The Tekeyan Trust London (TTL) in cooperation with the Tekeyan Cultural Association solemnly celebrated the 2800th anniversary of the foundation of Erebuni-Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The function was held in the presence of Counsellor of Armenia to the UK Tigran Galstyan, the Right Reverend Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate and Pontifical Legate, Father Shnorhk Baghdasaryan, social and cultural figures as well as extensive number of Armenian and British honourary guests.

The event began with the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia and the Erebuni-Yerevan hymn after which the audience stood in silence for one minute to pay tribute to the memory of the world famous musician, actor and the great Armenian Charles Aznavour. The Armenian spiritual song “Ter Voghormea” was performed by mezzo soprano Anais Heghoyan.

Then, Honourary Secretary of the London Tekeyan Trust, Chairman of the London Komitas Chamber Choir and Chairman of the Yerevan Tekeyan Centre Fund Mr Vartan Ouzounian made a short welcoming address and extended his warmest congratulations to the Armenian nation worldwide on the occasion of the 2800th anniversary of Erebuni-Yerevan, the beloved capital and the home of all Armenians. He highlighted the importance of the stable development of the centuries-old city which played a considerable role in the economic, cultural and political life of Armenia. Mr Ouzounian added, “Once we keep our cultural heritage in our heart, our love to the Armenian Apostolic Church, to the native language and to Armenia and Artsakh, our nation will continue prospering, and Yerevan will always remain the symbol of unity and strength of our nation.”

Counsellor Tigran Galstyan delivered a speech on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the UK conveying hearty wishes to the Armenian nation on the jubilee celebration of Yerevan. He said, “Yerevan is a true witness of the centuries-old history of the Armenian nation. It is a lifestyle featuring its ancient history, rich culture, astonishing architecture. Yerevan is the centre of education and science, art and literature. We are proud of Erebuni-Yerevan, so we must care for the prosperity and progress of the capital city of Armenia.ʺ

Dr Garen Arevian, Chairman of the TCA London Chapter, welcomed all the participants of the event and called the Diaspora Armenians to support the Motherland and to make its capital Yerevan a better and safer place for the coming generations to live.

The celebration continued with a cultural programme featuring Armenian music, songs and dances. The audience greatly appreciated the works by Armenian composers Komitas, Aram Khachaturyan, Armen Tigranyan, Robert Petrosyan, etc. perfectly performed by the singers Anais Heghoyan, Grigor Najaryan, Zvart Kareyan, Tscouzelle Manoutcharova, Feirooz Torossian, as well as the violinist Angela Najaryan, clarinettist Paul Evernden, pianist Sun Chung. They also enjoyed the performances of the TTL’s Komitas Chamber Choir under the baton of conductor Grigor Najaryan. The musical part of the evening concluded with the beautiful performances of Akhtamar Armenian Performance Group (Artistic Director – Arsen Zakaryan).

There was a film show during the celebration dinner. The documentary titled “The Capital Older than Rome” directed by Artak Avdalyan (2014) conveyed the history of Yerevan from its ancient times, from its foundation to the 21st century.

The evening came to its end with rousing greetings and blessing of Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. The Primate also praised the activities and efforts of the TTL and TCA, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Armenian national identity and cultural heritage, and wished them much success and prosperity in the future.