The evening, under the auspices of the Regional Committee of Hamazkayin Australia and organized by the Literary Committee, was dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Armenian distinguished singer Araks Mansourian and her artistic career. It took place on Sunday August 14, 2016 at 5 pm at Zenit Hall. At the end of the event, Mansourian’s three new CDs were presented to the audience.
The event was attended by Pastor of the Trinity Church Armenian Apostolic Church, Very Reverend Father Nerses Harutyunyan, Treasurer of New South Wales Miss. Gladys Berejiklian, members of Hamazkayin Chapters, representatives of sister associations, event sponsors Mr.& Mrs. Tilanjians, Mr. & Mrs. Iskenterians, as well as a large number of Armenian and foreign guests.
The ceremony began with the opening speech delivered by Committee member Nora Bastajian. She presented the singer’s creative life in Homeland and the Diaspora, and spoke about her great achievements. Afterward, the RA President’s videotaped congratulatory message addressed to Araks Mansourian on her 70th birth anniversary and the 45th anniversary of her creative life was displayed to the audience. Another videotape, with excerpts from Araks Mansourian’s performances was also displayed.
Silva Iskenterian presented Araks Mansourian’s biography in English and Lilik Kotoyan in Armenian. They told about the talented Mansourian family, the singer’s famous brother, the renown composer "Maestro" Tigran Mansourian and their contribution to Araks Mansourian’s musical achivements.
In 90s, Opera Australia invited Araks Mansourian to Australia, and she permanently settled in Sydney. For many times, Mansourian gave concerts on Sydney Opera, Opera Queensland and other prominent stages, performing the creations of Rachmaninoff, Verdi and other great composers, as well as the music of Gomidas, Ganachian and Dikran Mansourian. All her life the singer has successfully promoted the Armenian vocal music and has presented the music of Gomidas to foreigners.
During the evening, Araks Mansourian, with foreign students, and accompanied by the talented pianist Nathaniel Kong, tenderly sang Armenian songs and received roaring applause.
Father Nerses Harutyunyan was invited to the stage to express his appreciation and congratulations to the renown singer.
At the end of the event, Araks Mansourian thanked the Literary Committee for organizing such a nice event, Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin and sponsors Mr.& Mrs. Tilanjians and Mr & Mrs. Iskenterians.
Regional Executive Board Chairperson Vicken Kalloghlian delivered a speech in the name of the Board. He spoke about Araks Mansourian’s great creative work assiduosly carried out in Australia where she has been teaching Armenian music and culture to foreign students for many years.
At the end of the evening all participants were invited to the stage and received beautiful flowers as expression of appreciation. The event finished with banquet.
