Dre Lena Terjanian and Me Richard Elliott, a lovely couple from Montreal have been long-time supporters of the Atken Armenian Foundation's efforts. A large portion of their help this year through us was to help house several (now 68!) refugees from Artsakh in homes in the Vayots Dzor region (read about our HEAR-VDz project in earlier posts). They do however believe in the importance of continuing to support young musical talents in Armenia, particularly in the more remote regions. Samvel Zakoyan is such a talent, from the border town of Vartenis.
Despite the challenges of living in the border town of Vartenis, so close to Azeri incursions into Armenia, Samvel makes music! A dedicated student, and recipient of our 2023-24 Terjanian Prize, he has a profound curiosity about the world. He is even learning Korean! This year his talent and enthusiasm, with our financial support, has taken him to several competitions and has won several 1st prizes in Armenia and Russia. At the Atken Armenian Foundation, we believe strongly in the importance of securing our cultural heritage for future generations, and that is exactly the mission Samvel has taken upon himself.
Samvel writes: "The Kamancha has been known for its national and folkloric works since ancient times. I want to break stereotypes and show that the Kamancha is also capable of performing classical works. It should shine and show his abilities also with classic works. I am grateful to my beloved teacher, Parandzem Martirosyan, and my family. And special thanks to my very dear Atken Armenian Foundation and the Terjanian family for always helping and supporting me. My dear Foundation, thank you for always supporting and helping me. It is also thanks to you that I can reach the sky, and more specifically, my goals. Thank you for being in my life" (April, 2024)
Recently Samvel was a semi-finalist in the Eurovision Classical Music Competition Armenia. Congratulations, Samvel, on this well-deserved recognition, and making it center stage on Armenia's state TV!
