsfltt{cTot{ Dc

Barry & Margaret Zorlhian

Friends of AIM Ihe Fourth Millennium Society is grateful t0 the l0llowing l0r contributing during the last month to ensure All\45 financial independence USA CA Jack Arakelian, l\4aria Chrissian, Rus$ll Hall, Mr & Mrs. Charles H. Hintlian, Nazareth Kevonian, Donald E. l\4iller, Harutiun Surmenian & psdhig A. Tanasian-Surmenian

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

[J AMM

ing an article on this subject in June 20fi). The treatment of homosexuals in Armenia and Diaspora has to be addressed. I recently heard of afewcases inArmeniawhere gaymen were beaten because of their sexual orientation. As I have gotten to meet many openly gay and lesbian Armenians, one dilemma has always been common amongst all of them,

deny your identity, live in hiding and shame in order to be accepted by Armenians or be truthful but risk alienation and prosecution. This is a choice that no Armenian should face. There are less than seven million of us

worldwide, so we cannot afford to isolate

Sizes from 2'x3' to 12'x1 6' plus runners and squares

each other. Please address this subject in an upcoming issue, since homosexual Armenians are very

eager and willing to contribute to the social cohesion of our motherland and our communities. Separatism is rampant among Armenians, but we should not give up. Vic Jeremy

By email

SlzE

<tn

jxS

t .n

4xO

6x9

Food Fight Your reporter seems to have omitted any mention of what successful New York restaurateur Yerevan-bom Garren Petrossian is doing tohelp develop his Armenianhomeland (AIM,

xlO

x12 lOx14 12r16

Lsr Pnce

$ $ $ $ $

t,oso t,6so 3,4s0 s,7oo

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fia200 $tJ,Boo

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$ 28o $ 44s $ szo $,,soo $t,8so $2670 $s,sss

November).

After all his "father ran the second largest greenhouse in Yerevan", and his mother had experience with "an intemational food company" and his sous-chef is... "formerly an economics professor at the American University of Armenia", and "many could say that he has already made it in the big city". Surely, like US bom James Tirfenkian and Carolyo Mugar and many others, Armeniabom Garren Petrossian has a project underway (or plans for one) to help his native land and its people!

I would suggest that in future articles your reporters should take care not to omit to mention those projects undertaken to benefit Armenia by other such successful emigres. George Omartian By email

Los ANeeLEs, CA 9OO35 D 646.302.3o18 (sa/e daysonty) 1/25/02-213/02 a 1 1au-7ptvt all days O free parking Son Diego Freewoy (405) to Sonta Monica Freewoy (lA) Eostbound. Exit Lo Clenego Boulevord Norfh, Toke Lo Cienego Boulevord North four blocks lo #1830. Relutns accepted ln person through 3:00 pm. February 5, 2A02

TUFENKIAN fer the

Arts Armenia A Confldent

Face to the World in Music and Film

If the health of a culture is reflected in its arts, then Armenians should be feeling pretty good about themselves right now. There is a boom in musical output of unprecedented variety and commercial success. System of a Down sell a million copies of their latest album in the United States, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and arguably doing more to publicize the issue of Genocide recognition than any number of failed Congressional resolutions. If you want to change the politics, first change the culture... On smaller stages, but no less significantly, a new generation of Armenians are carving international careers in opera and classical music. In this they are carrying on a rich tradition but with one important difference - these men and women are the standard bearers of a tradition that now has a country one that raises its profile as their recognition grows. An Armenian film has also been selected for an Academy Award shortlist for the flrst time - bringing greater awareness and overdue recognition of a rich cinematic legacy. Should it be named the year's

Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, Vigen Chaldranian's Symphony of Silence will be a big noise in world cinema. That will turn out to be the best $500,000 spent on raising the profile of Armenia and Armenians. And if it doesnt win, the film has already proved that Armenia possesses the talent to compete at the highest level, even if it lacks the resources available to others. Atom Egoyan's forthcoming film Ararat is of a different order of finance - $15 million - and bears a correspondingly heavier burden of expectation. A mature, successful director operating at the height of his powers has taken on the most significant and powerful of subjects. Egoyan is putting the issue of Genocide denial into the most direct and powerful and popular medium of our day. In doing so, he lifts the demand for justice into the general arena of public opinion, to which the politicians and historians who live in denial must answer. Put all of this together and it speaks of a brave, self-confldent culture facing out to the world and eager to engage at the level of the best. Quite an achievement and one to take pride in as 2002 unfolds. r

Long Enough Ending Gumri's Misery Should be the Resolution We Keep in2002 Thirteen years is a long time in anyone's life. In Gumri an entire generation of children has grown up knowing nothing but the painful legacy of the earthquake that devastated the city and surrounding region in December 1988. Back then, the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev promised the city would be completely rebuilt within two years. He is gone and so is the Soviet Union but the scars remain all too visible in today's Gumri. There is precious little evidence of progress in restoring Gumri to a semblance of its former self - especially in winter, when memories are as raw as the icy winds that whip the city's inhabitants. As our special report shows, thousands of people remain housed in domiks intended to provide only temporary shelter in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Instead, they have become a permanent feature of life in Gumri, serving as "homes" for those whose only alternative would be the street. In the pitiful pecking order that remains part of Gumri life, even the domiks are preferable to the quake-damaged buildings that continue to provide shelter for thousands more who are considered, as a result, to have accommodation - even though they daily risk having the buildings collapse on them because of structural damage. Many people continue to depend on food aid from charities and international organizations, while essential medical services stand idle because the people in most need are least able to pay for treatment. Those who can - including the talented young on whose shoulders Gumri must place any slender hope of recovery - are packing their bags in search of a better life. The situation after 13 long years of false dawns and empty prom-

little short of

scandalous. Yet the Govemment of Armenia seems to have written off its second city - as the failure to allot any ises is

for reconstruction in the State Budget for 2W indicates. Having come to office with bold declarations that he would take the disaster out of the disaster zone, President Robert Kocharian now fails to provide any money to deal with the problems that still plague Gumri and surrounding villages. What improvement is being made is due almost entirely to humanitarian agencies and foreign investors, Diasporan and non-Armenian. But Armenia - whatever its current admitted economic difficulties cannot leave the fate of its citizens to the good deeds of others. It must lead by example, not plead poverty in the face of people for whom even the hardships of life in Yerevan seem luxurious by comparison. Perhaps that is the most striking thing about the present situation. Just a two-hour drive separates Gumri and Yerevan, but the two cities are years apart in living standards and prospects - at times it is hard to appreciate that they are even the same country. Perhaps fortunately for those in power, many people struggling to survive in Gumri have been too poor even to leave the city in the past 13 years - their anger would be hard to contain if they could see how far they have fallen behind their fellow citizens in Yerevan. funds

Yes, there hat'e been some improvements

a modicum of

industry has resumed operations and a USAID program is helping the homeless to buy new homes through an innovative voucher scheme. But there is a sense of resignation abroad, both within Armenia and in the Diaspora, that the disaster zone will always be disastrous and the best that can be hoped for is some small-scale alleviation of the misery.

This is a failure of the imagination that does little credit to Armenian ingenuity. A house-building program would create both homes and jobs - is it beyond the wit of business leaders skilled in

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construction and finance to come up with a way of resourcing such a program that would allow the beneflciaries to repay the cost over time? Why not a street-naming initiative, by which the great and the good can immortalize themselves in the new Gumri in retum for funding the rehabilitation of the street that will bear their name? Music for medicine? As this issue demonstrates, Armenian musical talent is flourishing as never before - if each CD purchase included a small donation to medical services in Gumri, the health prospects of its citizens could be greatly improved. And if every Armenian community in the United States adopted a single school in Gumri, committing to pay its teachers and provide children with textbooks and winter heating fuel, how much better

would be the prospects for the next generation. No doubt there would be difficulties and objections to every one of these proposals. They are thrown out simply to get people thinking. What can we all do,in20f,2, to make the situation in Gumri better next December than it is now? None of this is to lift its responsibilities from the Government of Armenia - as previously stated, it must do more to show that it is serious in rebuilding the city within a clearly stated and realistic timetable. But the resources of the Diaspora - and a sense of fellow feeling with Armenians who have truly suffered more than anyone should be allowed to - must also be brought to bear. It is time to bring this terrible chapter in Armenian history to a close. r

The Year Ahead The Second Decade Must Start to Deliver After a year of anniversaries and celebrations,2002 risks becoming the year of the hangover even before it gets properly under way. That would be a mistake. While 2001 highlighted considerable achievements in marking the first decade of Armeniab independence, it also exposed profound discontent and disappointments. There is widespread poverty, political apathy, unease about official comrption, and a sense of despair that has provoked a deeply damaging exodus ofpeople and talent from the republic. President Robert Kocharian has one full year left of his term in offlce to start to answer these concerns. The 17ffith anniversary celebrations in 2001 of Armenia's conversion to Christianity helped to dispel some of the Diasporan disillusion that had set in about the republic. If the fund of goodwill has been replenished, however, Kocharian needs to show how that can be best used to improve life

quickly for the people of Armenia.

There is a dangerous divide between the governed and the government, which seems to have little regard for the difficulties faced by many of its citizens. Kocharian needs to show too that he can begin to bridge that divide by making the power elite more accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. In that regard, the forthcoming trial of his own bodyguard on a manslaughter charge arising from an incident at the Poplavok nightclub will be a key test of whether Armenia is ruled by law or cronyism. So impoverished is the political culture in the republic at present that it is hard to see Kocharian facing any credible challenger in the presidential elections in 2ffi3. While he should feel confident of a second term, he should not feel smug. If he wants to secure his place in history he must demonstrate a statesman's ability to secure fundamental improvement in the lives of his people, not merely lead by default. r

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NOTEBOOK

IIValery Serdyukov, Governor of Russia's Leningrad region, stressed that the Armenian Diaspora in the Leningrad region makes an important contribution to the development ol the economy ol the North West region of Russia as well as Gommerce, science and education. He believes that this lact will make lor the establishment of mutually beneficial relations with Armenia and their lurther development. rr -Economic Press Review St. Petersburg, November 2001

rrWe must also avoid

the subversion ol this opportu-

nity by Azerbaijan and others who believe that the battle against terrorism allows them to wear the mantle ol aggrieved victims ol terrorists, hence entitled to one-sided compensation. Such delusions make realis' tic compromises hard to achieve. The international community and the 0SGE most particularly, must try hard not to encourage this kind ol liction. rr -Foreign Minister Vartan 0skanian Speech to the 0SCE Ministerial Council Meeting, Bucharest, Romania, December 200.l

freedom ol the press. Some years ago members of the opposition were jailed. Today that is unthinkable. Against all odds, Armenia is thriving in contrast to other nations in the region. While Armenia may not be blessed with oil and natural resources, it is blessed with the people of Armenia. u

''l3J:::ffi:^fllffi;:ilI lrBeing located at the crossroads ol civilizations, Armenia has seen its culture constantly develop and absorb elements ol the cultures of neighboring people. Armenian religious traditions, language and alphabet, created in the Fitth Century, have created rich literary and historical monuments and folklore. u -UNESC0 General Director Koichiro Matsura Armenia, November 2001

rrAside from "atwa," a misguided hymn ol empathy for incarcerated psycho Gharles Manson, System of a Down's Toxicity is a bouquet of smart rock and

ardent social argument.

((The transformation is dramatic. lt is interesting to see the firming up ol democratic institutions, the

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-Rolling Stone MaOune

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NOTEBOOK

A Yean in Euno[G I

should be given greater consideration, saying: "If we give rights to gays will we become

rmenia marks one vear as a member of the Council of Europe on January 25. The republic became the council's 42nd member in January 2001, with Azerbaijan joining as number 43 at the same time. Membership carries the kudos of being part of Europe's democratic club. But there are also obligations: to protect human rights, pluralist democrary and the rule of law; to

a European society?"

However, Lilit Daneghian, head of the Foreigr Ministry's C-ouncil of Europe department, says: "Armenia is moving to a democratic society. That also implies freedom of sexual orientation and religious affiliation." Armenia's government says it has no problem meeting any of its obligations. But it is behind schedule in making the reforms, having

help consolidate democratic stability in Europe through political, legislative and constitutional reform; and to seek solutions to cotrrmon problems, such as discrimination against minorities, environmental protection,

missed deadlines for several legislative changes. According to Daneghian, a delay of a few

months is not a major issue. There are no

strict procedures concerning this, although

and the challenge from organized crime.

Armenia pays

membership fee of

170,000 Euros (about $155,000) to belong to the Council. It has also committed to make 1.1. changes to both its Constitution and laws to bring practice in Armenia into line with European standards.

These reforms include human rights issues, such as providing an alternative to military service for conscientious objectors, and the protection of minorities. Abolition of

every delay must be reported to the Council a clear explanation of what is happening. Experts believe membership of the Council of Europe will help to create stability in the Caucasus. It will allow Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, which is also a member, to communicate better on a common platform and to formulate priorities based on an

with

the death penalty, freedom for religious minorities, and decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour is also on the agenda. Some politicians in Armenia are less than enthusiastic, particularly on issues conceming sexual and religious minorities. One, Aghasi Enokian, declared on national televi-

sion recently that the rights of the majority

understanding of common

issues.

-Zara Chatinian

Gount Ehallenue to Gall-U[ onlythe law, but also human rigltts are violated"

f, Il

group of postgraduate students are bringing an unprecedented court action in Armenia to protest being drafted into the army. Armenian law states that postgraduate students have a right to delay their military service. But since November, about 50 students who requested delays have received call-up papen. Now three of them - Hayk Neiman, Vahagn Khachatrian and Gregory Dokhoian are

Some of the students claim they were forced

to sign documents stating that they were entering the armyvoluntarily. Failure to sign the document, they clainr, would result in loss of their postgaduate status. Eleven students initially filed the lawsuit.

Eight withdrew their complaint to the court,

but three left letters of warranty with their

taking the Ministry of Defense to court, claiming their rights are being violated. The trio were taken into the army the day before a preliminary hearing took place last month. Judge Edik Avetisian heard opening arguments and the case is due to resume in January. Each of the 50 students had already paid up to $700 to attend postgraduate courses when they received their call-up papen. The money wasnotrefunded and parents are doubtful that placeswillbe held forthe students once

their twoyear military terms have ended. The military authorities have characterized the students' protest as an attempt to evade service. The protestors drafted a joint statement to the contrary stating: "We would like to acknowledge with all responsibility that we do not aim to avoid national service. *We want to mntinue believing that we live in a democratic oounfty'. And we, postgraduate students, want to proclaim that we will erploy all the legal means to protect our right as far as not

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attorneys, petitioning the court "to oblige the

defendant to postpone compulsory national service for the postgraduate students for the period of their courses".

Attorneys Angela Karapetian and Lusine

Bakumian, representing the students, say some were threatened that they would face desertion charges if they didn't report to the arrny, even though they argued that the callup orders were illegal' -Zhanna Arexaniai 15

NOTEBOOK

:,#-

,d"tl .{tfrur

Ananat llome A Growing Institution in the LA fhe Ararat Home of Los Angeles (AIM ! May/June 1997) recently purchased the Rockhaven Sanitarium in Montrosâ&#x201A;Ź, California,

Landscape

average, 1J00 people pass through every week.

Its grounds are home to the Deukmejian Banquet Ballroom, the Eskijian Museum, the Sheen Memorial Chapel and the famous Armenian HistoryTimeline. The home's numerous awards testify to the quality of the care it provides for its residents - in fact, Ararat Home is regarded as one of the top retirement/nursing facilities in the country.

situated in the Verdugo Mountains north of Glendale. The $3 million, T0-bed nuning home is located on three and a half acres of scenic grounds, surrounded by gardens, fountains and sycamore trees, where Ararat Home plans to build a modem 99-bed nursing facility to replace its aging 40-bed Eagle Rock center. Construction costs are estimated at an additional $5 million. Ararat Home was founded in 194.9 as a nonproflt, non-denominational and non-political

trustee and chairman of the fundraising committee, construction costs have risen significantly. Even though it has attracted several major

organization to care for elderly Armenians. Its operations grew as the community expanded and now, half a century later, it operates three facilities catering to the needs of 360 people.

Foundation, Ararat Home is counting on the generoslty of the Armenian community to raise the funds required for construction at

Ararat Home's Mission Hills complex has become an institution in its own right, where, on

Fundraising for the new facility at Rockhaven already underway. According to Bob Sharnlian,

donors such as Kirk Kerkorian's Lincy

Rockhaven'

-Asbed Poghari#

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NOTEBOOK

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Noul Lanilinu: A lllew Ainpont Zvartnots Gets the Promise of a Facelift BY ASHOT GAREGINIAI{ I YEREVAN

nyone who has visited Armenia will be familiar with Zvartnots airport. The drab, rundown interior offers a poor advertisement for the country and bears little resemblance to standards of service and comfort found at international airports across the world. Even if they are only passing through, tourists and investors expect more. Now they are being promised a new-look for Zvartnots as part of a $50 million management deal. A company owned by Argentine-Armenian 18

is taking over the airport, about 15km outside Yerevan, for 30 years. Eumekian signed the agreement

billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian

with Armenia's Prime Minister Andranik Markarian in a ceremony at President Robert Kocharian's official residence in Yerevan on December 1.7. "Our goal is not only to construct a good airport but also to ensure high quality services there," Eumekian said. "The state is not the best owner: the execAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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utive power should not run business but should create the conditions for normal economic activities," Kocharian said. Under the terms of the contract, Eumekian's company, Aeropuertos Argentina, will invest some $50 million over the next five years to bring facilities at Zvartnots up to intemational standards. The airport remains State-owned but will be managed bythe private company, which will recoup its investment from expected profits.

The airport's distinctive circular passenger terminal, built in 1981, will be modernized. Improved rest, entertainment and shopping areas for passengers are planned. The runway will be upgraded, other airline services improved, and a cargo terminal opened only two years ago will be redesigned to improve its working capabilities. "At fi-rst we planned to build a completely new airport: the present building is interesting and maybe fine, but not useful as a real business

object," said Roberto Belloni, pres-

ident of the Italian company Societi Ezerdzi Aeroportuali and a partner in the operation.

"But we abandoned that idea because it was too difficult. Nonetheless, we aspire to introduce a European model of airport operations - the airport must be a real city by itself, not just a placn, for arrivals and departures." The bulk of the work is expected to be complete by 2005. Armenia's Minister of Justice, David Harutiunian said total investmentbythe Argentine companycould top $80 million by 2020. An estimated 550,000 passengers pass through Zvartnots annually at present, well below its potential capacity and half the number that used the airport a decade ago. The company's business plan predicts that passenger flow will increase by five percent a year. It expects Zvartnots to become profitable by 2013.

The Armenian Government currently subsidizes the airport, which loses between $4 and $6 million on its operations. The subsidies are expected to be phased out as part

of the agreement.

Brinling Zyartnots up to scratch is

tough task but Eurnekian certainly doesn't flinch from a challenge. Aeropuertos Argentina took over the management of 33 airports in Argentina, handling 95 percent of the country's passenger traffic, in a landmark privati-

Eurnekian is certain that Armenia will

sation in 1997.

It has built four new airports in Argentina in the past four years and is committed to investing a massive $2.2 billion over the 30year life of the contract. Eurnekian recently estimated that his organization invested $500

million in 2001 alone. Both Armenia's Government and busi ness leaders hope his expertise can be brought to bear in reviving Zvartnots' fortunes. They know that improved airport facil-

ities are critical to drawing in foreigr invest-

ment and boosting Armenia's hopes of becoming a center for tourism. "Undoubtedly, this is one of the most sig-

nificant investment projects in our country" said Gnel Mailian, head of the foreign investments department of the Ministry of Industry and Tiade.

