On November 22, a concert by the “Havk” dance ensemble and choir took place at the K.11 Cultural Center, dedicated to the 155th anniversary of Komitas. The event began with Komitas Vardapet’s composition “Hov Arek, Sarer Jan.”  An Armenian traditional wedding ceremony was staged, accompanied by dance and music. Most of the performed songs were selected from the thousands of pieces collected by Komitas Vardapet.

During the event, Komitas’ work and his profound significance in Armenian culture were presented. The “Havk” dance ensemble performed “Shoror” as recorded by Komitas. The dancers appeared on stage in beautiful Armenian traditional clothes (taraz), conveying the national spirit and vibrancy of the dance. For the first time, the “Havk” choir, led by István Garaguly, performed as well. The “Havk” dance ensemble and choir showcased Komitas’ vivid personality, in contrast t0 the sorrowful image often associated with the tragic events of 1915.

The event concluded with the following quote by Komitas: “Love one another, love deeply, so that you may live.”

Article written by: Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora: Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

On August 23, 2024, the Armenian Cultural Center of Hungary hosted the opening of the summary exhibition. The exhibition was dedicated to the “Parajanov 100” collage project created during the “Armenian Youth Camp 2024” in Hungary and to the works produced during the sculpture courses that lasted for more than five months at the cultural center.

During the camp, a master class on collage-making was held, where participants worked in groups. The workshop presented the activities of the renowned Armenian filmmaker, screenwriter, and artist Sergey Parajanov, as well as his collages. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The exhibition also had an interactive component, during which another collage was created and added alongside the presented works.

The pottery class was conducted by Grigor Murdian. The camp programs were led by Grigor Murdian and Suzanna Hakobyan. The projects were carried out at the Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary as part of the ESC volunteer program activities.

Article: Grigor Muradyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

Photos posted: Syuzanna Hakobyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

The Armenian Youth Camp is initially designed to encourage Armenian and Armenian-origin children and teenagers living in Hungary to meet and get to know each other. The camp’s goals include not only establishing connections among Armenians but also connecting them with their Armenian heritage.

Alex Avanesyan briefly touched on Armenian history, presenting the formation process of Armenian kingdoms, the importance of the adoption of Christianity, and other significant historical events. His speech sparked interest in the Armenian past among the camp participants.

The quiz organized by the “Urartu” theater of the Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary further connected the children with Armenian culture. Participants had to name or guess the names, origins, and histories of various items related to Armenian culture created in different periods shown in pictures. The project turned into an educational and entertaining game.

The workshop dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Sergey Parajanov’s birth, conducted by the volunteers of the “Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary,” Suzanna Hakobyan and Grigor Moradyan, sparked great interest. The workshop focused on collage art, presenting Parajanov’s works and the uniqueness of his art. It became a unique opportunity for the children to engage in creative exploration and to get acquainted with Parajanov’s worldview.

Article: Grigor Muradyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

Photos posted: Syuzanna Hakobyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422