On Mar. 18, a ceremony paying homage to Argentinean-Armenian composer, choirmaster Jean Almukhian was held at Siranush Hall of the Armenian Center in Buenos Aires. The event was organized by the National Department of the Argentinean and Chilean Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and was held under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Argentina.

The event began with welcoming remarks by RA Ambassador to Argentina Vahagn Melikyan and member of the board of the Armenian Center Vardivar Manukyan, followed by performances of the composer’s songs by Daniel Dere, Marral Torikian and Ardo Kaldjian. Parts from the concerts of choirs directed by the maestro were also shown during the event.

In his speech, Ambassador Melikyan praised the maestro’s career and underlined the fact that his career is more evidence of the Armenians’ unbreakable will, dedication, hard work and their great aspirations to live and create. The Ambassador also read the decree of President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on granting the Movses Khorenatsi Medal to Jean Almukhian on the occasion of the 22^nd anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and solemnly presented the high award to the maestro.

Expressing deep gratitude to the RA President for his high appreciation, Jean Almukhian mentioned that he is committed to continue to serve for the development and dissemination of Armenian arts.

Carlos Hasasian’s book Jean Almukhian: Behind the Music was presented in the second part of the event.