Concert to benefit students in Armenia
By Robert S. Hong, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/22/2008 06:52:53 PM PDT
PASADENA - A host of local and international artists will light up the night Nov. 1 to raise money for education.
The "Love Armenia" benefit concert, put on by the Nor Serount Cultural Association of Pasadena, will bring together a bouquet of musicians and dancers at the First Church of the Nazarene.
The cultural association, which celebrates Armenian culture and the arts, is trying to raise money for students in Armenia who may not have the chance to get a higher education.
"A lot of Armenian students - they don't have the money to go to college, and we are trying to get money to help them pay for tuition," said Vahe Atchabahian, an association member, who is helping put on the program.
He has teamed with city activist Nat Nehdar and several musicians, singers and dancers to organize a concert with mass appeal, he said.
"We wanted to collaborate together with Nor Serount to help them help the students with their education goals," Nehdar said. "At the same time we wanted to honor the Armenian heritage and culture for all the wonderful work that they do within the community."
Among featured artists will be international concert pianists Vatche Mankerian and Yin Yin Huang, recording artist Razmik Mansourian, and The Verdugo Youth Orchestra.
"This is something that I welcome, because our orchestra efforts are going to indirectly effect the Armenian youth," said Samvel Chilingarian, conductor and director of the
orchestra.
The current 65-piece orchestra includes youth from ages 8 to 17. Chilingarian said he has composed a piece of music specifically for the concert.
Also featured will be the Elixir Piano Trio, the Tavigh Dance Troupe, and some words from Pasadena Police Department Chief Bernard Melekian.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the church, 3700 Sierra Madre Blvd. General admission is $20; seniors and students get in for $12. Children under 12 are free.
For more information, call (626) 351-8680, or (626) 354-5924
robert.hong@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4586
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