Thank you to His Excellency, Ambassador of Armenia to Canada, Mr. Armen Yeganian and his wife Maria for being the hosts of our very successful fundraising concert! This concert would not have been possible without our principal sponsors Arden & Christine Dervishian, and our partner sponsors Levon & Ana Afeyan, Hasmig Armenian, and the Araxie and Hagop Kestekian Foundation (Haig & Virginia Misakyan), Drs. Jirair & Rita Kuyumjian and our anonymous sponsor (you know who you are!).
I am sure you will all agree with me that our beloved Aline Kutan truly made the evening a magical one and a real demonstration of the power and glory of Music. Aline, for lending us your heavenly voice in service of music education in Armenia, we are extremely touched and humbled. Your calling to charitable work is an example for us all.
The impressive participation of the 40-some young choristers from the McGill Conservatory Children and Youth Choirs under Penni Clarke was as a true testament of Canada’s youth who are ready to support their peers in less advantaged societies. Bravo, McGill Conservatory Choirs!
Thank you also to the Mashtots Choir of AGBU under Gohar Manvelyan, as well as the HAYK Vocal Quartet, for making this a very special and unforgettable experience. And to the talented young violinist Thomas Shabaghyan who accompanied the HAYK, continued success and a bright future in the beautiful landscapes of Music. To my colleagues in the Atken Ensemble, thank you for your professionalism and support throughout the week. Indeed an event like this would not have been possible without the determined work and commitment of our organizing committee, all our wonderful volunteers, and the many contributors in kind namely: Garo Nazarian of Melan Print (programs and tickets), Floriste Glamour, Ara Samson and Patrik Boghosian photographers, Pianos H. Nalbandian, George Maalouf of Imprimerie G.E.G. (posters).
Many courageously risked the treacherous weather and parking conundrums to bring the venue to near capacity. The AAF board wholeheartedly thanks all those who were present at the concert and those who were present in spirit, and indeed with donations. I think we can all be very proud with our commitment to bring hope to the musically talented youths we support, and promise them that their efforts will not be in vain; that we will be there to support them until they can one day support themselves and proudly represent the best Armenia has to offer to the world.
We could not have done all of this without you to inspire us: Atken. May the momentum and energy you left with us on this earth guide us all to new heights and bring out the best qualities humankind is capable of demonstrating.
Atken Armenian Foundation