Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society has 97 years of experience in providing Armenian education on foreign shores. This is what the organization does through its numerous institutions and programs.
One of the most distinctive of these programs is the “Forum” for college and university students, now in its 30th year. The program brings young Armenians to Armenia from every corner of the world. The Forum is a special bridge between the homeland the diaspora, joining history and national values, all-Armenian dreams and the maintenance of identity.
To mark the thirtieth year of the Forum, on July 22, 2025, at the Hamalir—the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex—in Yerevan, the young and talented musician and Forum alumnus Serouj Baghdassarian (C-Rouge) and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra held a concert attended by members and supporters of Hamazkayin, former and current Forum participants, and so many others.
The program of popular national and patriotic songs and classical music impressed the audience. The musical artist’s talent shone through the modern arrangements of the songs.
Introducing the program, Hamazkayin Executive Director Arin Booloozian-Kalousdian said the extraordinary evening is a celebration of the brilliant and spirited initiative of Hamazkayin to organize the Forum and persist for thirty years.
“For three decades,” Ms. Booloozian-Kalousdian said, “the Forum has been a crossroads bringing together the diaspora and Armenia, the old and the new, experience and dreams. It is a gathering that nourishes young Armenians, allows them to learn, connect, and deepen their national belonging, all on their patrimony.”
She also reflected on the close and happy cooperation that exists between Hamazkayin and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, characterizing the orchestra as a shining example of the splendor and mastery of Armenian music. Forum alumnus C-Rouge would bring a contemporary style to music that has deep roots.
She said the concert is dedicated to the memory of Forum alumni Artak Ishkhanyan (martyred in the 44-Day War) and Edwin Isaghulian (who died in the United States). “They were the embodiment of the kind of young Armenian we wish to see: dedicated, patriotic, devoted, and educated. Artak gave his life for the liberation of Armenian territory, giving all he had so we might live. Let their memory remain bright in our hearts.”
Ms. Booloozian-Kalousdian concluded, “This evening we assert that Armenian culture is not just a precious value but a living reality. Here, on this stage, generations will meet and culture will renew itself.
Sevak Hakobyan was stage director
Over almost two hours, concertgoers filling the two stories of the complex experienced a journey in which each was able to find a portion of their homeland, a piece of Armenian spirit, a feel for the power of the land, a glimpse at the value of deep roots. The audience broke out in spontaneous dance.
The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra was joined by the Yerevan State Chamber Orchestra and the Camerton Vocal Studio.
The Forum, meanwhile, continues through the end of July.
Hamazkayin is grateful to all the donors and sponsors who provided financial and moral support to make the extraordinary concern happen.
A brochure was handed to audience members. It can be found here: https://hamazkayin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FORUM2025.pdf
Event photographs by Garry Fujifilm