Eurnekian is promising to use local labor and companies for as much of the airport work as possible, saying: "Let money come to Armenia and not leave it." Zvartnots itseH employs around 1,000 people. Vardan Vardanian, deputy head of administration, predicted this number could grow once the reconstruction of the airport is complete. Eurnekian went ahead with the agreement despite the impact of the September 11

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

terrorist attacks in New York and Argentina's own economic crisis. "Unfortunately, the terror attacks negatively influenced the air-services market too. But I believe that difficulties are not insuperable. We are always ready for dialogue with business circles," he said.

2OO2

gradually become the regional transit center for air communications. Zvartnots is geographically located at the crossroads of the shortest air routes between Europe and Asia. It provides air traffrc control to six major international air routes passing over Armenia, with 15,000 flights annually.

It also has the longest runway in the region. This offen the prospect of being able to handle all types of modem commercial aircraft, putting it at an advantage over 75 percent of airports in Russia, Ukraine and Crntral Asia. The availability of a modern major cargo facility capable of handling an annual throughput of over L00,000 tons places Zvartnots second only to Moscow's Sheremetevo Airport for major airfreight capability in the western part of the Commonwealth of Independent States. But it is heavily under-used at present, handlingjust 14,000 tons last year. Formal control of Zvartnots is set to pass to Aeroptuertos Argentinas in April. The company must present the Government with its plan of action for raising standards of service at the airport within six

months. !

-Additional reporting by Haykaz Baghian and Narine Khachatrian

with 1994's Exotica ranked flfth in the survey carried out by Playback, a trade publication.

Venezuela new memorial to the 1.5 million victims of the Genocide has been inaugurated in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Bishop Gomidas Ohanian, the Spiritual Dean of the Armenian C-ommunity of Venezuel4blessed the monument at the opening ceremony on December 16, attended by the Mayor of Caracas.Chackao region, kopoldo I-opez, as well as spiritual leaden, govemmentofficials and representatives of the diplomatic corp.

A Pontiflcal Message was read out from Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, who had presided over the ground-breaking ceremony at the site during his visit to Venezuela in November 2000.

The Armenian community in Venezuela to support from two prominent local members, Marco Dsaghigian and Michel Gogigian.

was able to construct the memorial thanks

Armenia

A branch of the Dante Aligneri Association A*,r. opened in Yerevan t6 promote Italian language and culture. The association will have

teaching facilities

at the

Yerevan Foreign

Languages University and is an initiative of the university and the Italian embassy in Armenia.

The aim is to promote closer ArmenianItalian cooperation in teacher training and exchange of students. Suren Zolian, Rectorof the

univenity said: "It is the first center in Armenia for studying the Italian language and culture."

The Italian Ambassador to Armenia, Paolo Andrea Trabalza, attended the opening of an Italian language classroom at the university, named after his grandfather Cigo, a teacher and philologist.

Switzerland

The

Govemment of the Geneva Republic and Cunton officially recogrized the Genocide of 1915 in a statement issued December 10. The declaration signed by all members of the government stated: "Geneva wants last-

ing peace to be established between the Armenian and Turkish peoples, which cannot be based on the concealment of facts of

history something that largely damages the development of relationships between the Armenians and Turks." It urged modem Turkey to follow "the

example

Germany"

admitting past

crimes and building up "peaceful relations based on historical truth."

eran Koligian (pic'tured), the fint Armenian-

Ganada

American elected

tom Egoyan is Canada's most popular filmmaker, according to a new poll. The director's 1997 movie The Sweet Hereafter was named the best Canadian fllm of the past 15 years in the survey of professionals working in the countryS film and television industry. The Canadian-Armenian was the only director to have two films listed in the top ten, AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

United States

2OO2

public office in

Fresno County, California, has died aged74. Koligian, who died December 11 after a twoyear struggle with cancer, lived his whole life on his family's original ALacre homestead. After military service in the Philippines in World War Two, he attended Fresno State before retuming to the familyfarm.

He sat on local school boards for many years and was elected to the county Board of Supervisors for the first time in 1982, secur-

The two leaders of the partitioned island met

since the invasion, and action to allow 200,000 refugees to retum to their homes.

ffingthe island"whichhave longbeen deadlocked. Tirrkey, which backs Denktash, has about 35,000 troops stationed in the northern third of the island. The Thrkish Cypriot leader had refused to meet Clerides or retum to the negotiating table until the occupied territory received international recognition as a state. He had also demanded an end to Clprus' en!ry negotiations with the European Union.

The dinner followed Clerides' ov*n trip to northem C.lprus on December 5 after an agree-

uiticism of Twkish threats to annex the north

ment to resume the lJN-sponsored talls on reuni-

Qprus joins the union

at the C.lpriot President's home in Nicosia on December 29, ahead of reunification talk planned for January 16. Denktash's visit sparked protests (pictured)

from Greek Clpriots demanding information on 1,600 Greek Clpriots missing in the north

But Denktash backed down following strong

ting his place in county history as the first Armenian-American supervisor. He won flve terms in all, rarely facing a challenger, and had planned to retire at the end of his term next December.

A champion of farmers' rights, Koligian was a staunch opponent of urban development on agricultural land. Described

plain-speaking and down-to-earth, he was highly regarded for his dedication to serving the needs of his West Fresno County constituents, more than 50 percent of whom were Hispanic. Despite his illness, he never missed a board meeting, even calling county workers on the day of his death. A master of pavement politics, Koligian spent much of his time driving around his dis-

trict in his pickup, talking with voters and dealing with their problems. He was named Agriculturist of the Year

by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of C-ommerce last year. The City of Fresno named a park after Koligian in northwest Fresno. Koligran leaves his wife of 51 years, Mimi,

daughter Debbie Poochigian, sons Keith and Wayne, and nine grandchildren. Debbie is married to State Senator Chuck Poochigian.

France

Fl resident Jacoues Chirac has named Henri l-c*ry as Fiancei new Ambassador to Armenia. The 55-year-old diplomat previously served at the French embassies in Mosmw, Rome, and the Vatican.

furkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash I traveled into the Greek Cypriot-controlled part of Cyprus for the first time since the1[74 Thrkish invasion, for an official dinner with President Glafcos Clerides.

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expected next

year.

Rock ol AUE$ A Monument to Memory in Granite City TEXT BY HEATHER COLE I PHOTOS BY DENT.IIS CALDWELL

I CHICAGO

ranite City is a small but sprawling southem Illinois town of frame houses, fields, silos and steel plant smokestacks. neat red brick church with a taditional Armenian ste4le irs perded on the edge of a field The town near the Mississippi River also is newly home to a 4,000-pound, 10-foot high granite monument with a cross engraved on

it. The

monument bears the words, in

Armenian, of poet Bayrouyr Sevag: "We are few, but they call us Armenians." The cross was erected in front ofthe church in commemoration of the 85th annivenary of the Genocide, but the words could honor the community here as well. While some of the Armenians who arrived here from the 189G to the 1950s to work at Granite City Steel still remain, many of their children have left town, for college and benerjob6. There are no longer enough Armenians to support the Armenian clubs, coffeehouses and restaurants that once served the mmmunity Only the church, St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian

Apmtolic Church, and its sister oommunity center remain. They, however, are thriving. The church came late, started in 1954 n a small white A-frame building with outdoor plumbing. The brick church building, the pride of the congregation, was built in 197. Those who still live in the town are the core group of Armenians who fint established the church, said Steve Hogopian, parish council president.

The building is a testament to the words

of writer William Saroyan, who said that if there are two Armenians left in the world, they'll create another Armenia somewhere, Rev. Vartan Kassabian said in his sermon, given in both Armenian and English, during the Genocide memorial service. "Look what we've done, here in a litfle town in southem Illinois that no one's even heard Kassabian said "[.ook what we've done."

of,"

Kassabian, a Rhode Island transplant with an Eastern accent that vanishes when he gives

a seflnon, brags that his parishioners

are

mostly professionals: doctors, lawyers, engi-

neers. They represent about 100 of the approximately 200 Armenian families in the St. Louis area.

Kassabian also says that his congregation travels from the far ends of the St. Louis area to attend services. Some have a drive of 30 or more miles one way. The older parishioners, the ones that still live in Granite City, arrived fint for the Genocide memorial service at the red brick church with the traditional Armenian steeple.

Octogenarians Mary and Buck Haroian arrived well before the 7 pm service. Even though Mary has been playing the organ at St. Gregory the Illuminator for 47 years, she's taking no chances, and comes early to prepare. While she settled in behind the organ, Buck made his stooped way to light a candle at the back of the church as others gradually filtered in. AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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A total of about 50 people attended the memorial service. Some of the older memben of the congregation stayed away because they find it too dfficult remembering the Genocide, said parishioner Isabelle Vartan.

The congregation sings in both Armenian and English, a fact that doesn't sit well with some parishioners. Kassabian said: "The older ones say, 'Don't use English. You'll ruin it'." The younger church members came only a few minutes before the service started, their timing reflecting their drives from the far-flung suburbs of St. Louis, across the Mississippi River. The people here are like one big family, Vartan said, adding: "It's a small communiry as compared with other cities, but it's a nice

community." Members of the congregation come from all areas of the globe, Vartan said. Many originally came from Baku, and she points out Daniel Garabedian, from Beirut, lrbanon, who has been attending the church for 30 yean.

Vartan's father was already in America when the Genocide and World War I started, but her mother and older sister had to make

their way from Turkey to Baku where

uncle would help them, she said. "My mother was worried they'd kill my sister," Vartan said. "There was a Turk who

wanted to marry her. They left (Turkey) in the middle of the night and were hiding in a wheat field. Every Armenian family has a story like that." One of the oldest members of this Armenian

community, 95-yearold Mentouhi Ohanesian, has a story that is both that of "every Armenian family" and of many of the Armenian families

livingin Granite City. Ohanesian was "evacuated" during the Genocide with her mother and sisters and brothers when she was nine. Only three of the children, Ohanesian and two of her brothers, survived a march across the Syrian desert. Ohanesian wended her way to Granite

City over the course of 30 years. After escaping the Genocide, she flrst lived, married and had children in Marseilles, France. She came to Granite City only after her first husband died in World War II. Her second husband, Armenian-American Garabed Ohanesian, brought her and her children to America. They all came to Granite City because Garabed had a brother here who told them there were jobs to be had for people with little English. Most of the Armenians who flrst settled here heard by word of mouth and by letter about those jobs, but they wanted more

for their children, said Manny Ohanesian, Mentouhi's son. "They made sure their children were educated, and went to school, so they could become better than they were," Manny said. A letter in the book published when the new church building was finished coincides with Ohanesian's description. The writer describes the professions of her three sons: one is a computer expert and an electrician, another is an industrial engineer, and the third is an

aeronautical engineer.

The book, with about 50 pages of history

in the form of photographs and over 100 of advertising and messages from members of

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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the community and elsewhere, gives evi dence of a community that endures, even prospers, on loyalty. Over 180 families, most with last names ending in "ian" are listed as donors for the construction of the church. An Armenian-American family from East Walpole, Massachusetts said the building of the church illustrates the community's strength. They wrote: "May the strength and fabric of your community, exhibited in constructing and preserving the Armenian Church, be an example to all Armenians that our numbers as a people set no limits on what we can achieve."

Commercial enterprises like restaurants to Armenians may be gone from Granite Ciry but other organizations continue. There is still an Armenian School, the catering

Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Youth Foundation, and groups connected with the church, such as the Ladies Guild and the Mr and Mn Club for young couples in the church. The church is proof of how the ArmenianAmericans of Granite City, Illinois, have settled the score of the Genocide, Kassabian said in his sermon.

"We got our revenge already," Kassabian told the congregation. "We're standing in it."

Gouen Stor.y

BlnillnU Note$ Armenian Music Hits a Popular Vein Armenian music and musicians are flourishing os never before, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success along the way. Whether topping the album charts, earning an Anoush award, or winning rave reviews, Armenians are raising the profile of their culture and their homeland in the international arena. In Armenia too, despite the dfficulties, the importance of music to the national soul is being ffirmed, whether in a revitalized Opera House or in the remarkable rebirth of choral and orchestral performance in earth-

quake-ravaged Gumri. In this month's Cover Story, AIM celebrates the achievements of some of today's Armenians in music. Finally, Armenian mwici.ans are managing to put Armenians and Armenian issues on the public stage in a way that direct political work doesn't or can't. Singers and musicians, subtle and non-threatening, are

singing Genocide and Armenin before audiences numbering thousands And people are listening.

the

And tllc Wrnner Is... The Anoush Celebrates

Musical Renaissance

BYASBED POGHARIAN I LOSANGELES

f I

he air is laden with excitement as a procession of elegantly

dressed men and women walk up the red carpet, pass a pair of TV journalists reporting live in both Armenian and English and make their way inside the majestic Alex Theater.

The annual Armenian Music Awards, just four years old, has quickly become an Event. This year's ceremony, glitzy and stylish, brought the great and the good of Armenian music to the theater in Glendale, Califomia, on November 16. First begun in 1998 by Peter Bahlawanian, 31, and Deborah Yamrajian,33, the Awards show impresses even the most hardened skeptic. Backed by a production team of over 50 people, the duo has achieved a level of profesionalism in presentation that few Armenian events have ever matched. This undoubtedly has become the venue to celebrate and promote Armenian music worldwide. The idea of starting a Grammy-style award for Armenian music came to Bahlawanian years ago while he lived in his native Montreal. The son of Pe-Ko Records producer, Koko Bahlawanian, (Pe-Ko stands for Peter-Koko), music had been an integral part of Peter's life. "When I was growing up, I felt there was something missing in our music industry namely recognition of the artists who were creating and re-establishing our iden-

The result of months of preparation and hard work, the Fourth Armenian Music Awards had many improvements over its predecessors - the production budget was over $130,000 compared to $50,000 for the first show. The sold-out, five-hour presentation fea-

twed high qualig entertainment and the talents of a witty presenter, Kev Orkian.

vital in mak-

Switching back and forth between Armenian and his native London English, Orkian enchanted the audience with his Armenian jokes, goofs and humorous piano acts (though less of his bathroom humor would have done just as flne). An accomplished pianist, Orkian also thrilled the audience with renditions of such diverse pieces as Aram Khachaturian's Saber Dance and the theme music of Love Storv. The show opened with a dance performance by the Synthesis Dance Studio to the music of Ara Gevorkian. A succesion of acts followed, rangng from Vatche Mankerian on the piano, who played his beautiful arrangement of a Komitas medley, to Armine Simonyan on the duduk, who gave the traditionally male instrument a refreshing female touch. There were per-

too from the Armenian Jazz Band of Yerevan, the kitchen pantapping Arto

formances

Tuncboyacian,

The idea was so appealing that Bahlawanian moved to [.os Angeles to achieve his goal. There, he met Yazrnajian, an advertising and marketing specialist, with whom he formed

Armenians

is so

Academy Awards.

tities," he says.

the

Orkian provided the lightness that

ing a show of this length not only bearable, but enjoyable. He brought to the Music Awards what Billy Crystal brought to the

the

silky-voiced French-

Armenian newcomer Yerso, Gregg Kocar, who sang his song dedicated to September 11, "Keep Your Faith Alive," Heghine, Harut Hagopian, Samvel Yervinian on the violin, and Elon Saraflan and Zaven Grigorian, whose lively performance closed

Music and Film

Association (AL,ffiA) in 198, the non-profit organization behind the Music Awards.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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Goven Stony

the evening with a resounding bang. Winners in 28 categories were presented

with an Anoush Award (Yazmajian and Bahlawanian wanted the name to be easy to remember and sound good even to nonArmenians, represent something positive, and to represent a female). With so many envelopes being opened, anthrax jokes were inevitable. Best Male Vocalist winner Harut Hagopian thanked God for having been born an Armenian, Anoush Achievement Award

recipient, radio personality "Happy" Harry Hadikian (who died a few weeks after the event) - first person to start an Armenian Radio hour outside of Armenia, which lasted for 44 yean, up to his death - repeated his signature "don't touch that dial" line, and the dozen or so young members of the Demq Show, winnen of the Best TV Entertainment Show award, paraded to the stage and thanked their viewen for calling in and urging them "to stop producing such tasteless shows".

The show was broadcast live via satellite around the world, including, for the fint time in Armenia. "We do not have exact figures of how many people watched," says Bahlawanian, "however we got reports on people watching it in Australia, England, Irbanon, Egypt, Turkey, France, Armenia and Canada." Missing from the list of nominations was "Toxicity," the highly successful latest CD by the Los Angeles band System of a Down (see related story), whose four Armenian members have placed the Genocide issue in the forefront of their music. "The amount of work System has done in spreading awareness of the Genocide throughout the world is unsurpassed by any Armenian rock/heavy metal band," says Bahlawanian. For that reason, the band was awarded the Anoush Genocide Awareness Award. Also, Maria Armoudian, from California Senate Majority l,eader Richard G. Polanco's office, presented a recognition letter from the California State Senate to System of a Down "for breaking new musical grounds and for raising the world's awareness of Armenians and their contributions to new heights". Present at this year's event were past winners. One of those was Andy (Madadian), known as the "Prince of Persian Pop," who, together with singer Shani, was one of the presenting couples. "For a small nation like the Armenians, we are one of the most talented people of the world," said Andy, backstage. "I am so happy AMFA has started this event so that the world can be witness to my statement." One thing there was no shortage of was praise for the Music Awards. "This is very

0pposite Page:The Anoush Award. This page, top: London native Kev 0*ian bringing music and humol as the master 0l Geremonies. Center, left: Deborah Yazmaiian and Peler Bahlawanian, lounderc ol AMFA with Serj Tankian (center), lead singer ol System ol a Down. Center, right Singerc Shani and Andy presenting the Anoush in the Best lnternational Album category. Bottom:Alex Theater's marquee 0n Glendale's busy Brand Boulevard announces the Amenian Music Awards

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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wlNt{ERs 2001

"Zaltong" by Yeno

Best Modern Contemporary Album: Best

Best

Jaz Fusion Album:

Entertainment Show of the Year: Demq Show

"tountain llance" by

Amenian Jaz Band Best Pop Retro Album: "LoyG" by

l{une

Best Classical Album: "Complete

Wo*s ol Parcegh

Ganatchlan" by tumenian State Radio &

Itl

Ghamber Ghoir Best lnternational Album:

"Giorni" by Jon Uarto

Best Popular Album: "Asem Te

Ghmm"

by Aram

Assdyan The Michael Ganian Award:

Nominee Elon perlorming Sun and the Moon,which was nominated in lhe Best 0riginal Song category. Bottom, left, leftto right: Roupen Gaganian, Arpi Kochar and Rouben Kochar present the Michael Ganian Award Bottom, right: Demq, winnerc of Best TV Entertainment Show backstage.

Top:

impresive," said Vartan Pamoukian, known to his mostly non-Armenian fans as Jon Varto, whose CD 'oGiomi" won Best International

Album.

"It is a major

undertaking, nothing

short of the Grammys. I am so touched to be recognized by my fellow Armenians."

The sheer volume and quality of new music presented at the Music Awards points to nothing less than an Armenian musical renaissance. "The quality of Armenian music has improved drastically," says Yazmajian. "We are also seeing a lot of different genres. "Armenian musicians are striving to do the best in producing their CDs, because they know their work is appreciated and will be noticed by the people. And that's very exciting." Bahlawanian adds "In 1998, !)5 percent of all Armenian music sold was rabiz This year, that number has drastically dropped to 40peroent and ontinues to decline. There is a great sense of accomplistrment when we think the Music Awards might have played a small part in this majortransition of re-inventing ourmusic for the future."

The lfiLplus CDs nominated represented

are judged on the album and not on the artist.)

2000, AMFA has adopted a policy of keeping the names of its judges secret in orderto prevent manipulation by special interests. "We want to make sure there ment any pressures

tountaim"

says Bahlawanian.

