NEWS ON ARMENIATV

2007-10-24 The “Gohar” Symphony Orchestra and Choir in California

Despite the setting, the first performer -- Hamlet Tchobanian – was neither a musician nor a singer, but a mime. His arrival announced by a loud cymbal crash, he lurked across the stage in classic, white-faced, Marcel Marceau fashion. Opening a pair of illusory gates, he majestically introduced the 130-plus members of the Armenian KOHAR Symphony and Choir. Led by artistic director Sebouh Abkarian, the KOHAR players offered a buoyant waltz to begin a long, stirring evening of Armenian-tinged music…KOHAR crossed genres far more freely than the average pops ensemble. Classically oriented pieces were delivered in well-crafted fashion, and KOHAR went so far as to open the second half with a surprisingly swinging number titled "Tetmajazz." As the mime-introduced opening implied, however, a KOHAR performance is more spectacle than concert. Most of the music was vocal, sung by soloists whose styles ranged from big-voiced operatic to international lounge. In most cases, the singers\' numbers were enhanced by the engaging presence of eight female dancers…. Letters from the Armenian alphabet were spotlighted across the ceilings and walls, and the program climaxed with a burst of golden streamers flying out into the audience. Much of the second half of the concert, in fact, was strongly oriented toward the predominantly Armenian crowd. Spirited patriotic songs, pop tunes and familiar traditional numbers drew an escalating response -- hand-clapping, sing-alongs and enthusiastic shouts. KOHAR was founded in 1997 by Harout Khatchadourian and his brothers, who entirely sustain the ensemble and its concerts. Named in honor of their mother, KOHAR, the founders\' goal with the ensemble is the "aim of reviving and promulgating the Armenian alphabet and culture." KOHAR did that and more Thursday, positioning the capacity of Armenian music to reach out stylistically while still retaining its rich creative identity.

2007-10-24 Armenian international child development center

Armenian international child development center founder Aera Hayvel he was invited to Armenia by the parents of children with autism he decided to establish the center and transfer the US expertise in this field to Armenia. Head of the Armenian international child development center Heghine Koshtoyan said for best results, teachers must intensively work with children with autism; 30-40-hour a week. Koshtoyan said that primary symptoms of children with autism are; not reacting to their name or anything surrounding them and failing to use language. According to international data, one in every 500 child is autistic.

2007-10-24 A visit to the St. Mashtots church in Oshakan

After laying flowers on Mesrop Mashtots tomb, the first graders vowed to love the Armenian alphabet, preserve Armenian national identity and assist Armenia’s development. According to principal of Chekhov school Gayane Saroukhanian, the children will remember the day for the rest of their lives and once they grow up, they will understand the true meaning of their oath.

2007-10-24 Armenian President discussed nature protection- related issues

During the meeting the sides particularly discussed the necessity to make an inventory and digitize the national geological fund. Kocharian instructed to start work before the end of the ongoing year. During the meeting the Armenian president and the nature protection minister also discussed decentralizing the water basin management.