The Tekeyan Trust London (TTL) is committed to preserving the Armenian national identity in the Diaspora. It contributes to the advancement of the Armenian literature, history, music and art, and through various cultural programmes it keeps the Armenian youth close to the national heritage, i.e. native language, religion and culture. The Tekeyan Trust London (TTL) was founded in 1979 by Garo Krikorian, Honorary Life President of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) London branch, and the TCA Committee members Vartan Ouzounian, Garo Arevian, Takvor Bardzankian and Tavit Messerlian. Today, the TTL is the backbone of the London TCA, London Komitas Chamber Choir and the Tekeyan Centre Fund (TCF) Armenia which are actively engaged in various projects under the auspices of the TTL. In order to support its subsidiary and beneficiary organisations the Tekeyan Trust annually initiates fundraising campaigns. In the past, the TTL included the Institute of Armenian Music, “Arax” Folk Dance group, the biweekly paper “Erebouni” which functioned in London for over 15 years.

On October 13, the Tekeyan Trust London (TTL) solemnly celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in London. The function was held in the presence of the Right Reverend Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, officials from the Armenian Embassy in the UK, trustees, benefactors as well as extensive number of honourary representatives of the Armenian community.

The event began with the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia. Then, Founding member and 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 congratulatory speech which also conveyed the main objectives of TTL, its importance in the community life and its main mission of preserving the national identity, religion, the Armenian language and culture through various projects and community life activities. V. Ouzounian also recalled vividly just a few major cultural events (concerts, exhibitions, literary events, etc) organised by the TTL and stated its achievements amongst which was the establishment of a weekly, a dance group, a choir, the fund which sponsors schools in Armenia, etc. V. Ouzounian finalized his speech with deepest gratitude to all benefactors and supporters who greatly contributed to the establishment and further development of the TTL.

Dr Garen Arevian, Chairman of the TCA London, in his welcoming address briefed the collaboration between the TCA and the TTL. He stated the role of the Tekeyan organizations which are among the oldest cultural organizations established within the Armenian community of the UK and invited potentially dedicated and hard-working individuals to join them in serving the community. He also thanked all the sponsors for their support, the performers of the evening for their hard work, and the Tekeyan Trust for having organised the event.

The official part of the event was concluded with the blessing by the Right Reverend Bishop Hovakim Manukyan who extended his deepest congratulations to the TTL and highly praised its activities that serve to the benefits of the Armenian nation through cultural, educational activities. Thanks to the TTL projects the younger generation is educated with strong patriotism, and Armenian national cultural and spiritual heritage is preserved and promoted. The Primate wished the TTL much success and prosperity in the future.

The celebration continued with a cultural programme featuring Armenian music, songs and dances. The audience greatly appreciated the works by Armenian composers Komitas, E.Abrahamyan, G. Cherchian, R. Petrosyan, H. Haygazoun, etc. perfectly performed by soprano Tereza Gevorgyan, mezzo-soprano Anais Heghoyan, Grigor Najaryan, “Vocal Trio” - Zvart Kareyan, Tscouzelle Manoutcharova, Feirooz Torossian, as well as the violinist Angela Najaryan, pianist Hao Zi Yoh. 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).

The celebration evening came to its end with a film show and buffet dinner.