The AGBU Talent Show a Treat for All
Press Release
By Dr. Araxie Altounian
On Sunday, February 27 afternoon, AGBU Toronto held a talent show at the Babayan Ballroom of the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre. After a 14 year hiatus, this talent show was a welcome addition to the diverse activities held by AGBU Toronto, and was well attended. Nineteen participants, ages 6 to 16, shared the stage, playing the piano or the violin, singing and dancing.
Displaying much confidence as well as love for music and dance, the young performers, all well trained by their teachers, generated a high level of enthusiasm among the audience members who expressed their joy and support for the young artists without reserve, often singing or clapping along. Such a warm and encouraging environment is quite different from the more formal music festivals and competitions. It is far less stressful, feels more like “home”, and is bound to leave a positive impression upon the young performers, increasing their confidence level and their attachment to a supportive community.
The repertoire consisted of Classical as well as Armenian music, ranging from simple tunes for the beginner student, to concert selections. At the end of the recital the performers were presented with certificates of participation, and the audience was treated to refreshments.
We hope to see the AGBU Talent Show become a recurring event. It is an excellent showcase of local young Armenian talent and their teachers, and a delightful experience for audience members to discover and support them. It is also fitting for a culture promoting organization such as the AGBU to celebrate our youth who have the love as well as the dedication and the discipline to pursue studies in the performing arts.
Participants Sarah Nersesian, Daron Altounian, Ruben Ohanian, Garen Demirdjian, Lilly Sagherian, Natasha Avetisian, Haig Grikor Artounian, Elien Aghazarian, Lena Darakjian, Sima Markosyan, Patrick Nazari, Madeline Nazari, Araz Tokdjian, Talar Nersesian, Stella Tonakanian, Ani Chemilian, Vana Tabrizi, Lori Tabrizi and Tamar Tabrizi pictured with their teachers and AGBU Toronto Board members.
AGBU Awards Scholarships
March 23, 2011 · Filed Under Past Events, Press Releases
On March 16, 2011, the Toronto Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union held its annual scholarship awards reception at the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre. This year’s recipients were Daron Bedrosyan, Knar Deherian, Michelle Deherian, Tamar Istanbul, Sareen Khatchadourian, Saro Khatchadourian, Tamar Makdessian, Jason Sarafian, Alisha Shahmirian, Anashe Shahmirian, Jivan Stepanian, and Khatchadour Wanes.
Chapter Chairwoman Ms. Knar Basmadjian, Board Members Dr. Isa Basmajian and Mrs. Kathy Sakarya, and Executive Director Salpi Derghazarian welcomed and congratulated the recipients on their achievements. The scholarship recipients talked about their ongoing education and future plans. Board members introduced the recipients to AGBU’s worldwide humanitarian programs, Youth Programs and ongoing activities at the Toronto Chapter.
The AGBU Education Department bases its decisions on the students’ academic achievements, the caliber of the institution at which they are enrolled, and their display of community service. Furthermore, their potential for success and contributions to the Armenian people and nation are of important value, and consider these as part of the selection criteria. The hope is that our scholarship recipients will assist AGBU in accomplishing its mission in their own capacity. We express our heartiest congratulations to the awardees.
Providing educational support to Armenians has been an integral part of AGBU’s mission since its founding in 1906. For more than 80 years, the AGBU Scholarship Program, through endowment funds established by generous donors, has contributed toward the higher education of thousands of promising young Armenians enrolled in leading colleges and universities in close to 40 countries across five continents. Today, through its AGBU Fellowship Program and added focus on specialized fields of study, such as the performing arts and religious studies, the AGBU Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to a broader range of Armenian students around the world. In return, many of them contribute to their communities through various programs, such as AGBU’s Young Professionals.
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.
For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit www.agbu.org.
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AGBU Toronto Images