With the Fourth Annual

-Photos courtesy of AMFA

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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by Yeghish lllanoukian

Best New World Fusion Album:

Dy Ara

"!(horuirab"

Gamttian Best Original Contemporary Album:

"Blaok & lilhite" by

Aram & Enma Petmian "lm Ayran Ganche" by lllargaret Shahinian

Best Traditional Album:

Best Dance Album:

'"IUih Friends' [y Grislm

Aghakhanian Best Compilation Album: "Songs

lor tfie ller Geftrrf'

Edga Gyaniumyan Best Children's Album: "Playground" by VaGo Best Album Cover: "Zartong" by Yerso Best Male Vocalist: Harut llagopian Dy

Best Female Vocalist: Best Original Song: Best Aural Tradition:

onourjudgesfrompeoplewhoknowtherq"

Music Awards behind it, AMFA has already set November 24, 2002 for number five. "We have already started work and plan to amaze even more people with new and exciting discoveries," says Bahlawanian. "Now that the Music Awards has become a tradition, the pressure is on, and we love it." r

"Echo ol tlm

Best Traditional lnstrumental Album:

only about half of the total submitted (entries Throughout the year, a committee of over 20 judges had screened well over 150 CDs produced throughout the world between August 2000 and August 2ffi1. To be a judge, one has to be involved in music, like a conductor, composet arrangel oitic, or producer (for the Music Mdeo category video or fllm director and for Album Cover, graphic desigrer or artist). Since

"Galauan" by lhroutioun

Amourian

Shrslnn Petosyan

"llayenik" by Sltrdmn Petsyan "Musioal Belics" by Hayrik

Itlouradian Best Newcomer: lrina Malkhassian Favorite Singer Voted by the People:

Tffi

"Adroun" by Sako. Director: l(oji TV Commercial ol the Year: Sako Goncert

Best Music Video: Best

Director:l(oji Anoush Achievement Award:

Hary tladikian

Lifetime Achievemenl Award: Gegam Anoush Recognition Award:

Grigorian

Jakline

Anoush Genocide Awareness Award:

ffiem

ol a

llom

Goven Stony

$cene Ghanues at tltc 0pena llouse Builders Thke Center Stage TEXT BY SUREN DEHERIAN I PHOTOS BY VAHRAM MKHITARIAN

I YEREVAN

I rmenia's national ooera and ballet theater llis about to get a $Z *ittion facelift to bring facilities for performers and audiences up to 21st Century standards. The State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet is closing its doors to allow reconstruction work to take place. The building has not been updated for nearly a quarter of a century. Work is due tobegin in March, butthe bidding process for the reconstruction contract does not start until January. Companies must present their proposals, including price and the

likely time the work will take, for consideration during a 6G.day review.

The gray building, which resembles a three-storied cake, was designed by architect Alexander Tamanian and opened in 1938. It dominates Opera Square, in central Yerevan, scene

huge demonstrations during

Armenia's independence struggle. Independence has been hard for the theatet however. Since the mllapseof theSovietUnion, the cash-strapped government has provided

very little fundingto maintainthe building.

The heating and air-mnditioning systems have not worked for 10 yean. The stage elevaton have also broken down, while waterpiping in the building no longer functions properly. As a result, the stage and backstage facilities for performers have badly deteriorated,

undermining morale and the quality of productions. Rehearsals take place in damp conditions that leave singers worrying about their vocal chords. In winter, when the theater season reaches its peak in most countries, it ends in Armenia because the temperature on stage drops to just 2ffC.

"In these conditions none of the soloists will agree to perform," says Suren Aghababian, the theater's deputy director, "as one performance in winter will lead to a lGday illnes." A fire that damaged part of the roof of the Opera House 12 months ago only added to the sense of an institution in decline - the

intention this time is to meet the best inter-

Artashes Tlrmanian. The high-level interest

national standards.

is an indication of the sipfficance of

economizedin the reconstruction of the building. I am speaking of a $2 million project," he says. "Everything will be renovated starting from toilet facilities to the sound and light equipment for the stage." The Lincy Fund, billionaire businesman Kirk Kerkorian's charitable organization, will

Opera House to Armenian cultural life. The reconstruction works were originally planned to start early in 2ffi1. But they were postponed because the Opera House was needed as a venue for celebrations and concerts connected with the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Clristianity as Armenia's

"Nothing

foot the bill.

is going to be

It has set up a Reconstruction

Prograrn Implementation Office totake charge of the process.

upper walls of the building are still blackened from the effects of the blaze.

It will finish the restoration of the roof, started by the Government immediately

The last program of renovation took

after the fire and 80 percent completed. State oversight of the whole project has been placed under the authority of the head of President Robert Kocharian's office,

in l977,when the best materials and technology then available in the Soviet

place

Union were installed. Aghababian says the

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

the

state religion. Aghababian believes the work is likely to take at least a year to complete. During this period, the

State Opera Company will be homeless and unable to perfornL although effors are being made toprovide it with an altemative venue. A separate concert hallin the building used by the Armenian Philhamronic Orchestq will continue tofunctionfornow. Itis due to be renovated at a later stage of the

project.

Gouen $tony

PlayinU lhe $ystem Down Goes Up with the Music and the Message BY ASBED POGHARIAN

I LOS ANGELES

!heir music has been branded "Political I Metal" and "Nu-Metal," "Progressive

Best," and SPIN Magazine's "Album of the Year". One of their songs, Chop Suey! has

Rock" and "Armenian Rock." Their second CD, Toxicity, which debuted at the Number One spot in early September, has gone platinum-plus with sales of over 1.6

just been nominated for a Grammy Award. All this from a relatively young Los Angeles band on a meteoric rise to stardom: System of a Down.

million so far. The album has made numerous "2001. Top Ten" lists, including Time Magazine's "Best of 2ffi1", Rolling Srone's "Rest of the

System, however, is not your usual crew.

Even the names of its memben

Daron

Malakian, 24, Shavo Odadjian, 26, Serj Timkian, 33, John Dolmayan, 27 donl readily fit the

t 1

{!I xi

! I l

: d

I m

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

"hot American band." Only one of them, Malakian, was bom in the US. Odadjian originates from Armenia and Thnkian and

image of a

Dolmayan were born in lrbanon.

attended Armenian schools

All four Tankian,

Odadjian and Malakian were at the Rose and Alex Pilibos School in Hollywood. Formed in 1994 by Malakian and Thnkian, System of a Down - the unusual name is from a poem Victims of a Down written by

Gouen Stony

Malakian

garnered a devoted following

gation, now you're out, go) and life (Life is a waterfall / We drink from the river / Then we turn around and put up our walls.)

right from the start. During its fint muple of years, the group packed Los Angeles clubs with thousands of fans, pretty impressive for a yet unsigred band.

Yet another layer of System's unusual qual-

ities is its ability to meld the characteristic

Even before the marketing mechanisms of radio and TV kicked in, System was already an

stormy rage associated with the sound of heavy metal with classic rock, thanks to the talents of its youngest member, Malakian, who is credited with writing most of the music. "Daron has a sense of melody and harmony that's really unique - he's so much more musical than other people who make heavy music," said producer Rubin to the Los Angeles WeeHy. Malakian's wathful thunders are abrupfly disarmed by a haunting melodic calmness. It's that furious thundercommonly associated with metal music that, in some circles, has given System a "metal" image (its Grammy nomina-

underground force waiting to explode. That "explosion" came lr:,1997,when leg-

endary producer Rick Rubin, founder of American Recordings, with credits that include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Slayer and Public Enemy, visited one of System's performances and was taken aback by the raw energy he found there. "It sounded so unusual," remembers

Rubin, "Serj was doing these

strange

Armenian dances. They weren't like any other band I'd ever seen." A year later, Rubin produced System's debut album, called System of a Down. One of the tracks, Sugar,became a radio hit and System's name soon spread beyond the confines of the L,os Angeles club scene. The band had arrived. Today, that album, too, has achieved platinum sales. But what really makes the bank stand out is its audacity. A track on their first album is called PLU.C.K. - short for Politically Lying Unholy, Cowardly Killen - and it protests the Tirkish Govemmentb denial of the Armenian Genocide.

"To me, the Armenian Genocide is personal," Thnkian told the Los Angeles Times. "It's about grandparents and things like that."

In an interview with Modern Drurnmer, Dotnayan stated: "ff you're Jewish and the Holocaust was denied yoq you'd be upset. Our Genocide did occur at the hands of the and the world doesnt acknowledge it."

Tirla,

The band's reach and the singers'willing-

nes to take on this dfficult, unfamiliarpolitical issue has brougbt the Genocide to new audiences. Not shying away from their heritage is one thing. Not chaneing their unusual Armenian names for an industry that expects some predictability is another. But constantly referring to the Genocide in their music and interviews is something else again. The Genocide issue is brought up in almost any write-up about System, whether it is in

Time Out New York, Modern Drummer, SPIN.com, or the Los Angeles Times. Ayear

ago, the band staged "Souls - A Beneflt Concert for Recogrition of the Armenian Genocide to Stop Crimes Against Humanity"

and raised $20,000 for the Armenian National Committee of America. The band's website (www.systemofadown.com) features a letter from the four in support of Genocide recogmtion, video clips from the beneflt concert,

tion was in the category of "Best Metal among others, as well as links about information on the Genocide. Also, inthe video shown on MTV for the song Chop Suey!, a large Armenian tricolor is prominently waved in the background behind the band.

The question whether System is

ooArmenian" band

simply

band of

Armenians has often been raised. That's a complex question and perhap an irrelevant one. It is certain that had the band members not been

of Armenian origin, System of a Down would not have existed. However, what is more important here - and admirable - about these young musicians is their determination to remain true to who they are in creating their music and resisting pressure to conform - prevalent in so much of today's youth culture. By tapping into a source of experiences mmt of their co-rocken lack, the members of System have created a distinct voice of their onar And that has made all the ffierence. This'Amrenian-

Performance"). However, System's palette is broad. Its unusually short tracks contain concentrated features of a wide variety of music that 'metal'doesnt begin to describe, with elements of Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, the Beatles, intemational and Armenian tunes jumping out at the listener all the time. Systemb ?J0ZTotx will mver all comen of the globe, starting in New Zealand and Australia inJanuarytoltaly, Germany, England and other European cities, Canada and back to the US. A detailed listing of cities is on its website. All this would be more than reason enough to make a band stand out in the oowded world of music. System has one more reason - in the

depth of Sptemb songs. lvlalakian e4plairs: "We like to be a thinking-manb goup."

of lead singer/lyricist Serj Tankian (www.serjicalstrike.mm). Tankian's magretic voice and style is so unusual, it grows on the listener, creating a need to listen to it over and over again. His abrupt jumps from one end of the scale tothe other, combined with his rolled Rs, only add to his appeal. Finally, to put the seal of 'Armenian' on Sptern, there is a sampling at the very end of Toxicity that leaves no room for doubt. It is a short piece that is supposed to be part ofthe last track,Aerials,but has nothing in common with

prodrrced under Rubin's American

iL In fact, it has nothing in common with the rest

ness,' however, is not the only reason for their dis-

tinctivenes. Another important reason is the

Toxicity

Recordings label and distributed by C-olumbia, a division of Sony Music - tackles a variety of complex issues, from the existential to foreign policy. One song takes on US drug policy: Drugs are now your global policy, / Now you police the globe. i Drug money is used to rig elections, / And train brutal corporate sponsored / Dictators around the world Another tackles drug abuse: I'm just sitting in my room / With a needle in my hand / Justwaitingfor the tomb / Of some old dying man. And science (Science has failed our

Mother Earth,) education (Education, subjuAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

person

of the CD. Or has it?

It is a soultul duduk

melody, sounding like an exile of sorts amongst the rock sounds of the CD, as if forcibly brought there from a distant land. It floats in the air for

a few seconds, pouring its heart out, then is joined by voices and other inskuments. The tune gradually changes into

- of all the Armenian liturgical chant, Ter Voghormia (Lord have mercy), with the

things

band memben humming along. Is that System stripped to its core? It makes you think - and that's exactly what r System of a Down expects of its fans.

Goven $tony

$onu[inds $inginU Lark Conservatory Prepares the Next Generation BY MELINEH SAROYAII

I LOS ANGELES

ilear the steps of the t-ark Conservatorys lI.nt -." inbbndale, Califomia, a series of notescan be heard quicklyfollowingeach other on the scale. They can be heard tkough the

door and

fill the

hallway.

happily chaotic

string of tones dance in the air when, suddenly, a door is flung open, and mid-scale, sol-la-tido e4plode with a sforzando. A dozen hds crowd

the narrow hallway of the school during recess, making it difficult to get to the front office. l-ark was established in 1991 by musician and

choir, dance and percussion, and numerous other subjects, Lark provides an intellectually challenging environment for those between the ages of six and 20. "For years before the establishment of the school I had three of the best musicians in [,os Angeles teaching my children," says Barsoumian, "but the improvement was nothing compared to what I saw when the kids enrolled in the school. Suddenly there was healthy competition, and the change was dramatic."

sion,

lark

is an organized school. We have a

curriculum that includes musicianship, specialization and performance," says Barsoumian. Nune Kartalian, one of the founding faculty members who had also taught in Yerevan, compares l,ark's standards to the level of instruction in Armenia. "At Lark, we cover subjects that were taught at the college level in Yerevan. The discipline may not be the same, but the children leam a great deal here." Although the school has plenty of devout

conductorVatsche Barsoumian as a small musical organization with an adultchoir, the t^ark Chorus. As a father of five, Barsoumian also saw the need to provide a rich cultural and nurturing environment for the young generation. As a result, six

yea$ ago Banoumian, formed the Lark C-onservatory to start educating children in music

in an Armenian environment.

"Undoubtedly,

Armenian circle

I wanted to create an for the children," says

Barsoumian, "but more importantly, I wanted to educate them in music because music is not perverse, so the children are guaranteed a pure education." With strong classes in theory voice, piano,

Hermine Amirian, the parent of a longtime student of Lark, is ecstatic about the results. "My younger son loves the school, and he idolizes Barsoumian. I always tell Vatsche that I wish he had started this earlier, so that I

could have enrolled my older son as well." Anahit Halabi, one of Lark's resident soloists, adds, "Barsoumian has made the school a long-term solution for spurring talent in our children. Lark has become a new way of breathing our culture into our youth." But l,ark does more than that, and that is what makes it different. "Unlike many other musical venues that act as brokers between private instructors and students for commisAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

followers who have come to the aid of the organization on a volunteer basis, establishing and sustaining Lark has been an uphill battle for Barsoumian who is not just founder, but also artistic director, and for whom Lark has become his life.

Although the number of students at the Conservatory has grown dramatically, the space allocated to the school's operations is limited to 10 rooms. "The lack of space sometimes gets in the way of expansion. ffsomeone wants tJree consecutive private instruction classes on Saturday, our busiest day, we cant do it because there isnt enough private teaching space," says Mce Principal Takouhi Arzoumanian.

Gouen $tony

The adjacent Armenian Church of the Nazarene helps Lark's operations by providing cheap space. Still, the financial responsibilities are overwhelming. "As you can see, all considerations for tark revolve around the topic of money," says Barsoumian. The school has 160 registered students, who pay $110 tuition monthly. "That money barely pays for staff. I have a $3500 deficit every month. Each month I have the same worry: who to ask for money?" Despite the seemingly monumental finan-

cial difficulties, the future of

Lark

Conservatory is not grim. "There are many grants available," Barsoumain adrnits, "but I can't be artistic director and grant writer at the same time. Silva Manoogian, a

librarian and a

member of the Lark Chorus, is one such volunteer. "I'm constantly busy filling out applications for grants, writing the minutes of meetings, etc., but it's not enough."

the level of professionalism is indisputable during the performances of Lark's young musicians. The repertoire of the youth choir, the Rainbow Chorus, includes Bachh Salnt Matthew Passion and Mass in B Minor, Mozart's Requiem, and Hayden's Creation. Just as his faculty ascribes Lark's success to Barsoumian, the conductor points to the faculty. The conservatory boasts a highly educated group of 25 instructon, among them Artashes

Sinanyan, Victoria Symonian and Nune Kartalian, all three graduates of Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, and Karenn Chutjian, a gaduate of San Francisco Cmservatory.

"Working with the musicians from Armenia in my school is an unbelievable experience. I work them so hard, but they still come back for more. They are tireless."

Barsoumian's taste

in art direction

unique in the community, and sometimes con-

Professional singers from Los Angeles

joined Lark for some of these performances, and Barsoumian's chorus of amachoruses

teurs demonstrated its skills

mixing

smoothly with the trained vocalists. While acknowledging the professionalism with which l-ark and Banoumian tackle their performances, there are those who believe the Armenian community can't afford to put resources into teaching classical music, at the expense of Armenian music. Barsoumian believes the mmmunity cant afford not to. "I dont want ustostay uninformed about thevalue of classical musicn" Banoumian says. "Sure, eth-

nic music is great to hear, but

eventually

becomes entertainment. Bach and Mozart, though, have transcended ethnicity and that is what a healthy diet of music should entail." F{rair Kabakian, a physician and a passion-

ate supporter

of the arts, worked with

iit I ,

t!:,i ::'.::

Barsoumian has remained unpaid through the years. But he lives and breathes Lark. Kartalian says, "Vatsche is very knowledgeable and when he teaches a cantata, for instance, the kids leam everything there is to know about the historical and musical context surrounding it." The students of the conservatory are taught to think of musicnot as mere extra-curricular activity, but as possible higher educa-

tion and career goal. Barsoumian proudly reports that one of his students, Karine

Avakian, entered

the San Francisco

Conservatory and was placed two music theo-

classes ahead

of her peers, directly as a

result of her training at Lark. On stage also,

troversial. Other arts organizations are not as ambitious as Lark in mixing the realms of classical and Armenian music. This is also reflected in the dual meaning of the organization's nilme - 'lark' is a songbird in English and means 'strings' in Armenian. The 10th anniversary celebration of the Lark Musical Society consisted of L0 concerts. The first, "Visions of Saint Gregory" was an evening of Armenian sacred music in celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the acceptance of Christianity as a state religion. The last of the series, Mozart\ Requiem, was a free concert dedicated to the victims of the September LL

awarded the position of honorary profesor

fromtheKomitasConservatory. !

-Photos courtesy of Lark Musical Society -Melineh Saroyan is a lreelance writer and lives in Glendale, California

attacks.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

Barsoumian before the establishment of lark. Despite differences in their approach to the community's involvement in musical education, Kabakian still closely follows I-ark's activities and believes in Banoumian's strengths. "My overall outlook on Lark is very positive because I know what an accomplished musician Barsoumian is. Lark provides an indispensable service to our community." Evidently, colleagues in Armenia agree. Barsoumian was

2OO2

Gouen

$tony

Gumni'$ Glassic Reuiual A Music School, an Orchestra, a Choir - and a Hotel TEXT BY TONY HALPIN I PHOTOS BY MKHITAR KHACHATRIAN

i mid the rubble and the ruined lives of llcu-ri, tt IsUz Hotel complex looks as if it belongs to "a different world. That it exudes warmth and light in a city

Iong used to neither is unusual enough. That has become the hub for cultural revival is more remarkable still. The hotel is home - and benefactor - to a 65-voice choir, a 63-piece philharmonic, and a 30-strong National Instruments Orchestra.

In addition,

a music school provides

tuition

for 60 children - each is given an instrument to

I YEREVAN

take home for practice

and employment for

Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia, auditioned more than 250 singers and musi-

The orchestra was established five months Abcarian, a CypriotArmenian who moved to Gumri early last year at the invitation of the hotel's owners, a mysterious trio of brothen from Irbanon. It is the fint time the city has had an orchestra since the earthquake 13 years ago. For the

cians. The choir was established nine months ago, followed by the orchestra.

16 teachers.

ago by conductor Sebouh

each paid around $20 per month the project is a lifeline for body and spirit.

musicians

Abcarian, a former music teacher at the

ii, "i: :* Fuflla

"Some'of them played in orchestras before the earthquake and it has been very hard to survive here as a musician since then," Abcarian says.

told them all

blessing for them."

lsUa

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

am going to choose

from you and you will play and sing and eam money'. They were so glad, it was really a

Goven Stony

The orchestra and choir each practise three times a week at the hotel. They perform reguIarly in Gumri and visit surrounding villages,

where astonished inhabitants hear classical music for the fint time in 13 years. "To see the reactions on their faces is incredible, they have not seen an orchestra performing for so long," says Abcarian. All of this costs about $3,000 a month.

