PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Yerevan – 09.10.2014
Bangkok – 09.10.2014
The Armenian Consulate in Bangkok showcased Armenian culture and traditions during 23rd Anniversary Celebrations
On Wednesday the 8th of October 2014, the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Thailand, celebrated the 23rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia at a formal reception organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Thailand; hosted by Honorary Consul, Mr. Arto Artinian and Mrs Sirin Artinian.
The guest list at the celebratory event encapsulated the entire echelon of the Diplomatic corps to the Kingdom of Thailand, Royal Thai ministerial and governmental representatives as well as all Foreign Chambers of Commerce Leadership, Presidents and Executive Directors, also invited the Thai Gem and Jewelry Trader’s Association leadership and of course the passionately present and immensely valued members of the Armenian Community of Thailand as well as the Armenian students of the Regents’ International Schools in Thailand.
The reception gathering took place at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and was themed “Armenia – Journey to Eternity” . The venue was specifically designed to exhibit the journey of the Armenian nation through the centuries and made use of custom prepared video presentation about the famous landmarks as well as the folkloric, cultural and historic portraits of Armenia, together with the hospitable and welcoming nature of the Armenian people.
At the foyer a selection of Armenian figurines and books about the “Wonders of Armenia”, contemporary art and architecture, history, traditional costumes, and about visiting and tourism related information books were placed on display, as well as various traditional Armenian instruments, folkloric music CDs were laid for guests to give flavor of Armenia and its unique ethnic identity. The foyer and the main hall were draped in the Armenian “Yerakuyn” colors of Red, Blue and Orange, with two giant wall artworks prepared with the pictures of famous landmarks which have throughout centuries acted as important milestones during Armenia’s “Journey to Eternity”.
Armenian State national folk instruments’ musicians were specially invited to add a distinctive taste and tune of the Armenian culture with their folkloric music and all the time favorite Armenian musical compositions. The Folk music Ensemble consisted of Mrs. Anush Kirakosyan; acclaimed musician of the State Orchestra of Armenia, teacher at Komitas State Conservatory, respected KANON soloist, member of Aram Meragulyan state folk and dance ensemble, Mr. Armen Grigoryan Artiste and Master DUDUK player of National Instruments Orchestra of Armenia, Mr. Karo Yaylayan, veteran musician, Educator of OUD, teacher at the KOMITAS state Conservatory and member of the Folk Musical Ensemble of Armenia, Mr. Hakop Khalatyan, Respected Musician and Artiste of State Radio and Aram Meragulyan Folk Instruments Ensemble and respected musician and soloist of KAMANCHA, Mr Robert Durunts, solo DHOL Artist of the National Philharmonic Traditional Instruments Ensemble and respected percussionist and Armenian Traditional Dancer, Soloist Ms Liana Hayrapetyan, classically educated young gifted Dancer, Instructor of ABOVYAN Pedagogical University.
Following the impeccable orchestration of the Kings National Anthem and the toast to the Long Life and the Heath to His Highness the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, followed by the National Anthem and the toast to the President of the Republic of Armenia His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan, in his keynote speech Honorary Consul Mr. Arto Artinian welcomed the guests in traditional Armenian etiquette and delivered key thoughts of the Armenian Consular mission to the Kingdom of Thailand, stating the important milestones which mark the Armenian national calendar of 2014 and 2015 and conveyed the continuation of the “Armenia: Journey to Eternity” by inviting guest to visit and experience Armenia first hand. In his words: “I urge everyone to Visit Armenia! To experience the culture and the traditions. Spend a night at the Spendyaryan Opera, be enchanted to the music of Arno Babajanian, get elevated to Sabre Dances of Aram Khachadurian, treat yourself to the richness of Armenian folklore, taste the flavorsome and enjoyable Armenian cuisine and toast with the drink of Princes: Toast with the legendary Armenian brandy”. Furthermore, commenting on the milestone year marking the Armenian Genocide in the year 2015, the Honorary Consul noted: “… relevant to recent Armenian history, the year 2015 will mark the 100th year which Armenians commemorate the darkest period of Armenian history, by remembering the centenary of the Armenian Genocide committed during 1915 and the ensuing years committed by the Ottoman Empire and the succeeding Turkish Republic leadership…” which of course is unjustly denied by modern day Republic of Turkey.
The evening concluded with the congenial appreciation of the guests for the special preparation by the Armenian Consulate which brought tastes and traces of the Republic of Armenia and the thousands year old journey which the Armenian nation has endured throughout the centuries.
Social “Selfie”s were the viral victors of the day as two specially prepared photo walls encouraged the guests to experience themselves with Armenia via its images, culture,music, cuisine and the legendary brandy, with Armenian cordiality once again reinstated within the diplomatic and consular communities of the Kingdom of Thailand.
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The Consular Press Office
Consulate of the Republic of Armenia
41/5-7 Maneesap Building II, Silom Soi 19, Silom Road,
Silom Sub-district, Bangrak,
Bangkok, 10500
Kingdom of Thailand
Last modified: August 15, 2022