Yerevan, Armenia – The Paros Foundation, based in Berkeley, California, has launched a bold initiative called the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity. Paros 100 for 100 will lead the implementation of 100 charitable projects in Armenia funded primarily by the Diaspora community working with local non-governmental organization (NGO) partners.

‘As the international community mobilizes to solemnly commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the staff and volunteers of The Paros Foundation, along with our NGO partners, stand ready to implement 100 projects over the next three and a half years to help strengthen the Armenian Republic and improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in Armenia.’ Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. ‘Our people annually remember what we lost, this effort aims to memorialize those losses by empowering those who live.’

The Paros 100 for 100 is focused in four broad categories:

• Development — projects providing people the opportunity to work and care for their families and to the development of civil society, transparency and a stronger democracy in Armenia.
• Education — Ensure the intellectual development of future generations with new technology assistance to students and their schools.
• Cultural — Preserve and promote Armenia’s rich heritage and culture.
• Humanitarian — Improve the lives of the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

Individuals, families, groups and organizations are invited to participate by sponsoring a project, submitting a proposal for a project, and volunteering. To facilitate the sponsorship of the Paros 100 for 100, a new section on The Paros Foundation website was launched today detailing projects that are available for sponsorship, and inviting the community and NGOs in Armenia to submit their own projects or ideas. The website address is www.paros-foundation.org/paros100. The site will be continuously updated with newly accepted and completed projects.

‘Directly supporting a project that contributes to the development of Armenia, and helps improve the lives of its citizens has never been easier. People can quickly identify a project area, obtain additional information and determine the benefits of the specific project all within a matter of a few clicks on the website. I encourage the community to visit the website frequently to view newly listed projects and progress on existing projects.’ Said Abajian. ‘All project sponsors will be invited to participate on Paros Foundation led trip to Armenia in April, 2015 to commemorate the centennial of the Armenia Genocide and to visit several of the Paros 100 for 100 projects.’

Donations to The Paros Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Paros Foundation is a 501(c)3 Private Foundation.

To learn more about the Paros 100 for 100 please visit www.paros-foundation.org/ or contact The Paros Foundation at (310) 400-9061 US or (091) 426 120 Armenia, or via email at peter@paros-foundation.org.

During Golden Apricot International Film Festival the Armenian premiere screening of Neighbors, a documentary film made by Manana Films studio took place. 

The international premiere screening of the film took place in Istanbul International Film Festival in April.

Neighbors is a feature-length documentary tell about two villages situated on both sides of Armenian-Turkish border. The film is made with the support of Royal Norwegian Embassy and Armenia Turkey Cinema Platform.

The European premiere screening of the film will take place in Fall.

Naregatsi Art Institute, Yerevan, Armenia

Today the Paros Chamber Choir was featured at a concert organized by the Naregatsi Art Institute to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and Easter.  Paros closed the concert with five a capella songs: Tebe Poyom by D.Bortnyansky, Quando Corpus from Stabat Mater by G.Rossini, Norahrash by Komitas, Echmiadzin by K.Meykhanajyan, and Hayr Mer (The Lord’s Prayer) by Komitas.

The Paros Chamber Choir performs Non ti scordar di me with the world-renowned tenor Placido Domingo and a Grammy award winning operatic soprano from Puerto Rico Ana Maria Martinez during Domingo’s Yerevan, Armenia concert at the Karen Demirchyan Sport & Concert Complex.  Domingo invited the Choir to perform alongside him the day before when they welcomed him to the National Assembly.

On December 2, Chairman of the RA National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan received world-renowned singer Placido Domingo.

In honor of the famous tenor’s visit, before the meeting, the “Paros” chamber choir of the disabled performed songs by Komitas at the patio of the National Assembly. The Spanish tenor thanked the choir members and mentioned that he was impressed by the reception.
“This was a surprise for me,” said Mr. Domingo. Hovik Abrahamyan surprised the choir members by inviting them to take part in the tenor’s concert tomorrow, while Placido Domingo offered the choir to perform with him on stage.
After the performance, NA Chairman Hovik Abrahamyan and Placido Domingo held private talks.
Greeting the talented artist, Hovik Abrahamyan said the maestro’s visit is an exclusive event in Armenia’s culture. The NA Chairman mentioned that the great singer has many fans in Armenia and this is the best opportunity for them to hear high-quality classical music. Hovik Abrahamyan offered Placido Domingo to visit Armenia again and give a joint concert with his colleagues, including Charles Aznavour.
Placido Domingo expressed gratitude for the reception and mentioned that it was a great honor for him to be in a country with a centuries-old history and traditions and perform in front of an Armenian audience. He accepted the NA Chairman’s invitation to visit Armenia again and perform with Charles Aznavour with pleasure. The world-famous tenor also mentioned that he heads the “Our Europe” Association, which is involved in restoring and preserving world cultural heritage and expressed willingness to include the best historical-cultural values in the list of the association.

Source: A1plus.am