But the hotelh executive director, Boris Hakobian, gives little away about the brothers who have made it all possible. He refuses to give their names or explain what busines theyare involved in. The brothers-they

are Harout, Shahe, and Nar Khatchadourian visit regularly but dont want publicity.

fortune to most inhabitants of Gumri. Hakobian is cagey also about occupancy rates, saying only that the owners of the hotel were interested in helping the city "not in personal income". The IsUz employs 75 people directly, in the hotel and associated pizza restaurant, flower shop, beauty salon, and art gallery. The music school - named Kohar after the brothers' mother - was opened at the same time and is also supported by the hotel. There are practice suites with pianos, a harp,

- it became a profit to the nation. When one of our students becomes famous, we will feel that we have reached our goal." Back in the hotel, Abcarian is conducting the orchestra in reheanals of Khatchatourian's

and traditional Armenian instruments,

"They are very excited, it is the first time many of them have been out of Gumri for years," says Abcarian. "When I came here there was a lot of sadness psychologically. But when they started singing, with humor and spirit, they began to smile again. Now they will represent that face ! of Gumri to the world."

well as a small performance hall. Children audition for places at age seven

IsUz hotel two years ago," he says. It has 12

and the most talented spend seven yean there, receiving personal lessons from expert staff Again, Hakobian is reluctant to discuss

rooms, furnished to a high standard, and charges range from $60 to $100 per night - a

costs, but says: "When (composer) Aram Khatchatourian was studying, no one thought

"They invested $3 million to open the

AIM JANUARY PEBRUARY

2OO2

about costs

Masquerade and Noctume. The playing is lively, full of feeling, as if the musicians pour all of their worldly cares into their instruments. The choir is preparingfor its first foreigr tour

early in 2002, performing in Greece, Clprus, Erypt, lrbanon, and Syna. All 65 memberswill go, paid for by the Khatchadourian family.

Gouen Stony

PerlonminU on a Enand $cale New Piano Contest Adds an Armenian Flavor BY KRISTEI{ KIDD I LOS ANGELES

f I

he Rachmaninoff Intemational Piano Com-

petition and Festival

- it sounds impres-

sive even to the most uninformed music lovers, but for piano aficionados it is music to the ears.

There are more than 300 international piano competitions in the world, but surprisingly until now none bearing the name of the famous Russian @mposer. Add the possibility that the First Ladies of the United States and Russia may attend the upcoming festival, and the excitement builds even further. This fi$t of what is planned to bemme a quadrennial competition promises to stand out because of its unique partnenhip between US and Russian musicians. Nearly 200 memben of the highly acclaimed Moscow Radio Orchestra and the State Capella Choir of St. Petenburg willtravelto Southem California totake part in the competition and festival that honors the works of the late Russian hero. "Also, it is the only competition outside Russia to receive the official endorsement and support of the Russian Ministry of Culture," explains event founder Armen Ter-Thtevosian. The prestige of such competitions depends largely on the caliber of the jurists, or judges, involved. An impressive list of 13 intemationally known pianists, two of whom are

Armenian (Lucy Ishkanian and head of Komitas Cnnservatory Armen Smbatian), will judge the competition. One of the best known on the list is American Earl Wld who was the first pianist to perform a recital on television and has had the honor of performing for six US presidents. Others include Byron Janis,

Vladimir Ashkenazy, Piotr Paleczny and Nikolai Petrov. Also, two of the competiton are Armenian, and the festival that accompanies the competition will include a concert performancr led by an Armenian conductor, featuring Armenian classical music, giving the event a decidedly Armenian flavor. The challenge was to create a prestigious intemational event from the ground up - while at the same time highlighting Armenian music

and elevating its recogrition to the level of already established world greats. Six years ago that became Ter-Thtevosian's lofty goal. "I wanted to create a world<lass event on

a level with the Tchaikovsky Competition in

Uiolinist Seqei Khachatilan will perlom at the lestival at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Maeslro Durian'narc, and Armen Ter-Tatevosian. Above, right: Rehearcal ol the Moscow Radio Orchestra conceil program at a recoding studio in Moscow, which Maestro Durjan'narc will conduct in Hollywood 0n April 1. Above, left: Alexandre Rachmaninoff, lett, at lhe inaugura! receplion lor the Rachmaninotl lnternational Piano Gompetition and Festival, with Russian Minister ol Gulture Mikhail Shydkoi.

Top, left to right:

Moscow, the Chopin Competition in Wanaw, lreds Competition in England and the Van Cliburn Competition in Fod Worth, Texas," he says. Fortunately the former resident pianist and general manager of music programming for USSR State Radio and Television in the Republic of Armenia had the connections and know-how to get thejob done. After emigrating to t os Angeles in 194, TerThtevosian started Master Classes Intemational, a non-profit music education business, and the City of Pasadena with his plan. The Mayor and city Arts Director readily welthe

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY 2OO2

comed the idea and gave $25,000 in support They hope to host the event every four years. Mayor Bill Bogaard said, "I see this as an opportunity to add to Pasadena's prestige as a cultural center." Ter-Thtevosian's friend Alexandre Rach-

maninoff, grandson of Sergei, had signed on with a $30,000 contribution to be given to the competition's Grand Prize winner. And once the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation gave its support, top flight jurists and other sponsors began to fall in line. If there has been one sour note for Ter-

Gouep Stony

Thtevosian however, it has been the unenthusiastic reception from the Southern California Armenian community. "I am extremely disappointed with the lack of support," he admits. "This event is being planned on the grandest political and cultural scale, it's such an opportunity for Armenians but they just dont seem to undentand the value." Ter-Thtevosian had hoped to raise $250,000 from the local community toward the $2 million budget. He says he has sent out more than 300 mailers and penonally contacted every major charitable group and individual in the area, but has been turned down or ignored by most, Regardless, too much work has gone into the planning to turn back now. As they say in Hollywood, the show must go on. A total of 74 young pianists from 25 countries applied for acceptance in the competition scheduled to take place March Z2-Aprn 6. Jwists selected 31 of those including 22-year-old Margar Sedrakian from Yerevan and 28-year-

old Ruben

Meliksetian who studies in

Karlsruhe, Germany. Contestants will attempt to make it past the second stage and into the final round playtng a challenging selection of pieces from Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Beethoven and other masters of piano composition. Six finalists will perform an entile Concerto with the Moscow Radio Orchestra at the

Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

The

$30,000

Grand Prize also includes a future performance at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York Gty. While prize money and tours are nice, TerThtevosian wanted to do more than create another major piano competition. He hoped to use the event to showcase Armenian classical music and help focus an intemational spotlight on the underexposed works of Komitas. Ogan Durjan'narc, the former principal conductor of the Armenian Syrrphony Orchestra and later Artistic Director for the Radio and Television

Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Societyin Yerevan, agreed to help. Durjan'narc will mnduct the Moscow Radio Orchestra at a new venue in Hollywood on April 1 as part of the event's two-week festival. In fact, he will conduct the very

fint

sym-

phonic performance at the new 3,500-seat KodakTheatre in Hollywood, just a week after the glamorous Oscar Awards ceremony takes place at the same venue. Durjan'narc will lead the orchestra in a selection of Komitas pieces. "There are competiton from 13 countries and jurists from eight countries involved, but no other ethnicgroupwillhave this chance to highlight their nation's classical music. It's a great

honorto have the Russian orchestra performing Komitas in America," says Ter-Thtevosian. r -Photos courtesy of Armen Ter-Tatevosian

HadioWauG$ Stations Battle for Ear of Youth TEXT BY LUCINE ZEYTUiIIAI'I I PH0T0 BY GE0RGI GHMARIAN

I YEREVAN

lfoung people in Stepanakert

have found a new way of communication: A-plus Radio. If girls want to wake up their classmate Arthur, they call the radio station and ask the DJ to play something very loud. Or if a mother is locked out of her house,

she calls the radio station, asking them to announce that she doesn't have her keys and is waiting for her son Arkady to come straight home. This is how deep A-plus has gone into the lives of the youth in Karabakh. People now hardly imagine that only a year ago there was not a single radio station in Karabakh except

Armenian State Radio broadcast from Yerevan at certain hours.

But then A-plus put out a signal on the 98 MHz frequency and in the 12 months since it has built up a regular audience, "It was awfully difficult to open the station because there wasn't any precedent in Karabakh," says Samuel Mayilian, president of A-plus. "We didn't even have a frequency to broadcast on.

"But it was important to establish something that could fill the void Ieft in the souls of our youth after the war." Having started as just idle talk around a table, over beer, Mayilian and two of his

friends soon turned the idea of opening a

aim: to provide listeners with music, news and entertainment. TWenty-four hours a day, three DJh (including Gena, pictured) broadcast different kinds of music (mainly popular), various games and quizzes. Every two hours, there is a news report. "Our radio station is for the youth and we

are doing everything possible to keep it Boing," says the director of A-plus, Ashot Gasparian. "Ad time costs only 10,000

That's how simply it began. But keeping

Drams (about $18) for 500 minutes. So some businessman buy ads so that we can keep creeping along." A-plus also offers free ads to businesses that give them gifts for quiz winners. Even in Karabakh, it seems, advertising works - merchants report that business has improved in shops that advertise on the station. A-plus has now gained some competition.

the business going has been a slprggle. They knew from the beginning that it was never going to be a profitable undertaking but they were sure that it was going to be a success. Their conf,dence had its reasons. First, every teenager who came back to Karabakh

On October 1, a new station, Pace, began broadcasting music and occasional news reports. And, while A-plus is broadcast in Russian, Pace stresses the importance of communicating in Armenian. The president of Pace, Vahmm Tirmrazian,

from Yerevan talked enthusiastically about the radio stations broadcasting there.

to battle with A-plus for the loyalty of IGrabakfi youth. The new kid on the radioblockis onlya month old,but appearsto be

radio station into reality. All three had a technical education, knew how to work computers and were fond of music. So they placed all the necessary equipment (which they built) in a small room and, with permission from the govemment, started broadcasting.

Second, the new radio entrepreneurs considered the fact that most people in Karabakh couldnt afford to buy a tape recorder but could buy a radio. Since the beginning, A-plus had a definite

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

says he expects

gaining popularity among the 12-16 age group. And, while getting music they were previously denied, the youth ofStepanakert are also

learning a leson in free-market competition.

Gouen

$tony

Baynaftdanian Bnauura A Rising New Star of Opera TEXT BY ARA ARAKETIAN

I BOSTON

ment, considering her primary focus at the time was her studies in the demanding fleld of bio-

medical engineering

at the University of

Toronto.

Up until then singing was merely a hobby - she sang in her church choir every Sunday alongside her mother, Lalig. She still sings

my heart and it has always been a source of inspiration for me," she says. Bayrakadarian was bom rrrzatlf, lrbanon into a musical family. The family moved to

among concert presenten and opera companies throughout the world, and the public's as well as critics' enthusiasm for her is phenomenal. After

to try out at the Mehopolitan auditions.

She

promised to fax herhomeworkfrom NewYork. Much to her surprise, in spite of her academic stres, or maybe even because of it, she won. "I was more relaxed on the stage than other

competitors because I had my school projects

to worry about and singing was an outlet for me, a way to relax," she says. She went on to graduate with honon from the university in the same year.

Th" yourg'Canadian-Armenian soprano has just completed a highly succpssfirl recital tour performing in Vancouver, Bmton and New York at prestigious venues such as Camegie Hallb Weill recital hall. She appeared this January alongside Frederica Von Stade at the San Francisco Opera. And she is selectively accepting (and

declining) several other invitations from prominent opera houses around the world, while adjusting to the fast-track lifestyle of an opera star on the rise.

It aI began when Bayrakdarian was selected as one of 10 winners among some 2,000 participants in the annual Metropolitan Opera National Auditions n 19q7. No small achieve-

with lyrical agility and dramatic warmth".

But what propelled Bayrakdarian to fame and put her on the musical map was capturing the first pize at the important Placido Domingo "Operalia" competition in 2000, where judges included such opera luminaries as Marilyn Horne.

Canadawhen she was 14to give her an opportu-

These

patching coloratura" and the Los Angeles Times calld her "a supremely elegant singer

whenever she can, even when traveling abroad (once while in Germany, she sought an Armenian church in the nearest city and traveled hours by train to sing in the choir.) "Armenian sacred music is very close to

nity to punue her studies in science. She started takingformal singinglesonswhen shewas 19 "in order to improve". Then, in 197, Bayrakdarian took two weeks off from school in her senior year

are busy days for Isabel Bayrakdarian.

with I-OperaFrangaise de NewYork, Anthony Tommasini, chief music critic of the New York Times wrote of her "clear tone and deftly dis-

Encouraged by her audition win, Bayrakdarian "followed the signs" and made the decision to pursue a professional career in singng. Poigrantly, the transition happened on the very day she received her engineering degree: she sang Mozart's Alleluia at the convocation and was offered her fint contract to sing in the Glimmerglass Opera in upstate New York. Since then, she has appeared in major opera companies around the world, among them [a Scala of Milan, the Canadian Opera C-ompany and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, winning the hearts and praise of audiences and critics. A multitude of successes followed, including awards from the Marilyn Home Foundation, the 2000 konie Rysanek Award from the George London Foundation, and the Canada Council Award. Several important operatic debut appearances highlighted her great promise. In the role of Camille n HeroWb Zarnpa

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

There

is now

considerable excitement

her recent Boston recital, Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe praixd her voice's "distinctive timbre and character" and said: "A Vivaldi motet is the kind of music one associates with Cecilia Bartoli. Bayrakadarian did not suffer from the comparisoq her passagework over a wide range was fleet, accurate and ftrll-voiced." Bayrakdarian is charismatic. communicative and has an electrifying stage presence that exudes confldence. She also has one of the most powerful managers in the music busines; Ronald Wilford, president of Columbia

Artists Management, is personally directing her professional career. By most accounts, the soprano, still in her mid-twenties, has already found her voice and place in the music world.

In addition to her role as Valencienne in The MerryWidow at the San Francisco Oper in January 2002, Bayrakdarian will be performing as Cleopatra h Giulio Cesare luu.rth

the Canadian Opera Company in April, as the featured soloist in Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the Pittsburgh Symphony in May, at the Paris Opera (Bastille) in the role

of Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro n the 20fl2-20f3 season and in her Metropolitan debut in a new production in the 2m3-20M season.

There are recording projects in the works

as well, with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - a Spanish/South American project, a disc of Armenian Liturgical Music with conductor Raffi Armenian, and a third r project of operatic arias.

Gouen $tony

Music lon Memony Egoyan Searches for the Sound of Ararat TEXT BY LUSINE ZEYTUiIIAN I PHOTO BY KAREI.I MINASSIAiI IYEREVAN

"The movie I am making speaks about f, tom Egoyan calls his latest fllrn "a movie Ilwithin a movie". And underneath the the Armenian nation. And music plays a movie in a movie is a final element, music. It was the search for that element that brought Egoyan to Armenia in December to complete Arwd, a film that dmely linls the 41-yearold Chnadian-Armenian director to his rmb. The $15.5 million moyie is the film many Armenians have been waiting for Egoyan to make - it deals with the Genocide. Shot in Torontq where a setting of Van in 1915 was created, Ararat stars French-Armenian actor and singer Charles Amavour as a prâ&#x201A;Źsentday direc'torfilming amovie in Tlrkey about the Genocide.

Tling the past with the present is a fikn set Rffi (David Alpay), who is returning to Canada with the cans of film the director driver,

has used.

But he is stopped at the airport by

Canadian Customs inspector (Christopher Plummer) who doubts the driver has what he says on film. The drivertells him the storyof the movie and the Genocide.

great role in it," Egoyan says. "It's a story of Diasporan character but the music had to be from Armenia. I wanted to be as inclusive as possible, so I attached the spirit of Hayastan to it through music. "To give it a real Armenian soul we had to do some part of it on the Armenian soil." Music turned out to be that part. During interviews in Yerevan, Egoyan (who in 1998 was nominated for two Academy Awards for The Sweet Hereafter) said he had searched extensively in Canada for musicians who could create the sound he sought. Finally, he decided to bring his search to Armenia, where he found vocalists and instrumentalists whose work amply satisfied both Egoyan and composer Mychael

Danna. Working in a poorly heated, dimly-lit studio, Danna says he was amazed at the high standard of the Armenian musicians. "Being in Armenia and doing the recordAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

ing for Ararat was pretty magical," Danna says. "I not only did productive work, but also was watching how enthusiastic Atom is about all this.

have been working with him for 15 in

years and it's kind of interesting to see him

this environment."

Although three of Egoyan's previous

of Kin and Family Viewing) have Armenian themes, inevitably none has sparked Armenian interest as much as Ararat. The movie is planned to debut in spring at the Cannes Film Festival. It has already gained attention in Thrkey, which announced plans during Egoyanh visit to Yerevan to sue him for the film's portrayal of the Genocide. Egoyan said he does not take such threats films (Calendar, Next

seriously. In his movie the director stresses denial of the Genocide rather than the event itseH. After its premier Egopn hopes to take Arara (prcdlrrd by his long-time oollaborator Robert Lantos) to the Toronto Intemational Frlrn Festival, and then to bring the film to Armenia"

Goven $tony

Uanafion Callinu A Mix from Mkhitarian TEXT BY LAURENCE RITTER I PHOTO BY ARSINEH KHACHIKIAN

I YEREVAN

5 g I

There milv n()l hc a cilteg(rry lirl Gor I NIkhir,,rinn ' music. exce pt io siv thlt it is 'lJrc

a new sound tbr Armonia. combir.ration of jat.z, folk. ancl rock is l'caturcd on his solo debut CD. Yeraz, rccordecl in Armcnia and released late November (www.cdbaby.com). But Mkhitarian is bctter known in thc company of his Vanadzor band, Lav Eli. The CD is the result of a chance meeling

bctwecn Mkhitarian and producer Raffi Meneshian.

"When

Vanadzor-born musician. Thc labcls rcltsed and Ralli started his own label, Pomcgganatc. to produrc Mkhitarian's CD. "l did not want my songs, both those I have written and the arrangements of traditional Armenian songs, to be especially for

Armenian audience," Mkhitarian sa1,s. "However. here in Armenia, and in the Diaspora, I guess that there are not a lot of people ready for this music." Mkhitarian s music rnay remind some of lnnuenCeS. Simon )lmOn and anO Garfunkel. LiArIUnKel. One one OI ol'his nlS influences. but it also has heavy relcrences ol' the Davc an

first sang and played the guitar in front of Raffi. his hrst reaction was 'leth make a CD'." Mkhitarian says. "Then, the problem was to flnd a label. We rocorded some samples of the songs, and, back in Amedca. Raffi did his best to find a label." 3ti

But the t'ew labels Rafli visitcd to introduce Mkhitarian's music doubtcd whethcr therc rvas room in thc Armenian-American markct for a rccord lrom the 2S-1,car-old

A I \4

.IANUARt

nU*Un*" :*:

Matthcr,vs Band in the Uniled States. and, Mkhitarian'.s favorite, Led Zeppelin. And ol

coursc therc is thc Armenian inlluence o[ Rouben Hakverdian and Harout Bczjian. Mkhitarian sings in Armenian about univcrsal feelings and thoughts on a varicty of topics including a song about homophobia. He CD with Lav Eli, and hopes to organizc an international music festival for next summcr in Yerevan. "The idea is to gather here some bands. has plans already for anothcr

musicians and singcrs from any kind of music. from classical to rock," he says. "We alreacly have the Jazz festival in Yerevan. which showed the world that there are possibilitics for music development in this counlry

- rrll kinds

ol'music."

