Memorial Concert dedicated to the memory of Daniel Pearl

Featured performance by ''Paros'' Chamber Choir Program: Komitias, E.Hovhannisyan, T.Mansuryan, I. Stravinski, Ch. Kara-Murza L. Spevacek Artistic Director & Conductor: Raffi Mikaelian On October 26, 2009 Naregatsi Art Institute organized a concert dedicated to the memory of Daniel Pearl (the Wall Street Journal reporter) in the framework of the 8th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days. Nareg Hartounian, the founder of Naregatsi Art Institute, made a welcome speech indicating the importance of that day for all of mankind and introduced Daniel Pearl’s life and mentioned that the people remember him as a symbol of hope. The “Paros” Chamber Choir performed a wide repertoire of music including songs by accomplished Armenian, Russian and American composers. The US ambassador in Armenia Marie L. Yovanovitch and some members of the Embassy were present at the concert as well. After the concert the participants had a friendly talk with the ambassador and enjoyed the refreshments. The concert organized in the scope of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program was been very significant, for by using the power of music we have reaffirmed once more our commitment to tolerance and humanity. The range of songs performed by the “Paros” choir is a a testament to that. Due to our commitment to the physically challenged and our mission our organization has always paid particular attention to people with special needs and this concert has given an opportunity to the “Paros” choir to perform their songs to a large audience. The audience was inspired and overjoyed with the sounds of the “Paros” Chamber Choir, the fact that most of the Choir’s members are disabled made the event even more profoundly symbolic. Music helps to promote tolerance and understanding as it inspires respect for differences. At the end of the evening Nareg Hartounian gave the ambassador a pomegranate ceramic sculpture as a symbol of friendship.