Harout Pamboukjian lights up Sydney for ARF 121st Anniversary celebrations

SYDNEY: Harout Pamboukjian fever struck Sydney last weekend as the superstar singer entertained 800 people at the 121st Anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dinner Dance on Friday, followed by another 500 at the Special Program celebrating the same occasion on Sunday.

In this milestone week for the organisation, the ARF in Australia welcomed 11 new members into its senior ranks and five new members into the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF Australia) as its Time for Youth initiative began delivering results.

ARF Bureau member Hagop Der Khatchadourian, who was a keynote guest for the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) during Advocacy Week, was also guest of honour for ARF Australia during the ARF Anniversary celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne.

Pamboukjian, invited from the United States with his band, proved to be a drawcard, attracting hundreds from the community's youth to The Renaissance in Lidcombe for the Dinner Dance sponsored by HYECORP Property Group. After four-and-a-half hours of singing and dancing, many in attendance swarmed below the stage to sing along to revolutionary songs honouring Armenian heroes from the past.

On Sunday, the Armenian Cultural Centre was packed for Der Khatchadourian's keynote address, which was made during a Special ARF Anniversary Program that featured a poem recital, song and speeches by representatives of AYF Australia, and the ARF Australia Tro Gomide.

Der Khatchadourian, visiting from Canada, revealed the breadth of activities being undertaken by the ARF globally, particularly in Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Javakhk. He also paid tribute to the activities the ARF was doing locally in Australia and encouraged widespread community participation and support.

The Special Program ended with a closing address and prayer by Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Pamboukjian then took the stage for an hour of songs, accompanied only by his guitar, wit and unique talent. He received a standing ovation at the conclusion, then made way for local musician Tony Akillian and singers Sevag Varjabedian and Ohanes Ohanessian to take the stage and lead the capacity audience in song until the evening.

ARF Australia Tro Gomide Chairman, Onnig Soghomonian said: "This has been a very fulfilling week for the ARF. We must thank the organising committee, all those who assisted and participated, and especially our overseas guests who made lasting impressions on our community."