Parev Arev

Educational Placemats These placemats teach children, as well as adults, the

spelling and pronunciation of Armenian words. The set of four place-mats consists of the Armenian to English translation of words teaching, Colors, Animals, Fruits, and Vegetables. Set of four

$25.00

Children's Dominoes Encourage matching, counting and coordination, while stimulating the imagination. These charming 1.5' x 3" wooden pieces are hand painted with animals in a traditional Armenian style. As children learn to recognize the shapes, they also acquire an appreciation for the traditional Armenian '10 pieces in a colorful, custom made bag. illumination style.

$30.00

Game ol Stones This ancient game of stones comes in its own wooden box. lncludes a book of instructions for 8 different games. The hand painted traditional details will occupy childrens minds as they enjoy playing the games of their grandparents.

$25.00

Armenian Alphabet Puzle Assemble these random shapes by following the chart and learn how to form letters lrom the Armenian Alphabet. This collection of stained wooden pieces come in its own sack. Made in Armenia comes with 20 pieces and chart.

912.50

Building Blocks These beautifully handcrafted building blocks will provide hours of inspiration for the youngest child as well as the budding new architect. They are embellished with Armenian manuscript designs and traditional motils. A toy that can be passed on from generation to generation. lncludes'11 pieces in a custom-made bag.

$35.00

ffiffimffiry ln Armenian, adapted from their original English versions (24-32 pages each). Written By: Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenco lllustrated By: Helene Desputeaux & Michael Martchenco. Adapted By: Arpi & Asbed Panossian. For ages 3-10. Price $6.00 each $25.00 lor all 5 Above, left to right.

Angelayeen 0danavuh (Angela's Airplane)

o Hurchechneru Qayaranuh (The Fire Station) o Tookhteh Dobragov lshkhanuheen (The Paper Bag Princess) o Manishakaguyn, Ganach yevlegheen (Purple, Green, and Yellow) frchannera Khniuykuh (Birds' Banquet)

Armenian language book available in both Western and Eastern Armenian.

Pokrig Trchooneh (The Little Bird) Written by Aida Pogharaian lllustrated by Uatche Mavlian This book tells the story of a little girl named Lori who saves a bird from the claws of a cat, and therefore gets her wish of having a pet bird. 24 pages (For ages 4-9)

$8.00

A Weave ol Words: An Armenian Tale Written by Robeil D. San Souci lllustrated by Raul Golon tsBN# 053130056 '1998, Published in this hard-covered, 30-page book with beautiful illustrations, is a blending of a handful of Armenian folktales woven into a story of adventure, love, and wisdom. (For ages 6-9)

$17.00 2 Mayrer (2 Mommies) Childrens songs in Armenian with international rhythms. This wonderful collection of songs and poetry offers basics such as the Armenian alphabet, counting, days of the week, and parts of the body. Though targeted for preschool age

children, this CD offers a variety of fun for the whole family.

$15.00

The Gycle ol Life: Songs for the Soul Performed by Parik Nazarian Each of these songs is a

iErE

-I

Martiros Sarian was graced with the talent of discovering

Pyunic Note Gards

a simple artistic formula that epitomized his

!mffiffi

native land. This collection tures the vibrant color

postcards cap-

and enchanting settings

Sarian was devoted to.

Full-Golor Postcards 4.5 X 6'. Pack of 15 for $15.00

Unique cards featuring the artworks made by the disabled

children in Armeniaa during summer capmb at Lake Sevan. Portion of proceeds benefit Pyunic, the Association for the Disabled in Armenia. Six original designs 12 cards with envelopes.

Full-Golor Gards 4.5 X 6,5', (Six original designs in each pack) Pack of 12 for $10.00

Silk Medallion

Armenia: A Historical Atlas By Robert H. Hewsen

Maroon Bokhara

Jade Fars

Mouse Rugs The finest and most comfortable computer mouse surface available. Modeled on real hand-woven oriental carpets, this mousepad adds elegance to any workstation. Dimensions 7 125 x 10.25" $22.00 each or 3 for $60.00

The University of Chicago Press 0-226-33228-4 This 340-page ,11"x11", 10 lb. atlas covers every aspect of Armenian ancient and modern history. With a 25 page bibliography, a 20 page map index, and 278 full-color maps, this one-of-a-kind work covers all of Armenian and Caucasian history and geography from prehistoric times to the present day, with detailed economic, social, religious, linguistic and political maps of Armenia, the Caucasus and the Armenian Diaspora. This extensively detailed and informative piece of work took Hewsen, a professor of Russian and Byzantine history at Rowan University in New Jersey, 19 years to complete. This valuable gem of a gift will be appreciated for decades.

Three Apples Fell lrom Heaven By Michele Aharonian Marcom tsBN 1-57322-186-4 A series ol poem-like, lyrical chapters on the lives ol men, women and children trying to live through the horrors of 1915-1918 in 0ttoman Turkey.

$150.00 Shipping within the U$: $15.00

$24.00

Additional charges for Canada and lnternational orders still apply.

Forgotten Fire Adam Bagdasarian

tsBN 0-7894-2627-7 The hero, Vahan Kenderian, is the youngest son of a well{o-do and close knit family living in Turkey. When 12-year-old Vahans

uncle disappears, his father is taken away and two brothers are shot in the family garden, Vahans life is changed. A very accessible, yet intense, novel aimed at both children and adults. Winner of 13 awards.

$18.00

Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian

Antoine Agoudiian More than 150 black and white photos from 1989 to 1998 depict various moments of joy and pain in the lives of Armenians

moments in timd, peoples' expressions and beautiful landscapes. Deluxe Hard Cover Edition 184 pages.

$50.00 1999, Stone Garden Productions, Washington DC, ISBN 0-9672120-0-6

after the earthquake. Paperback

80 pages.

1999, Actes Sud, France, ISBN 2-7427-23161

Wall ol Sllence The Unspoken Fate of the Armenians Produced and directed by

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Gumri Marks 13 Years as a Disaster Zone The l-egacy of D isaster Still Scars Gumri It is now 13 years since the earthquake that shattered lives and buildings in Gumri. AIM marked the anniversary by sending a team of reporters to see how the people of Armenias second city

continue to live with the consequences.

TEXT BY SUREI{ DEHERIAiI PHOTOS BY MKHITAR KHACHATRAI.I IYEREVAN

al|

umd is

cold and frustrated as winter.

uffiH:"T,#ffi,""T3SIJ"iffi :,1 ties and wounds that have scarred for 13 yean. At 11.41 am on December 7th, 1988, only within a few seconds, more than 25,000 peo-

ple died in an earthquake that reshaped the face of Gumri and nearby Spitak. Gumri had been the second largest industrial city in the country and home to 211,000 people. Now it is the Number One disaster zone with a population shrunken by death and a steady flow of emigration among the living.

The disaster turned people's lives from providers to survivors. The former city of art and craft has turned into a town of jobless people and migration; it has the highest rate of unemployment in Armenia. According to Felix Pirumian, Governor of Shirak Region, which includes Gumri, the city's population now stands at 150,000. Ask the same question on the streets and people insist it is far less - the darkened apartment blocks at night, with just a handful of lights in each building, are offered as evidence. Official flgures put unemployment at 45 per cent, or 30,000 people out of a working

population of 65,000. Again, public opinion places it far higher. Many people in Gumri earn their living by means of trade, as most of the industry in this once-prosperous city was destroyed in the quake. Much of what was left could not survive the economic collapse that followed independence in 1991.

Gumri's three textile factories, which once employed 35,000 people, have been

*.t AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

closed since the quake. Pirumian says small-

scale production 2OO2

of thread has resumed at

Gonnections $pecial Bepont

one of the factories, providing work for 200. "We hope in the nearest future to double that and then double it again. The next step will be to reopen a textile factory - itb like a chain," he says.

The city's glass factory

the only one in

the republic - is also expected to begin operations again this year after being bought by a

Gumri-bom Armenian now living in Russia. These are sparks of hope in an otherwise desolate industrial landscape. But many desperate people, no longer able to wait for bet-

ter times, choose to move to the capital Yerevan or leave Armenia completely for Russia and other countries. Gurui's statistical service states that emigration has exceeded 20,000 in the past 13 years. But officials accept that this is a gross

under-estimate since many people leave

without notifying the authorities. Pirumian, appointed governor by President Robert Kocharian two years ago, insists the situation is improving. He says 3,000 jobs have been created in the city in the past year, haH of them in construction programs. "Emigration is something that has always been and will always be. People leave who have more opportunities elsewhere and the city does not satisfy them," Pirumian says. "Our problem is clear, we need to provide more work places for the people here. When the President says ,10,000 jobs have been created in the country, I know 3,000 of them are here." There used to be tall buildings in Gumd just as in Yerevan. Now the eye must look lower to the domiks (little houses) that domi-

nate much of the city even now (see related story). The temporary dwellings rushed to the AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

city knmediately after the quake have turned into permanent homes for thousands. Many children have grown up knowing nothing else. More than 14,000 families still live in such domiks, according to officials at the Shirak regional statistics office. Pirumian put the figure lower, at 9,000.

Each domik measures about 20 square meters, just big enough to fit four beds, a kitchen table and a little cupboard. Doublelayer walls, 1Ocm thick, are covered with sheet metal outside and a thin layer of veneer inside. In such conditions, families of six or seven people have endured for 13 long years.

Rotting walls, held together by makeshift repairs, mark the passage of time.

Hundreds more families continue to live

in apartments damaged by the

earthquake

and which are considered unstable. Part of

Gonnections Srccial Bepont

one building in central Gumri collapsed just ten days before the December 7 anniversary burying all of a woman's possessions and leaving her destitute. Pirumian says some L2,000 apartments have been built over the past 13 years. Another 2,N0 are currently under construction, funded by foreign and Diaspora donors such as USAID, the Lincy Foundation, and the Huntsman Program.

Gumri's municipality says apartments have been allotted first to those disabled by the quake, followed by families with many children and those where one parent died.

Some families received apartments only to sell them and return to their domiks because they needed money to survive. They hope the municipality will provide anotherapartment in time. But officials saysuch families go to the bottom of the waiting list.

Construction groups that came from all

over the former Soviet Union built the majority of homes in 1991. Four or fivestorey blocks made from prefabricated concrete were constructed - much like the ones that collapsed so disastrously in the quake.

The apartments are cold and damp - in winter when the rooms are not heated the temperature goes down to just above freezing. There is a heating system but residents must pay a fee of 1,100 Drams (about $2) per square meter for 90 days of fueL Many simply cannot afford it. The Government of Armenia took responsibility for reconstruction in 1992. But just 30,000 square meters of accommodation were completed that year, compared to 410,000 in 1991. Year by year the amount of completed construction has steadily reduced. This year's State Budget allocated $5 million to the earthquake zone, supplementing the $15 million Pirumian said is spent by outside organizations. But the draft Budget for 2002 allocates no State money at all for works in the disaster zone. The Budget, which is still being debat ed, is likely to provide money only if additional tax revenues are collected. Some people have givenup waitingfor help from the State and pooled their resources to finance construction of their own apartment blocks, commissioning local builders to carry out the work directly.

Many people in Gumri regard education their children's route to a better future and attach great importance to it. In the last three years,12 schools have been built and another five are in the process of construction. All are expected to be ready in time for the new school year in September 2002. as

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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The schools are being constructed at the of the Pan-Armenian Foundation, international donor organizations and individual benefactors. expense

Gumri now has 44 functioning schools providing a general education - 16 of them are housed in domiks. There are also five colleges and four boarding schools for children suffering from mental disturbances. Both domiks and permanent school buildings must rely on diesel stoves to heat classrooms in the winter. Each classroom is provided with two liters of fuel per day - many children choose to wear coats throughout the lessons to stay wam. Education is particularly fficult in domiks, which are cramped and lack basic facilities. The air becomes fetid with the crush of bodies, making it hard for children to concentrate. Despite such problems, domik schools have continued to produce graduates throughout the past ten years.

The level of education is rather high. Pupils from Gumri have achieved the best scores for two years running in math and spelling olympiads held throughout the republic.

There are 26,300 pupils

Gumri's

schools now, about 1,500 fewer than last year.

Administrators blame the decline on the effects of migration. There is a strong tradition of going on to university - many of Gumri's teenagers must leave the city for Yerevan, however, to pursue their studies. The people of Gumri responded with life to the mass killing of the earthquake. The highest birth rate in the city was recorded in 1991, when about 5,000 children were born.

The desire to restore what was lost in flesh and blood was so strong that officials at the health department even claim to have

recorded births to women who were in their late 50s. In 2001, however, unlike in previous years, the population's growth rate was negative, with more deaths than births. Department head Robert Khachatrian says women don't eat normally and are deprived of the necessary warmth and social conditions for healthy pregnancies. Their immune systems are extremely weak and provide little protection against infections. Many pregnant women also avoid visiting doctors as they can't afford to pay for medical services. Gumri's 28 medical centers - ten of them are located in domiks - all charge for

their services. Many of the hospitals are virtually empty of patients as a result, despite the obvious and widespread need for medical attention.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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Gonnections $Decial Repont

HomB$ Ioo Lonu 13 Years of Temporary Living TEXT BY MARIANNA GRIGORIAN I PHOTOS BY MKHITAR KHACHATRAN IYEREVAN

amaspiur Petrosian's face is shrunken into

I laball

wrinklesfromT5yearsof hard living,

including 13 in Armenia's "earthquake zone". Asked where she lives she makes a helpless gesture and says "at the devil's bosom". "Devil's bosom" is a round metal domik, resembling an old and rusty carriage of a

cargo train. In summer

is tenibly stufly,

and in winter it holds the cold and the smell of rust. Like many around her, Hamaspiur's domik has lasted longer than it was intended to.

It was

meant to be a temporary replacement for the home she lost on December 7, 1988. Today more than 14,000 families in Gumri still live in places like HamaspiurS.

Life in Andar In the moming, when inside those domiks water in $asses is still frozen, the day of the

telephone for 100 families. Siranush Arakelian, 24, caries water from an outside fountain in the mld Gumri winter to prepare meals for her husband and children. Her husban4 Hovik, has been selling fruit

for about two yean and makes just enough moneyto buy food andfirewood everyfew days. With the water she hauls over an icy path,

Siranush Arakelian begins her day cleaning the domik that can be measured by three paces square.

The Arakelian household consists of an old black andwhiteTVset that doesntwork, atable with broken legs, a bed, a few pails, metallic plates and a boiler, a stove and some scattered playing stones representing childrenb top.

covers, coats and cloths.

Lingering fear, lost hope "I was l-0 years old, but will never forget what I saw," says Hasmik Arakelian, looking at the icicles hangng on her domik. She is unrelated to the Arakelians of the Andar block and lives about a kilometer further away.

The Arakelians live in a block called Andar. The only amenity of the neighborhood is one

"In front of my eyes houses crashed down. That fear will be with me perhaps till

Arakelian family, with two boys aged five and one, begins on a wooden bed under a few warm

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

the end of my life." The Arakelians have lived in their wooden domik since that time that is so bumed into Flasnik Arakelian's memory. During these years tlrc hope ofhaving a new house disappeared, and nostalgia for their home ruined after the eadrquake became more intense.

In the common yard,7&year-old Hasmik

Martirosian has decided to prepare her tiny home for the approaching holidays. Her hands are red from doing laundry outside in the cold. Unrushed, Hasmik hangs dulled curtains on a line fastened between domiks. She is not surprised to see the curtains quickly freeze. Here nobody gets surprised at anything. The window frames of Varsik Sahakian's domik have rotted and fallen out. Years ago this family of four longed to have a new house. But today, the children have tumed into adults and the prospects of a new house seem as dis-

tant as ever.

In the town there is a district called Star Square, where young children peep through the big holes and gaps of Bagrat Karapetian's domik. The street is clearly seen through the

Gonnections Snecial Repont

holes from inside the domik and passersby can look in to see what is going on. The End ofthe Road The domiks of Yerevan Highway are at the end of Gumri. In this block, 65-yearold Kima Martirosian is known for her endless patience with the worst conditions and the coldest domik. Kima Martirosian has cataracts and doesn't see well but can't afford $30 for surgery. To open the door of the house she touches it with her hands and feels for the keyhole. Inside the domik black and white dogs begin to bark with one voice. The metal domik is cold and dull and two meters square. An oil-stove put in the corner has been abandoned for many years. During

the earthquake Martirosian's house

was

ruined and nothing was left: neither bed, nor savings, nor warmth. Neighbors tell that most winter nights when Kima goes to bed in a coat, in the morning the coat is frozen and the buttons are lcy. Kima's domik has had no electricityformany years. Her power was cut after she couldnt pay her bill. The pension she gets (typically people her age get $7 to $10 a month) is about enough to buy one loafofbread and an egg per day.

* I r:{::

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Recently she was given a certificate, as part of an aid program, equivalent to $1,964

for buying an apartment. People living in Gumri say that if it is a success she can buy only an empty space, four walls that are far from being ready for occupancy. Kima, who needs help even to hold the certificate, doesn't know how to get a house and leave the cold, hard days of her domik. And nights when the temperature inside and out is the

same.

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Gonnections SDecial Repont

A Stnes$lul lnhenitilGe The Earthquake is Still Claiming Victims TEXT BY I,IARA MARKOSSIAN I PHOTOS BY MKHITAR KHACHATRAN I YEREVAN

Wl#fl :U3,'ff :lT,f ffi#"8hffi: leaning firmly on special medical crutches with small hands, obstinately dragging unruly weak legs and narrowing his shining eyes. Moving step by slow step, every day Arthur

and his mother, Voskehat Galstian, visit Kuperstock Rehabilitation Center in Gumri, with hopes that Arthur's dream will come true. Arthur had not been born when earthquake destroyed Gumri. Still he is a victim, a delayed effect, doctors say, of stress. "My older daughter was 12 years old and the younger one was nine," 43-year old Voskehat Galstian says, recalling December 7, 1988 through tears and a sense of blame. "They didnt want to go to school that day but I forced and persuaded them to go there. They went and the earthquake destroyed and razed the school and my life to the ground. My daughters' bodies were found three days later. "That's my fault. First I lost my daughters then I made my son's life miserable. Now I have nothing to satisfy his everyday needs." Doctors in Gumri say the stress of life after the earthquake can be linked to birth defeca like those that haunt Voskehat and hamper Arthur, who weighed only 1.2 kilograms when he was bom prematurely. He has been in physical therapy since he was eight months old. Over the past year, doctors in Gumri have treated 300 such cases as Arthur's.

Nobody works

in Arthur's family. His

father became an invalid after the earthquake. Voskehat, too, was ill and had a mastectomy.

The family lives in a small, run-down house without electricity (cut because they couldn't pay bills), without heating (fuel and

wood are too expensive), without water (they carry water in buckets from the neighboring block). Still, Arthur is zealously learning math and

Armenian and Russian languages at home. He doesn't go to school, because, despite the high number of disabled in Gumd, kids like Arthur are not integrated into common society and frequently face ridicule and misunderstanding. Arthur categorically refuses to sit in a wheelchair and tries to do everything himself. He has learned to stand - for about a

minute

- without

anybody's help.

"He is very clever. People mistakenly think that if he cant walk then his brain can't function either," says the director ofthe rehabilitation center, Anahit Aghajanian. "There are a lot of children like Arthur in our center." Some of the children at the center are mentally disabled and suffer from paralysis. "We aren't capable of curing those children completely," Aghajanian says. We are just improving their state of health by means of our treatment. They are chronically sick children.' Sick children visit the center in turns during winter because the hospital can't afford heat. Docton use a radiator to heat one room in which they conduct all their treaftnent.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Each child needs individual attention and special equipment. Most such equipment at the center has been in use since the hospital opened L0 years ago and there is no hope of purchasing replacements.

Government aid for cases such as Arthur's is 22,4N Drams (about $40) per month paid directly to the hospital, but does-

nt include an allocation for doctors. The center's 35 doctors have not been paid since June, and were without salaries from March 2000

until March

2001.

