Topic

Independence and Us

The further September 21 of 1991 departs chronologically, the heavier economic, political burden becomes, the more ordinary and even devalued the idea of independence becomes. Why do we lose our faith to decoted values, what needs to be done to restore those?

Hayk Hambardzumyan talked to the Arshavir Gabujian, Project Coordinator for the Armenian Bible Society.

Soviet reality that is there and there is not

To what extend did the Armenian literature and art prepare for, perceive and represent post-Soviet Armenian reality? This is a hard question to answer as it’s still unclear as to what extent did our art percieve and reflect Soviet Armenian reality. Hayk Hambardzumyan talds about these issues with Anahid Aramouni Keshishian, literary critic, professor in Grigor Narekatsi Chair of the UCLA.

Historical-Cultural Heritage of Aghtamar

Island Aghtamar in Lake Vana has an exceptional role and significance in our culture. In the 7^th Century, in the period of the fight agains Arabs, this ancient settlement became a military base; in the 10^th Century it was already an administrative and spiritual-cultural center of Artsrunis Kingdom, a flowering monastery complex, center of writing and seats of catholicoses. Hayk Hambardzumyan talks about the historical-cultural heritage of Aghtamar with Karen Matevosyan, Doctor of Science in History.

Achievements of Armenian Composers Abroad

Composer Mushegh Petrossian has won the most outstanding award ever granted in the sphere of world classical music – Queen Elisabeth Prize, the Queen of Belgium.

Mushegh Petrossian has a wide range of interests: he studied theology, ancient languages. How can classic philology and modern composition art be combined, what are trends of contemporary classical music? Hayk Hambardzumyan discussed these issues with composer Mushegh (Michel) Petrossian.

Program of Hamazkayin (Pan-Armenian) Armenian Educational and Cultural Foundation

Hamazkayin (Pan-Armenian) Armenian Educational and Cultural Foundation, which celebrates its 85th Anniversary is an active participant of cultural life in Armenia and Diaspora. Symposiums, educational program, published books: these are the visible results of the foundation. Hayk Hambardzumyan talks about the implemented programs, pending initiatives of the Foundation, as we well as urgent matters of our cultural reality to Lilit Galstyan, Chairwoman of the Foundation.

Armenian Community and Church of Buenos Aires

Armenian community of Argentina is the largest in the South Ameriaca. According to different data sources, around 100,000 Armenians reside here, the majority centered in Buenos Aires, Cordova, Rosario, Mar del Plato. The colony was formed long ago and plays an important role in the public-polititcal, cultural life of Argentina. There are numerous Armenian Churches and attached schools. Hayk Hambardzumyan had a conversation with Father Arnak Harutyunyan, pastor of Varaga Holy Cross Church of Buenos Aires on the issues, joys and concerns of Armenian community of the capital of Argentina.

Armenian writer and international literary life

Enlivening of literary life, increase of interest to literature, as well as development of international cultural ties allow Armenian writers have their books translated and presented abroad, participate in festivals, etc. How do modern Armenian writers make use of these opportunities, what do they gain from international literary festivals? Hayk Hambardzumyan talks about these issues with poet, Doctor of Science in Philology Vahe Arsen.

Films on Armenian Topics in Diaspora

It is a reality that new generation of Armenian Diaspora abandons its national roots. On the other hand, many Diaspora Armenian artists continue raising Armenian topics. Do the interactions with historical homeland help them carry on with realizing their creative abilities, what do the new generation of Diaspora Armenians gain from communicating with the Armenian culture? Hayk Hambardzumyan talks about these topics with Hayk Hambardzum, American Armenian filmmaker.

“Golden Apricot -10”

Despite the diversity of presented films and participant countries, 10^th International Golden Apricot film festival seemingly bears French or French-Armenian tones. The festival was launched by screening François Truffaut’s “Shoot the Piano Player” starring Charles Aznavour and will be closed with the film “Parajanov” starring Serj Avetikyan, also being the film director. Hayk Hambardzumyan talks about the touches of jubilee apricot, the specifics of embodying the character of Sergei Parajanov, with actor, film director Serj Avetikyan.

TOPIC: guest – Rev. Father Shahe Ananian

Our Church attaches high importance to the role and significance of translation movement by the Feasts of the Holy Translators. An unprecedented cultural uplift, which originates from the exceptional translation of the Bible.

The Armenian Holy Bible is matchless in its accuracy of translation and elegance of style. It is still a matter of debates for the specialists, as to how could our holy translators, without having any culture of writing and respectively elaborated literary language, manage to create such monumental piece of work. Hayk Hambardzumyan discusses this cultural phenomenon and the specifics of the Bible translation with Rev. Father Shahe Aanian