The rehabilitation center itself

needs

rehabilitating. Meanwhile it props itseHup as a crutch to the hopes of a cripple child's dreams of

karate.

Gonnections

A $tnuUUlE lon $unuiual Zoo Gets by on Commitment but Little Cash TEXT BY ZARA CHATIIIIAN I PHOTOS BY ZAVEN KHACHIKIAN

long with the rest of the population in the wildtife world at Y-erevan Zoo is learning the harsh rules of economic

Harienia,

transition. It took great commitment from the staff for the zoo to survive through the dark years of the early 1990s. "The staff of the zoo put immense efforts into maintaining optimal living conditions for the animals, so the stock does not die out," the director Sahak Abovian says.

Sometimes the "optimal conditions" existed somewhere other than the zoo, which is why one worker took a newborn lion into

his home and others took different animals during a time when the zoo couldn't afford to feed its occupants.

I YEREVAN

On another occasion, a caretaker spent nights at the zoo tending to a bear cub that needed special attention. Zookeepers, Abovian says, are themselves a special breed, as their jobs pay very little (less than $20 a month) and the demand of their work is great. Yerevan's climate makes it impossible for most of the zoo's animals to live outdoors year-round and for visitors to have a pleasant visit in all seasons. Most visitors, then, come between late spring and early fall. The 7.5-hectare zoo's overall construction hasn't changed much since the park was built in the 1940s. Few of the zoo's inhabitants live in enclosures that resemble the animals'natAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

ural homes in the wild. Mostly, the animals are located in inadequate cages.

Reconstruction and modernization of the zoo's equipment requires resources currently

not available. The miserly amount of selfgenerated revenue makes it impossible for the zoo to sustain itself in good order.

Still, Angin Margarian, who spent

years working at the zoo, cannot imagine her life without a morning visit to the animals. On weekends she brings her grandchildren. "I love animals, they became part of my

life,"

she says.

Included in the zoo's 1,300 animals representing 200 species are the ever-popular favorites - Grand, a seven-year-old elephant,

Gonnections

a tiger named Dana (the one kept at the veterinarian's house as a cub), an eight-month old bear named Roma, and hippo Manuk with his girlfriend Manush. Most of the animals are exchanged or purchased from Russia, Kazakhstan and other

regional countries. But collaboration with international zoos and national parks is limited due to lack of resources and opportunities. The bad conditions of the animals a decade ago kept them from breeding andinl993-I994 the zoo was facing closure. Financial and administrative challenges reinforced the posi-

tions of some international organizations advocating for closing down the zoo.

But with the support of the mayor

and government the zoo's administration was able to manage the scarce resources and keep the zoo operating. The Yerevan Zoo receives about 70 million Drams (about $127,000) from the State

budget. According to Hripsme Brutian, chief

of the scientific and methodology

department, about twice as much is needed to main-

annual ticket sales - admission costs Drams for adults (about 25 cents) and

tain the zoo, where conditions deteriorate

Drams for children. Officially, the

during the hard winter months. "The estimated 70 million Drams is the very

minimum we can account for," Brutian says. "We figure that the budget of the country is tight, so we try to be extremely careful with numbers and account for the very minimum required expenses that are more likely to be paid to us."

Electricity costs in winter to keep the warm account for around 12 million Drams, while another 40 million Drams is

cages

spent on feed for the animals each year. Because of delays in money transfers, salaries at the zoo are not paid on time.

There are also long delays in payments to subcontractors who supply food for the animals. This breeds distrust among suppliers and an unwillingness to cooperate. The zoo generates only about $13,000 in

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

150 100

zoo attracts around 50,0(X) visitors, though in fact

this is an underestimate. "About 20 percent of all visitors dont buy tickets and justpush theirwaytkough the gates," explains the zoo's guard, Vache Crrigorian.

In either case, the zoo's self-generated income is too low to support its activities. The Grand Candy company sponsors the maintenance of the seven-year-old elephant (also used as the candy company mascot), but virtually no other businesses have followed its example, The future for Yerevan Zoo will be difficult but Brutian believes it remains one of Armenia's treasures. "Today the animals need our support and protection as never before," she says. ! -Additional reporting by Parik Nazarian

Gonnections

Uacancy in thc $quane First Lenin, then Christ

- Who's Next?

TEXT 8Y SUBEIII DEHERIAI{ I PHOTO BY UAHRAM MKHITARIAI{ IYEREVAN

f I

or a year, residents and tourists in Armenia

had a target

debate

in the center of

Yerevan's Republic Square. The 77-foot cross that stood between

Hotel Armenia and the Post Office was a lightning

rod of controversy. Forsome, itwas too Christian. For others it was too ugly. For many, it was

just right. Now it's gone

- taken down in December at the end of celebrations marking the 1700th Anniversary of Christianity as the State religion and the city faces a new quandary: What goes in its place?

For 60 years one of the Soviet Union's finest statues of Madimir Ilyich Lenin stood in the square that was named for him until

the name changed after independence. But the old boy now lays headless in the National

Gallery courtyard.

As for the most recent resident of the square, the cross is now stored in a room at the Hrazdan Sports Stadium.

Its owneq Ashot Aghababian (who spent to install the cross and $4,000 to take it down) says he'll look for an appropriate place to reconstruct the cross. If not, its metal rods will be used as part of reconstruction at the stadium. For eight years, only temporary displays were placed where l,enin had stood. Then a year of the big and brightly-lit cross. Now? The head of Yerevan municipality's archi$24,000

tect service, Movses Hovsepian, says there are more pressing construction plans and they will move on to that particular spot later this year. "At the end of January an appropriate com-

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY 2OO2

will be set up, which will announce a competition for the best offer concerning that part of the ciry" Hovsepian says. Meanwhile, in the area now vacated, opinions abound over what should go where Lenin and then the cross stood. Some say the spot should be occupied by mission

Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian alphabet, or St. Grigor Narekatsi, or writer Nahabet Kuchak. Others suggest Argishti, the founder of Erebuni - later Yerevan. But 67.year-old Varduhi Hairapetian looked at the empty lot and had ideas of another hero. She wants to see a statue honoring the ciga fish, which lives in abundance in Lake Sevan. "That fish saved the Armenian nation during L0 years," the pensioner says. "We should thank it by placing its monument

there." r

Gomnections

Gunes lon Golds Traditional Tips for Beating the Winter Woes TEXT BY LUSINE ZEYTUI{IAN I PHOTOS BY VAHRAM MKHITARIAN IYEREVAN

The

wintertime sound of the city in Yerevan

common cold has universal effects and Armenia is no different from the hacking, sniffling rest of the nontropical world. is coughing. The

I feel weak or start sniffing I a complete optimist," 19-year-old Vahe Hambarsumian says laughing. "I start "When

become

thinking that I won't get sick and dont take any medicine until I find myself a total pessimist with a 38.9 degree fever (36.6 is considered normal)." Like Hambarsumian, most battle the Armenian cold season with cure rather than prevention.

And here, cure is cause for extensive conversation. For the collective cough has a counter sound - the voices of any number of amateur doctors offering unsolicited advice about folk remedies. "I hate all kinds of medicine and herbs, and the best cure against cold is, of course, hot tea," says 2O-year-old Irene Ghukasian. "If it doesn't help than I do inhalation. I boil some water, put some soda and iodine in it, cover my head with a blanket and start inhaling the ingredients. "The results are terrific. My breathing system opens up, my head stops aching and life becomes beautiful again." Edik Nikoghosian, who cures different illnesses with herbs, has never taken a single pill in his life. Even his wife Shushanik, who is a nurse, refuses to take anything but the natural means her husband prescribes. "People ask for my advice on what herbs to take when having a cold, and I say hawthorn, mint and thyme," Nikoghosian says.

"But then I add three national weapons against those illnesses and if they don't help

then I doubt that anything else will." Weapon number one. Cut an onion into small pieces, spray some sugar and water on it and leave it for a day. Then drink a spoon of it about twice a day to control coughing. Number two. Clean the inside part of the radish and put some honey in it. lcave it in a dark place for two days. Then drink a spoon of it flve to six times a day. And Number three. Boil the inside part of a quince with water and honey and drink

it while it's still hot. In a country where opinions are as common as bacteria, everyone seems to have advice. As a public service in winter to our readers, here's a selection of the more popu-

lar "cures". Sock

Put a mustard poultice in the sock

of the sick person who has to walk for some 10-15 minutes in those socks. Then the victim should drink hot tea either with lemon and honey or with raspberry jam. After that he must cover himself with seven blankets and sweat as much as he is capable - his tempera-

iodine. Cover with a wool scarf. Then throw away the scarf. Stink it out Take a sponge bath of vinegar, dress in warm clothes and wrap in blankets. Say goodbye to your friends. Finally, fight the corlmon cold with the most common remedy - good humor. When aftertrying all of these methods you still cough and sniff and your head seems to weigh 60 kilograms, dont despair. Armenians frequently quote a proverb during these days: "When treated, influenza will last seven days. Irft untreated, it will last one week." I

ture will soon decrease. Get it drunk Like most remedies for any-

thing from a broken bone to a bad tooth, vodka is a key ingredient in many homeopathic applications, one of which is to rub the liquor on the chest of the affiicted. Get it drunken Another: Prior to going to bed, pour black pepper into vodka. While the concoction is still mixing, drink it in a single swallow. Sleep, and wake up cured. Butter the inside: Mix a large portion of

butter into warm milk. Add cograc and honey. Sip. Sleep.

Butter the outsidq For a cough: rub the throat and chest with butter sprinkled with AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Galas Bears Testament to the Forgotten BY ELIZA GALFAYAN LOS ANGELES

h ll

iamanda Galas is not Armenian but she Armenian Cause to heart. She was also scheduled to perform in Armenia this has taken the

past November until Nika Babaian, general manager of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and Aram Khachatourian Concert Hall cancelled her show. again. Which is a pity, given the rave reviews her solo performance received at the University of California Los Angeles campus the same month. Defixiones, Will and Testament: Orders from the Dead, composed and performed by Galas, is a mass in honor of the

Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocides

of 1914-1923.

"Defixiones refers to the warnings engraved in lead that were placed on the graves of the dead in Greece and Asia Minor. These warnings cautioned against moving or desecrating the corpses under the threat of extreme harm. Will and Testament refers to the last wishes of the dead who have been taken to their graves under unnatural circumstances," explains Galas. Defixiones is set to the texts of the poet

Siamanto, Greek rembetika songs of Sotiria AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Bellou, the poet Adonis, the poet Henri Michaux. the blues music of Blind Willie Johnson. Blind Lemon Jeff'erson and Bosie Stuyvesant, the poet Cesar Vallejo, the words and music of Udi Hrant and the texts of poet Paul Celan. So who is this woman who wants to remember the forgotten, largely ignored genocide of ancient peoples? Who is this woman who cares to chant kr Voghormia? Galas, a second generation Greek-American is the daughter of an Anatolian (Smynaic and Pontic) father and a Maniates mother. She is

fits

a woman

who suffers no identity crisis - she first and last as Greek - and has

sees herself

no patience for anyone who wants to erase her identity, her visibility.

"People tell me all the time that you are second generation [American] you

have

to care about this.

dont

even

What were Galas' technical demands? In a five page Tour Rider a list of demands ranglng from the simple to the extravagant by Armenian standards of course. Forexample the correct spelling of the artist's name, L00 percent headline billing and security, a

don't think of

mixing board and sound/light sys-

myself as any of that," she says.

tems, a nine-foot Steinway or concert grand to be

"The time I think of it is when 1 lsatize what poor language skills I have. It seems

approved by the artist dressing rooms and make up person and ofcoune catering.

that the Greeks here who are second generation probably have no identity... or that musaka identity that maybe they know how to cook one Greek dish." Galas'work is hard to explain. It doesnt flt into any particular style of singing. It isn't opera but it is operatic. Galas has the voice of

All legitimate requests by Galas and her crew, mere technicalities in order to assure smooth performances but obviously beyond the capabilities of the Armenia organizers. It seems Babaian and his people had not been able to raise any money to mver the initial costs necessary for Galas' arrival. They say they werent made aware of the strict demands stated in the Tour Rider until a few weeks before her scheduled performance at which time they panicked because it was impossible for them to mmply with those demands.

an angry angel.

angel with a four octave

vocal range that sends chills down the spine as you sit mesmerized and entranced in an audience so quiet, so still that even the sound of your own breathing becomes a distraction. As an artistwho prefen towork in the original language of the poeUwriter, she performed krVoghormia in Armenian. It was the voice of sadness, the voice ofthe forgotten, the voice of the dead that rose from the body of the dark haired diva clad in black standing stage left in the dead quiet of UCLAs Royce Hall.

Galas' crew spent more than a hundred hours trying to organize her schedule and tour so that she could be in Armenia to perform for free in November. Despite great obstacles on an insane schedule from which she eventually fell ill, they had it worked out only to have it called off. Why would Babaian cancel a performance in honor of Armenians and Armenia's tragic past? Why would he book the same performance twice in one year and cancel both times? Last year the reason was a national holiday that became apparent rather suddenly and prevented the scheduled performance. "At the time we were forgiving, not realizing that the directors routinely blamed their countrymen for their own laziness and cowardice. This tendency is, of course, not unfamiliar to those who know the behavior of our Greek heads of state," said Galas in a worldwide press release sent out immediately following the second cancellation.

This time around Babaian stated the cause of the cancellation as "technical riders introduced by the star that were not possible to meet in Armenia, which is suffering dfficult years of economic chaos". He went on: "There is absolutely no possibility of meeting the technical requirements, both regarding sound and lights, since our system is rather old and under-equipped."

Either way

seems

this show

was

recent phone interview. Galas on the other hand is adamant that

she will never perform

in the

Aram

Khachaturian Concert Hall as long as Babaian is it's director, though she looks forward to taking Defixiones to Armenia someday soon. It's a week now after her performance at Royce Hall and sitting at the Caf6 at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California, she seems to be just another person sipping a caf6latte. Could this be the goddess with the seething voice? She's reading something by Israel Chamy-DenyingtheArmenian Genocide: Patterns of Thinking as Defence-Mechanisms. She reads Richard Hovannisian of whom she is in awe. Then there are Dora Sakayan and Marge Hoosepian-Dobkin whom she knows personally and whose books she has read.

She is in endless pursuit of information, of knowledge on anything that matters to her whether it's the Genocide, AIDS or mental illness. Her online biography declares that she has "an urgent need to awake the morally dead or sleeping".

doomed to be canceled from the beginning, Babaian and his people hadnt counted on the fact that Galas was thoroughly serious about her performance there. Galas makes it clear that the Tour Rider is merely a formality, that she would have per-

Though Galas is not a genocide scholar her passion for the recopition and acceptance of genocide is a very importantpart of who she is. She declares Defixiones, Will and Testament to be an "angry meditation on genocide" in its

formed no matter what the circumstances, even without a private toilet in her private dressing room, even if the lighting and sound

many forms and guises and its open denial especially by the American and Tirkish governments. She mentions Shimon Peres'com-

werent the most up to date. as if I'm Madonna or something...that I had technical demands that could not be met. All I needed was a flashlight, one bulb in the theatre, because I work

ments to the Turkbh Daily News

systems

"You know, it's

on a stage that is completely dark. "Then he told me there is no toilet in the theatre. Dont tell me that you don't have this or that for the 'star.' I had no technical demands... I don't mind if there is a problem but don't treat me like an idiot." Babaian had voiced concems over material in Defixiones, in phone conversations prior to the cancellation, which he had told Galas would not be appropriate "because the Armenian people are very conservative". The directors of the philharmonic had requested that they select only certain pieces of tJre work and omit othen at their discretion. Galas would not accept any censonhip and in the end they cancelled because of technical difficulties. Babaian is optimistic that come next fall

after the theatre has been renovated with modem conveniences and professional systems that he willwelcome Galas and her crew. "Perhaps with the help and support of our American compatriots we shall manage to bring Diamanda to Yerevan," he said in a AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY 2OO2

(April

10,

2001) denying and rejecting similarities between the Armenian Genocide and the Jewish Holocaust only to get Tirkish support against the Palestinians.

"Of course there are many Jews that are very exclusivist and refuse to admit anyone else's genocide and that unfortunately is a very big problem, a very Israeli problem and that is very infuriating," she says. Galas doesnt waste time paintingprettypictures, she calls things as she sees them.

"I've heard around the world in different

- you're working

on this genocide, this genocide. Sometimes when you don't understand something itb better to be quiet instead of revealing your ignorance to the world, Be quiet and lisplaces

forgotten genocide, this

old

ten. Because you know there is only one geno-

cide that we all know has been written about extensively and that is the Jewish Holocaust.

"And they lthe Jewish community] are intelligent because they know that if they write about it everyday then people will believe them and the one day they don't write about it, someone, some revisionist will say it didn't happen." Galas grew up hearing her father tell sto-

The University of Michigan Armenian Studies Program is delighted t0 announce the continuation of its successful Summer Language Institute to be held in Yerevan, Armenia

Participants

will

study the Armenian language

fromJune 21 through August Lgr 2002.

in an intensive format while surrounded by Armenian culture and

history. This program is open to all undergraduate, graduate and professional school students, who wish to learn Classical Armenian, as well as Modern Eastern and lilfiestern Armenian. A series of lectures on Armenian culture

and history and an extensive program of excursions and cultural events

will supplement the course. North

American undergraduate students are required to take the course for credit (8 credit hours); exceptions may be made for valid reasons. U.S. graduate students

enrollfor a non-credit certificate for Eastern or \ffestern Armenian,

and may take Classical Armenian for credit (6 hours). European students may take any of the courses for a non-credit certificate only. The same academic and program criteria will apply to credit and non-credit students.

A few partial scholarships, based on need, are available to undergraduates taking the course for credit.

In addition to high quality, intensive language instruction the program offers the opportunity to live and learn in Armenia. The program is directed by

Dn. KnVOnX BenOnfltAN,

Marie Manoogian Professor of Armenian

Language and Literature and Director of the Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

For more information or for an application packet, please contact:

Knrsrv M. DruAS, CooRDINAToR 1080 South University, Suite 3553

The University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1

E-mail

rerephone

106

kdemas @ umich.edu

734 764

1825 t^*734

763 9154

ries about the atrocities committed against the Greeks, "growing up disqualified from being human in his own country being hunted down by the T[rks". And then she found and read Peter Balakian's Black Dog of Fate and found a bit more of herself in the Armenians, a shared history she felt even closer to. The fact that her show in Armenia was cancelled when it was so important for her to perform, when the political climate was so ripe, has only fuelled her need to flnd another way to perform there. Does the goddess ever tire, does she ever get jaded, cynical, sceptical? Does she ever feel that the powers that be will do as they see fit and in the end none of this will have ever mattered? "No." she says, with an extreme, wild look in her eyes. "No, I dont get jaded. Because whether I'm going to be able to affect the situation or make changes in my lifetime is not relevant. What matters is the force behind something, the constant intensity of it and that I put myself in a particular direction. "The results will be there if not this year then in someone else's generation or someone else's lifetime. But not to do something when the path is clear, when it's clear as to what I can do is ridiculous." Galas has a calling and she will waste no time nuning the timid. She will continue to raise uncomfortable questions about the issues eating away at a collective psyche that would rather forget some moments of history. She will continue to be the menacing Mistres of Doom for those who would rather point fingers and cancel shows, for those who don't think she's qualified. "There are some out there who say that 'you are a composer and singer' and 'sheb crazy arlryay, how's this going to help us?' But if you can afford to lose me and everybody else who is interested and who may not have a Ph.D. then let us all know," she says. "But I don't think that anyone can say that because they can't afford to lose

all of us who have some interest in doing something to change a situation of

invisibility."

Ants

A Gontender at thc Academy Armenian fllm makes Oscar shortlist for the flrst time BY GAYANE ABRAHAMIAI.I IYEREVAN

&...*.

h*'

,[ffi =#' i- .'u#r

.* ,Ji.

ery few movies have been shot in Armenia in the past several years due to difficult socio-economic conditions. Some Armenian fllmmakers, however, have continued their art in spite of obstacles. And one, Vigen Chaldranian, is in with a chance to win fllmmaking's highest pitze, an Oscar, for his persistence. Symphony of Silence, a feature film, directed by Chaldranian and shot in Armenia has been selected as a nominee for competi-

tion in the 74th American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences "Academy Awards". It is the fint time an Armenian-made movie has been accepted by the prestigious board. Winners will be announced during ceremonies this spring in Los Angeles.

Chaldranian's movie premiered in Hollywood's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on October 12, after which it was included in this year's

list of nominees in the category of Best Foreign Language Film. (78 fllms were conAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY 2OO2

sidered for this category.) Chaldranian is the writer/director of several movies, including April, Dzain Barbaroi, and

kr Voghormin, which was awarded a gold medal at the Houston International Film Festival in 1994. The script for Symphony of Silence started, as an idea in 1998 and took about seven months to write. Filrning took about a year, ending in late 2000.

"It

not surprising thatthe movie got its final

of the century," Chaldranian the main idea of the movie is the one we are entering the 21st Century with." Symphony of Silence is the story of a 47year-old man whose life decelerates and shape at the end

says, "because

takes .a dramatic and unexpected twist toward a tragic end. He has an incurable illness and, realizing that death is unavoidable, he turns to the Biblical Ten Commandments.

Finding himself in Yerevan with little time and a big bank account, he becomes sole owner of a hospital for the insane. Devoting himself entirely to this strange, new vocation, he sets out to redeem his sins by spreading

light around himself and into the troubled souls of the patients. "This movie is a catharsis, meaning that it causes psychological self-cleaning," says

Tsolak Hakobian, a psychotherapist and consultant for the movie.

"Violent emotions start in the souls of people after they watch the movie. People

"This movie is about humanity and kindness," says lead actor Karen Janibekian.

make and was produced by Chaldranian, Armenfilm Studios, Boomerang Productions

"Kindness and light are the pledge of success

(France), and Ardshinbank.

start to realize their own sins." Symphony of Silence is an expression of

for this movie."

human virtue, humanity and love, pursuing the universal questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where do we go?

Chaldranian was also able to persuade Polish actress Barbara Brilska to take a part.

"The value of the movie won't be lost whether we win or lose [an Academy

dark forest ln

The main cast is from Armenia but Symphony

Award]," Chaldranian says. "Life is an argument of

tastes."

Silence cost $500,000 to

-Photos courtesy of Vigen Chaldranian

ShWng lo Arncnle by Atr ot Sce, csll...

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$ym[ols ln $tone Past meets present on the face of the Khachkar TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ARA ARZUMAiIIAiI I LOS ANGELES

I n a olace where stone is as abundant as air I *a *at.. it is only natural that the people I of that place wiU aLvetop a certain retationship, even affinity with that stone. Whether that affinity is mutual, we do not know, but some of us believe it is. It seems that in many ways stone is the stuff of the Armenian nation.

And in the Armenian culture, that connection is most commonly expressed in the Khachkar,stone crosses.

The current page in the life story of the Khnchkar sees fewer masters than in past times but perhaps greater growth than ever before. One such rare master of the art has

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

made his home in Glendale, Califomia, and has within the past five years placed three Khachknrs in the United States alongside his many other works. With each entry into the art form Gaspar Gharibian elevates the Khtchkar to a new level. Resembling embroidery in stone, the

intricacies of the Khachknr reflect those of the human mind and soul. And the intricacies of Gharibian's Khnchkars reflect a deep

understanding

of Armenian history and

Christianity and the human need for ritual. The work that goes into a single Khachknr requires a ritualistic work ethic. When single works generally require, from beginning to end, an entire year's worth of nine-hour days, this art form is reserved for only the most patient minds and steadiest hands. There is a sense of time in every aspect of Gharibian's work. "You cant forget or erase the old traditions within the art of the Khnchknr," he says. "But being that we live at the end of the 20th

Century and at the beginning

of the

21st

Century, I try to express the word and the ideas of our time. "And so besides the fact that the work is an Armenian work, envisioned in an Armenian way, of an Armenian style it yet breathes and speaks of our time, today." A native of Nakhichevan, Gharibian conducted his postgraduate work at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts where he eventually became a faculty member, teaching

sculpture and composition

for

nearly 20

years. He now works out

of a studio in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Eagle Rock, near Glendale, carving newpieces of Armenian culture out of imported pieces of touf stone. Of the methodology of his work and style ofhrs Khachknrs, Gharibian says: "In addition to the traditional styles and representations in my work, I try to insert into each Khachknr a new style, a new silhouette or motif, so that a strand from our time will be in it. "I've tried to do this with the Z,akaryan

Khachkar.

If you look

at it, in the center it

seems that two doors are opening. Among Khachkars this is something new, where you have a third, angled plane of actiorr. Generally we just see one flat surface. "Or if you look at the top of this one, it's designed to look like a castle or tower; with that, I have in mind that Armenia is an unassailable tower or fort." Z,akaryan Khachknr, named for its sponsol is placed in the yard of St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale alongside another major work by Gharibian - a 13fttall cross-shape d tow er of a Khachkcr with a bell at the top dedicatedto the Armenian Genocide. Gharibian's works are on display in church-

clay, producing various forms such as human

yards in San Francisco and I.os Angeles and even

flgures and abstract representations. The

the oorporate headquarten of Home Depot in Aflant4 Georgia. The construction supplies out-

sculptor is also an active member of the community, participating in various cultural festivals and donating his time and even his work to youth organizations such as university

\\e

let commissioned him to create a larger-than-life

flgure of the trademark Home Depot construc-

tion worker alonpide mmpany insigria. "Once you have one of your pieces placed out somewhere, it's like you have a child of youn out in the world on its own. And you have this warm connection to it," Gharibian says. "You go by and look at it; make sure everything is okay. You check if it needs anything, if it's mld or hungry. You think about its destiny." Gharibian is not only a man of stone. He works with other media including wood and

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Armenian Student Associations.

His works encompass the depth of Armenian culture as well as the depth of his own imagination. Gharibian cautions against stereotyping the Kluchknr. "You know in our culture, the Khachkar has had many meanings. They have been placed at graves as tombstones, in recogni-

tion of battles won, at church and even bridge dedications or in relation to certain festivals or celebrations. "In the past they have even been used to mark the borders between neighboring vilit is not that Khachkars are simply gravestones, they have had a much broader application throughout our lages. So

history." r

Faces

Gnistina Benio Living a Reel Life TEXT AND PHOTO BY HRAIR SARKIS SARKISSIAN I LOS ANGELES

lllhen VPRO, one of the most respected IUrv stations in Holland, called iristina

War on Drags addresses the failed drug policies of the US, such as mandatory minimum

sentencing

Berio to produce a 45-minute documentary portraying the change in the psyche of the American people following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Berio jumped at the chance. After less than two weeks of research, Berio, director Rudi Boon, cameraman Hans Fels, and sound engineer Mark Wessner rented a 3Gfoot RV in New York City and headed west. "In New York we spoke to Metnam veterans, in Pennsylvania we went to an army recruiting center and spoke with young people who wanted to join the army, in Tennesee we spoke to a live radio host and his congressman

for Visual Excellence in the

prestigious

American Filrn kstitute's (AFI) krtemational Film Festival. Next, Berio plans to produce and direct a documentary on the criminal justice system in the US. "I will be approaching the subject much in the same way I researched the war on drugs," she says. "In March of this year I spent three weeks hanging out at the criminal court house

ing of the people in such a short time was ambitious," admits Berio. One thing they found was that the September 11 tragedy had changed the lives of many, no matter how close or far away they were from Manhattan. "After the trauma, people are looking more deeply into their own lives, re-evaluating

in downtown [.os Angeles and the stories I heard were amazing." In addition to documentaries, Berio does Italian and dubbing and voiceovers Portuguese for feature fllms, television series, video games, colporate videos and other projects such as the MCI WorldC-om card. "During one of our filming projects, we

their lives. Some have remarried, some have entered into relationships." Bom in Milan, Italy, Berio is the daughter of composer Liciano Berio and singer Cathy

in Brazil for VPRO about a family in the poorest part of Brazil whose dream was to go to Rio for a better lrte. ln The Dream, they

issues

minute shows aired in Holland and other parts of Europe, and a private screening was requested by the drug policies department of the European Parliament. Also, as a result of The War on Drugs, President Clinton pardoned Kemba Smith, whose case was depicted in the film. In November, Berio's film about writer John Fante, A Sad Fbwer in the Sand, drected by Jan huder, received an Honorable Mention

guest," says Berio. After six days of shooting and 2,500 miles on the road, the crew had the material they wanted. Final edits were completed over the next few days and the film Trauma Cruise aired on VPRO on October 21. "To get a good sense of the general feel-

Berberian, who died in 1983 at the height of her career. Just as Berberian was open to different musical styles - clasical, contemporary, baroque, singing songs from the Beatles, Stravinsky, John Cage, and Monteverde -so Berio has been open to different experiences in her life. She wanted to be a singer and moved to Brazil at 17, living there for the next 18 years. In addition. Berio became a percussionist and performed in major local bands there until she got into documentary films in 1981. ln 1992, she moved to Los Angeles with her three children to pursue her film career. Shortly after, Berio was contacted by a Dutch documentary film director to produce a film

for drug offenders, and

such as the prison industrial system and lack of treatment for drug users. The two 45-

had rented a sports utility vehicle and the

followed the family into Rio, and saw their

dream fall apart. Since then, Berio has worked on documentaries with a passion, mainly for VPRO. "Dutch television gives so much more freedom than here," says Berio. "The art ofdocumentary fiIm, especially cinema verite, is to understand where the story is and to be perceptive and sensitive enough to know where the story can take you." Recently, another of the films Berio produced was named best documentary at the

Los Angeles based Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA) awards. The AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

guys wanted to use its global positioning system (GPS). They were going through the different languages available, and suddenly it was my voice in Italian," laughs Berio. "They teased me about it for the rest of the time." But it is the reality of documentary film that has kept Berio's interest in the business. "Both life and documentary are ultimately all about

is always an exchange, even when you think there isnt one. I leam different perspectives of seeing things, human relationships. There

different realities, while filming situations very remote from my reality," she says. And as for the subjects of Berio's films, "the least fact that there is a TV crew interested in their lives intrigues them and maybe even motivates them. That is how life is, when trvo people meet, you always take something

awayfromit"

Faces

EeonUG l(nikonian Reviving Hollywood Glamor at the Movies TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JANET SAMUETIAN I PALM SPRINGS

Genocide. George's parents settled in the farm-

ing community of Salem, 25 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and belonged to the Ararat Congregational Church. His father was

a horse-trainer in nearby Rockingham Park where Krikorian developed his passion for horses. After high school, he joined the Navy in

tyilia lhtuniian D

has been in business

for

11 yean with her husband Alishan Halebian, an award-winning jewellery desigper.

The motherof-two has created mosaics dozen movie houses, including Iftikorianb Redlands and Monrovia theateJ. Tirtunjian, who owns Iassco Studio di Mosaico, said: "We began when we were buyrng tiles and marbles for our own pool. Europe inspired us, especially ltaly." The muple buy local mables and cut tiny

for a

I n 1984 George Krikorian founded a Palos I Verdes movie chain simply because he and his children had often been turned away from sold-out screenings at the small local house. Once business took off, the former real estate salesman began looking for other locations. Five years ago he sold all eight of his theaters, knowing that the six-screen multiplex would soon be replaced by even bigger

California. r

8eon0e Beylenian

orn and raised in Yerevan, mosaic artist

Dt-yOla Tutunjian

1%4.. Discharged in long Beach after serving in Vietnam, he settled in southern California. Krikorian now owns a stable of some two dozen horses and has begun breeding thoroughbreds. His prize horse Starrer has won over a dozen races, most recently the Princes Stakes at Hollyrrood Park,

for mmaicg thentumble them to â&#x201A;Źliminate shine sotheyhave an antique lmk They also have 360 different oolors of Bpantine glass importrd frorn Mexio, which-is more

pieces

dqrabtethanmafthfortheoutdoors.''

O ery

BeyleriarL 33, is a New York ftnsplant whi, after graauaungfrom Rochestei [rstitute of Ti:chnolory mntinued for his MA in fuign at the Domus Academy in Milan,Italy. For the Frm.twtsuin and Gone wifi the ffifld murals in the lobby of the Krikorian Theatre in Monrovia, he fused his own poetry into the desigrs, enlarged the paintings

onto seetions of vinyl canvas, applied archival lifu to place them a challenging process that took three months.

adhesive, and used huge

Beylerian paints full-time and has been Kung Fu - "my healing art and

teaching

grounding forcâ&#x201A;Ź"

*for

years. r

12 and L6-screen venues.

After spending $40 million to create funcier facilities, Krikorian Premiere Theatres in Califomia was launched, with 2m employees, eye-catching entrances, lavish amenities and hand-painted murals in the lobbies. With opulent marble and brass d6cor, they are movie palaces that enskine old Hollywoodb classic grandeur.

The Redlands 14 reflects the 113-yearold city's Mctorian downtbwn, with the mosaics and

gold tiles of its landmark library. The Monrovia Cinema 12 is the crnterpiece of Old Town's shop,s and caf6s. With the Downey Cinema 10 and the San Clemente Cinema 6, the Krikorian circuit now totals 42 screens with more projects planned for Vista, Buena Park, Riverside, Pico Rivera and Stockton, all in Califomia. The Krikorians originated in Bursa, Tiukey,

Phstos, top lefL Kritorian in Font ol Redlands Glnema 16. Center:Ihe round moraic erealed by Tutunjian lor $e lrine Ginema. Above:

fiow

With lhe WtndlEwt,*l Sul8rat,:ftrtr6y,' ty Beylerian lor itonrovie ,Glnqnq 12

rnuftrl$

where only his father's father survived the AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Fashion

Boutique lloppin' TEXT BY SOIIA GATLATIN I PHOTOS BY SONIA KESHISHIAN I LOS ANGELES

Cosmelics, Make-up It's make-over time at the Stila Cosmetics counter in the Fred Segal store in Santa Monica, California (fsessentials@aol.com). Fred Segal on Melrose has been an institution on the Southern California fashion scene

former Miss Armenia, Gohar. The make-over begins with an illuminating powder foundation that has sunscreen in it - you get light, great coverage and a bit of protection as well. For Gohar's eyes, it's natural warm tones of Brown and Java. Black mascara on her lashes

Women's Fashion Gohar's outfit came from the store named Fun, inside Fred Segal and also from Laurie

for decades.

and

Marian lipstick with lipliner Number One

(adg5@prodogy.net) is an American story: an immigrant with strong ties to her family, and a father who remains her source of inspiration and support. She really loves what she does, and it shows in her work. Her shirts look great day or evening, with jeans or a skirt, and are made to wash and wear.

The lucky subject of the make-over is the

on her lips finish the look.

Weir, in Tarzata Califomia. These shirts, made by a woman designer for women, fit beautifully. Designer Ashley O'Rourke

Men's Fashion

The Politix store in Century

City,

Califomia, has men's fashions from casual daywear to semi-formal wear. Robert is wearing Full Circle (www.fullcircleuk.com), Politix's own brand of cbrduroy pants and a very soft cardigan sweater in a warm earth tone. For a more dressy look, black trousen are topped off with a blue slick fitted shirt. The collar with its white buttons stands out. Bags, Accessories

Los Angeles photographer and designer Sonia Keshishian created Sonia K. Her company specializes in photo-related gift items, 66

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

rangng from pocket-sized photo albumV frames to photo key chains. Her latest and greatest creatiorl "The Brag Bag," is a fun and unique party purse, incorporating a photo window to showcase

a favorite photo

(www.soniakeshishian.mm).

"The Brag Bag" makes a gl;eat conversation piece and comes in four ffierent styles, including the popular faux leopard print, faux zebra,

and black and lavender patent leatherette. Available nationally in Dapy

stores.

Gohar's hair styled at Esther's Hair Salon in Tatzana, Galilomia Makeup Alma Angiuamo

Stylist Sona Gallatin

SAVE 400/o'70o/o MRYDAY

Sponts

EolilGn Glony in GneeGG Armenians of Many Nations Wrestle for the Right to be World Champions BY MICHAEL HARUTIUNIAI{ IYEREVAN

W;Tl;1.Yffi":flTH,'ffi:iJ3:HI Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships. Galustian became world champion in the 63kg weight category after defeating Kim In Sub from South Korea in a very hard fought contest to take the gold medal. He is only the second Armenian to win a world championship title in the sport in the ten years since independence. The last one was Aghasi Manukian, who was Greco-Roman world champion in 1993. Armenia came close to a golden double at the championships in Patra, Greece, from December 6 to 9. Karen Mnatsakanian reached the final of the 58kg class, beating Armen Nazarian, another Armenian representing Bulgaria, in the semi-finals. But Mnatsakanian had to settle for silver when he was defeated by Uzbekistan's Aripov Dilshod in the final. The Armenian team competed in five of the 68

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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eight weight categories at the championships. They were: Artashes Minasian (54kg), Karen Mnatsakanian (58kg), Vaghinak Galustian (63kg), kvon Geghamian (85kg) and Robert Petrosian (97kg). They were arnongZl7 wrestlers representing 55 countries. Minasian and Geghamian finished 12th in their categories, while Petrosian came 19th.

Aside from the national team, there were number of Armenians competing for other countries in the championships. a

The most successful of them was Ara Abrahamian, who won the gold medal for Sweden in the 76kg category. Nazarian, who flnished fourth in the 58kg class, won gold while representing Armenia in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He repeat-

ed the feat

Sydney last year, but by then

was a member of the Bulgarian team.

Alfred Ter-Mertchian also took part in the 58kg competition as part of Germany's

$ponts

team. He flnished a disappointing 35th - two years ago at the 45th World Championships,

in Athens, Ter-Mertchian

won a bronze medal for third place. Hovannes Kurghinian represented The Netherlands in the 63kg class, and came 20th. The 46th World Championships ought to

have taken place

New York from

Sredy llneam GumTnue Armenia Gets an Olympic Bobsled Team BY HRAIR SARKIS SARKISSIAN

I LOS ANGELES

September 26 to 29. But the terror attack on

the World Tiade Center on September

forced them to be switched to Greece, where the previous championships were held.

The World Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships were f,rst held in Vienna, Austria, in May 19&1. Since 1960, it has been held annually except in the years when the Olympics take place. Under the rules of Grem-Roman wrestling, contestants may not use their legs in any way to obtain a fall, and no holds may be taken

below the waist. A fall is awarded when one wrestler holds both of his opponent's shoulders to the mat for one second. If a wrestler achieves a fall against his

opponent, he wins and the match ends. Otherwise, the winner is the one who gains ten points more than his opponent by the end

of two rounds lasting three minutes each. Points are awarded for throws that do not result in a fall, and for being more aggressive than the opponent. Penalty points are awarded against a wrestler for "passive" play. ff there is no clear winner at the end of the contest, there is an additional three-minute round. ff there is still no result, the match judges name a winner based on the points achievd penalties

awarded,andoverallgeneralperformance.

flerhaps the most unusual competitors in I the 2002 Wnter Olympics will be Armenia's bobsled team. ArmenianAmerican Dan Janjigian and GreekAmerican Yorgo Alexandrou, both 29,from San Jose, California (www.Bobsledder.com),

will represent Armenia at the Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, which begin February 8. They qualified for the Games following their success in three America's Cup events in December. The pair finished sixth, eighth and flfth in the races against stiff international competition. Their success gained them 51 qualifying points, which were added to 20 points from earlier competitions, putting them over the minimum 60 points required for this season to qualiSr for the Olympics. Cunently, they are ranked number 36 in the world out of several hundred teams.

Janjigian fell in love with the sport in

Opposite page, top let Uzbekislan's Dilshod Apirov ( right)wreslles Armenian Karen Mnatsakanyan in their 58-kg category final match. Top, right: Armenian Uagninak Galustyan shours ofl his gold medal. Bottom:Ara Abrahamian lrom Sweden celebrates after winning the 76kg category fina! against Alexei Mishine lrom Russia. Above: Ara Abrahamian (right) and Russian

AlexeiMishine.

Calgary four yean ago. "Doing 90 miles an hour with no motor is an absolute rush for me. I feel like I am part of the sled," says Janjigian. Iast year, his partner Ara Bezjian suffered a back injury, so Janjigian recruited Alexandrou to be his partner. "Yorgo is very committed and is willing to dedicate the time to the sport," he says. Because they live so far from any bobsled runs, they practice their pushes in the middle of the street outside Janjigian's home by attaching in-line skates to the sled, much to the amuse-

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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ment and bewilderment of local residents.

In order to represent the country the National Olympic Committee of Armenia has helped Janjigian obtain dual citizenship and Alexandrou will soon receive residency status from Armenia. "There is a lot of politics involved if you want to compete for a big country. Also, you can't compete for one country and then another," says Janjigian, who decided to compete for Armenia and is very happy with his choice. While other countries have budgets in the

millions of dollars for their bobsledding teams, Janjigian has had very

little

outside

financial support. He has set up a non-profit organization and has spent an estimated $200,000 over the past four seasons competing in bobsled events and would welcome sponsors who can help fund the many expenses associated with competing for the Olympics. The duo drive a 1993 model second-hand sled bought from an American driver for $12,500, about half the cost of a new model. It costs $1,000 to ship the bobsled. Fitting the sled with skates (specially designed for practice on the street) cost $1,800. Then there are the speed suits, travel expenses, lodgrng, and more. Janjigian, owns a website design company in the Bay area, and has taken a second mortgage on his home to fund his efforts in the sport. But he insists it was never really about

$ponts

0lympiG

0n $noul Salt Lake Beckons Skiers from Armenia BY MIGHAEL HARUTIUNIAN IYEREVAN

Two

G3 a r=&.

Armenian skiers have also qualified to

mmpete

in the Winter Olympic at Salt

Lake city.

.!q*2_ *-:i1:

Vanessa Rakedjian and Anen Harutiunian will represent Armenia in alpine skiing compe-

a5 I} F

titions at the Games.

Rakedjian,25, will compete in the slalom

fit

and giant slalom disciplines. Harutiunian qualified for the slalom. Rakedjian was bom in Marseille, France, moving to the Alpine town of Briancon when she was 13. After showing promise on the slopes, she was admitted to a special summer school for high level skiers in Albertville. She took part in various European tournaments and finished the 1995 season among the top 80 youngsters in the world. But she suddenly chose to end her career after performing poorly at the World Junior Championships in Norway in 195, despite beingselected to join the French alpine ski team. After working for eight months in England

making the Olympics. "It's about the sport, the speed, the competition. I didnt think we were going to make it," he says. "It never made sense to my parents until now." His father, who has owned Armenian Gourmet, a restaurant in Sunnyvale, Califomia since 1974 has often told Janjigian that he should be more careful with his money. But now that the efforts of the past four years have paid off, things are different.

"Now he gets it. He understands that I was not wasting my time and money. My grandmother, who is 94 and a Genocide survivor is so excited that we are racing for Armenia, she told me that she feels like she

is walking on air.

am proud that

I can do

something for her." Janjigian says. The pair's unusual achievement has drawn parallels with the Jamaican bobsled team which qualified for the last Winter Olympics. Janjigian and Alexandrou have gotten press coverage from the San "Iose Mercury News and the ABC and CBS television networks.

"I think it

is great that people will hear about Armenia for a short time because of what we are doing," he adds. "To be able to dream those dreams and

And the fact that it thatwe willbe walking at the opening ceremonies in Salt Lake City is amazing." arcomplish them is fantastic.

gets better,

Top:Yorgo Alexandrou (left) and Dan Janiigian practicing on residential streets in San Jose. Opposite page, top: Vanessa Rakediian will represent Armenia in alpine skiing competitions at lhe

Games. Bottom: Skiing in Tsaghkadsor.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

as an au-pair, then studying for four years at university, she decided to resume skiing.

Rakedjian competed at regional level competitions in France and flnished flrst senior at the Marseille regional championships. In 2000, she declared a wish to compete for Armenia, the land of Vanessa's origins on her father's side, at the2Cf2 Olympics. The Armenian Ski Federation took up her request and appealed to President Robert Kocharian to grant Rakedjian citizenship. Under Armenia's Constitution dual nationality is baned. But the President makes exceptions for famous or talented Diasporans and he granted Armenian citizenship to Rakejian. Harutiunian, 33, is a veteran of many international competitions and is regarded by the Armenian Ski Federation as the competitor they "brought up" themselves.

Sports

.*.

t +

"Arsen has already been the best among

Armenian skiers

for

1.0 years and even though he's nearly 34, he's in good shape and

still the best in Armenia," said federation president Alfred Vardanian.

This will be Harutiunian's third Winter

Olympics.

He previously qualified for

Switzerland to train with specialist coaches each winter. They receive financial help from

the Solidarite organization, part of the Intemational Olympic Committee. At the Nagano Games in 1998, there were seven Armenian competitors: Anen Harutiunian (Alpine skiing);Alla Mikhayelian (Cross

1994 and Nagano in 1998, where he finished 27th out of 68 competitors.

Lillehammer

Harutiunian has also taken part in four skiing World Cups: He finished 35th in Spain in 1996,36th in Italy in 1997, was forced to drop out through injury at the US World Cup in i999, retuming in Austria earlier this year, where he finished 42nd.

The development

of winter

sports in

Armenia itseH has been hampered by a lack of govemment support dating back to Soviet times. Equipment is expensive and, despite winter snows, Armenia lacks a proper training site. Skiing facilities at Tsagtrkadsor, 50km north of Yerevan, which were once used to train the Soviet national tearn, have fallen so badly into disrepair that they are now flt only for beginnen.

Armenia's professionals must instead go and

to countries such as Austria, Italy,

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

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Country

Sffig); Armen Rafaelian

(Freestyle

Gualiaq Aleksander Chestrikll Mariya Krastiltseva, and Xenia Smetanenko Skiing); Samvel

(Figure Skating).

Mctoria Movsessian was also picked for the US ice hockey team, which won the gold medal at the

Games.

Undenexposed

A PassauG to lnilia far from all that is familiar, and in a culture I known for its poverty, some Armenian

children to apply for study in India. In cases where children are selected from family

children are finding enriched new lives in Calcutta,India. Over the past two years, about 100 underprivileged children have been taken from the republic to the Armenian Humanitarian Academy. Once there, the children aged six to L1 attend school, following the requirements for education in Armenia with the

homes, parents sigr an agreement allowing their children to be educated in Calcutta. The Armenian Humanitarian Academy has existed in Calcutta since 1821. Today it belongs to the Holy See of Echmiadzin. Father Ghevond says a goal of the Academy is to provide a family atmosphere for the students and to teach the children values familiar to Armenian culture even so far from their homes. "We try to take children to India in winter, so that they get used to the climate," Father Ghevond said. "We also attach great importance to the quality of food we give them and we have a 24-hour medical service, which ensures healthier living conditions." The aim of the seminary is to increase the number of children eventually to 250 or 300. Without the infusion of fresh blood from Armenia, it is likely that it would struggle to survive at all as a school. Once a vibrant community of Armenians

addition of classes in English, Hindi, Russian and Armenian Orthodox religion. Primary emphasis is put onArmenian-related subjects, such as Armenian language, history and culture. The curriculum also follows the secondary education system in place in India. The children arc eryected to remain at the

ing onditions in Armenia Mmt oome from

"When am in Armenia, often walking along the streets I notice homeless children," Father Ghevond Ghevondian, director of the Academy, said on a recent visit to Echmiadzin. "I talk to them, trying to understand how they live. I suggest that they come to India to study at the Academy." Announcements about the Academy are

orphanages and some were found

broadcast

Academy for 10 years and then retum to Armenia They are invited to Calcutta acmrding to their livas

beggars.

on Armenian television inviting

flourishedin Glcutta But it has gradually declined rurtil today only about400Dasporars remain. "These children from Armenia are a newsunrise in the Indian-Armenian community's life,

opening a new phase for it " Father Ghevond said "They perpetuate the meaning of being Armenian in the Indian environment."

-Gayane Mkrtchian

WinninU

Ways Lelt: Director Tigran Xmalian won prizes al two recent leslivals lor his lilm Pierlekino, ot Lighter

Than

Air.

Xmalian, who heads lhe Hyelilm Studio in Yercvan, won a special pdze at the annual leslival organized by the lstanbul Ginematography Fund in December.

Pierlekino was shown at the invitation

oqanizen and uuas among 120 lilms from 36 countdes prcsented at the lestival. ot the Tudrish

A lew days later, Xmalian's lilm was awaded the Ginema Magic prize at the Listopad-2001 lilm fes-

tival in Belarus.

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

Undenexposed

WatclttttlithMothen

*ififfi

f9E.*g r''.69

ils*0iffi,;H.[ 1 .l

lu*.

new children s television station is setting

rlout

to offer a home-grown alternative to

the satellite channels that dominate Armenia's

airwaves.

The Hayrenik channel - the word means Motherland - transmits original programming and traditional Armenian and Soviet-era cartoons for 15 hours each day. Following trial broadcasts, the company launched its permanent service in November. Besides feature films and animated car-

h&nes.ErEMBS&eWnW3nr6

mxIE

toons, both new and old, Hayrenik also offers programs on subjects such as sport, history and music. It recently broadcast a History of Our Motherland series, while the Olympic sport program and Arevik Candy show, devoted to children's songs, are favorite regulars. The channel even has its own popular children's character - Verkatsik the clown, who waves a cheery "good moming" to children when the station begins broadcasting each day. Ties with the Diaspora are also considered to be important. Haytenik regularly devotes a

program to Armenian children living in the Diaspora, who share their thoughts about what the motherland means for them. Hayrenik fint hit the airwaves for trials in July. In a market where foreign-owned satellite stations broadcast formulaic American cartoons dubbed badly into Russian, it is the only TV company in Armenia providing programs tailored to the interests and traditions of local children. It is owned and funded by the Grand Holding company, a conglomerate involved in businesses as diverse as cigarette production, light bulb manufacturing, and a sweet factory. A

to its Grand Gndy caf6 on Mashtots Avenue is a popular weekend treat for families. "At first we did not plan to get involved in visit

broadcasting," says Michael Vardanian (pictured, left), vice-president of Grand Holding.

"But after further research we became conAIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

vinced that, in spite of the wide diversity of outside channels available in the local television market, children's needs have been forgotten. We aspire to fil this gap." Vardanian, 28, is the younger son of llrant Vardanian, president of Grand Holding. He

has three children, the eldest just six and

TV Grand Holding has invested

already a fan of Hayrenik

about

far in its TV venture, which is costing around $10,000 per month to run. Money comes from its other businesses. Given its involvement with tobacco. the company's link with children's television would be considered controversial in much of Europe $500,000 so

and the

United States.

But this is never mentioned and the only advertising shown on Hayrenik is the occasional clip about Grand Candy. The channel currently has eight locally produced shows in its schedule and has plans to create seven more in the near future. The conLent of its broadcasts are strictly

monitored and controlled by a special board

of 30 people, including teachers,

psycholo-

gists, writers, musicians, and even representatives of young people. Images of violence and cruelty are banned.

"Only things that are interesting for chil-

dren themselves are allowed on vardanian

saYs'

air,"

-Ashot Garegini#

at Home AIM

AIM invites friendly, persistent individuals who want to work from home to join our subscription sales force. Sell the Diaspora's only English language, issues-based publication. Contact your network of friends, family, community, and invite them to join you as an AIM subscriber. You will be paid for every new subscription, and you will receive the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped enlarge AIM's readership. Your friends will be pleased to be receiving a full-color, well-edited, fun-to-read, provocative,

interesting publication. AIM will benefit for years to come.

/\INI Doing good never felt so good.

How I Got

lhis $hot

Nothlng Unusual BY VEEBO DERKARABETIAN

I I!

I BOSTON

couldnt tell you his name. but I will never

forget the circumstances. My friends and I met a man on the streets of Yerevan who invited us to his house for dinnel nothing unusual in Armenia. We went to his apartment, which was in the artists' building - during Soviet days people ofthe same profession were placed in the same building - on the top floor with a great view of the city. He must

have been the "head artist". All over his apartment, these strange and bizane puppet costumes were lying around like permanent houseguests. Over some vodka we got to know him. It turned out that he's a puppeteer who makes his own puppets and travels arotrnd Armenia performing shows for kids. He even showed us his puppet room and when

he opened the door we couldn't believe our AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

eyes. Puppets and costumes stacked from

to ceiling, every shape,

floor

size, and color, from

funny to monstrous. We dove straight in and for the rest of the evening we talked, dined, danced and laughed. Each of us as someone or something else.

-Veero Derkarabetian (vderkara@ulvedu) is a freelance photographer based in

Boston, Massachusetts

Essay

next to me on a flight from Los Angeles to London. His mother took the

e sat

aisle seat.

He was wearing a gold ring - might have been a pinky - and a gold chain bracelet. Not that any of that means anything. I just notice such things and sometimes they say plenty. Iheard him speak in Armenianto his mother,

but already their features were enough to place their ethnicity.

After a while

leamed that he was from Toronto and was on his way to Yerevan to get married. So I congratulated him and complimented the fianc6e in the photo he showed to me and the flight attendants. heviously he had been to Yerevan to meet the grrl and now he was flying in for the ceremony, then flying out again with his bride in tow. She3 never been out of Armenia, and from the misperceptions our short conversation revealed, it was clear to me that he'd hardly spent any

time in it.

Maybe

I'm wrong about this, but it

just

that if I claimed Armenia enough to fly half way around the world to marry one of its daughters, I wouldnt be needing to get information about the place from a foreigner. He wanted to know what it was like "to live there". The well-meaning Canadian said seems to me

his wife to be was nervous about leaving her country, but he figures she'll be alright once she gets used to living in North America. Then he asked more about life in a place where common living requires more effort than inhis oountry, and about whether the Govemment was as corrupt as everybody says.

I told him that living in Armenia is just like living anyurhere else: You make the best of what you have and try not to confuse convenience and necessity. Government coruption? Depends on whether you see a difference between bribery and lobbying. I don't think he got the point. "Well," he said finally. "It's just a shame. There are a lot of people like me who would move there if they'd just make the place better." I didnt want to waste the words on what I felt like saying back. How do you tell a man that you pity his fianc6e? Back in Yerevan, I met another man from Toronto. Can't tell you if he was flashing jewelry but I can tell you that he is in that industry and that he has moved here with his wife and two children to make a business and a life. Over the past few months they have endured the frustrations of setting up a home in a place where getting even simple things done challenges Westem patience. They have AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY

2OO2

leamed to expect to be randomly stopped by police and solicited for bribes. And the children have leamed that tutors are required for them to measure up to standards of the locals. I don't know how my LA to London seatmate defines "a better place". But I think the question has been answered in the re-pat family from Canada. In one of her letters to friends the wife and mother wrote: "It seems that we all deserve to be here, to live on the soil, to cultivate it, to be part of its development. And yet, the reality is that we are a nation divided. We have become so different, so distant... I'm not sure how to live here or anylvhere else. I have felt as an odar my whole life in Canada, perhaps the only place on earth where I can feel a little less odar is here, on my own land." In another letter, she wrote: "This is our city, our country. With all its beauty, culture, warmth and potential to be a great nation one day, we have to see Armenia for what it is today... a nation which is struggling to find its place on this Earth for its people. A nation which needs its people to believe in it and nourish

it."

Maybe my new friends are here to make Armenia a better place. Or maybe they are here to make themselves better

Armenians.

0n the

Shell Reading, Uiewing and Listening

$uggestions

BY ARA ARZUMANIAN

This Month's Feature:

Anmenian Fainy' Iales Hovaness Toumanian

Ed. Henrik lgitian

Tigran Metz Publishing House

his handsomely bound collection of Armenian Fairy Tales by the master of Armenian literature, Hovaness Toumanian is a work that reaches across generational boundaries. Alongside some of Toumanian's most widely known fairy tales and fables appear the works of some of the world's youngest talents in painting-the artists featured at the Museum of Children's Art in Armenia. Beautiful paintings and drawings accompany the work with the name and age of each artist listed. Most artists featured in the book are under the age of 13 - other than Toumanian of course. All artists in this text are worthy of mention; however one piece in particular stands out due to its masterful use of color and the youth of the artist, six-year-old David Shahverdian. The idea of the playful exchange between Toumanian, writing his tales for children, and the child artists, creating their works for Toumanian's writing, is perhaps the most touching and unique aspect of Armenian Fairy Tales. This collection is brought together by the person most qualified for the task, the museum's founder and director Henrik Igitian. Wth tales such as, "Nazar the Brave,', ,.The Liar," "The Dog and the Cat" and23 others this volume is excellent for a child becoming first acquainted with Toumanian or an adult wanting to revisit the tales in English. Though the cover design leaves quite a bit to be desired, it is no indication of what awaits the reader within. The bright and wellcontrasted printing brings out the nature of the original artwork. Parts ofthe introduction seem ill placed and not readily accessible to a younger crowd. Thankfully, it is short and does not detract greatly from the art and literature it precedes.

Ihe Yeanning Director: Frunze Dovlatian 0riginal release: Armenf ilm Studio Re-release: Film lnternational Armenian with English Subtitles

0tH:Hf ::ln:':l:ffi

T,"i,,

Yeaming as it has been entitled in English has been digitally re-mastered and re-released in all its original power and

emotion. Produced by Armenfllm in 1991 The Yearning is

work that can be enjoyed by all but can perhaps only be truly understood by the Armenian soul. A story of Armenia in the a

post-Genocide Stalin era, The Yearning explores the tragedy of a people torn from its land and a nation's anger turned inward through the most violent vehicle of Stalinist Soviet repression. Film International is responsible for this release of the Frunze Dovlatian classic star-

ring Rafayel Atoyan as Arakel Aloyan,

a Genocide survivor of Soviet Armenia, for whom the longing for homeland turns out

translated from the French original.

to be stronger than any fear of political

Although there

persecution. Though not all of the graphic flaws have been removed in this re-mastering - some headroom noise and shaking remain - this new version offers a long awaited opportunity to view the classic with lucid clarity of

have been numerous dramatic devel-

sound and sight.

opments in the Karabakh conflict since then, it continues to provide deep insights into this geopolitical hotbed. Chorbajian sets

Still ln Print

Ihe Gauca$ian Knot Claude Mutafian Patrick Donabedian & Levon Chorbajian Zed Books 1856492877 (hardcover) 1

8567928875 (paperback)

w [x,1il:T"i lHffil,:;Jff *1,, pages worth of appendices, containing such jewels as letters from General Andranik and speeches by Henrik Poghosian, this book is flrmly founded within the highest traditions of academia. It's a page-turner though; unlike many scholastic works it lends itself to being read, with a coherent and captivating narrative of the troubled story of Karabakh. This book was flrst published in1994,

AIM JANUARY FEBRUARY 2OO2

out a general introduction to the social, political, and historical parameters of the struggle. Next comes Donabedianb delineation of the history of Karabakh from 'Antiquity to ttre 20th Century', which places the region firmly

withinthe story of the Armenianpeople and the peoples ofTLanscaucasia in general.

Finally, Mutaflan provides a play-by-play account of Karabakh in the 20th Century.

Although I feel the latter part of his study would have been better served had it been reported more within the context of the breakup of the Soviet Union, it nonetheless remains one of the most thorough accounts of the story. This book remains an informative powerhouse and an absolute must for any serious student of Armenian r

history.