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Jazz Singer Datevik Hovanesian to Perform Live at Annual Gala,
Telethon 2006 For Immediate Release ~ November 14, 2006 Contact: Sarkis Kotanjian ~ 818-243-6222
Jazz Singer Datevik Hovanesian
Los Angeles, CA – Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region is proud to announce that world renowned jazz singer Datevik Hovanesian and her quartet will perform during Armenia Fund’s Annual Gala welcoming President Ghoukasian of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as during the 9th Annual International Telethon, which will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006. The sold out Annual Gala will be held at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at the California Plaza on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at 7pm. Datevik and her jazz quartet join Armenia Fund’s international effort to help raise critically needed funds for the Hadrut Regional Development in Nagorno Karabakh. Datevik was born in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and comes from a family of musicians. Her mother is Ophelia Hambartsumian, the renowned diva of Armenian Folk and her father, Norair Hovanesian, is an expert kamancha (folk string instrument) player. Datevik made her first recording at the age of 11 with Harold Arlen’s song “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” Thereafter, music and song became her focal point and her life’s raison d’être. While continuing her musical education in the field of choir director, Datevik also embarked on performance tours in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Africa. She juggled participation in well-known jazz festivals with solo performances, movies, and teaching. By 1979 this rising song star had earned the title of “The First Lady of Jazz” in the Soviet Union, which she maintained for nine consecutive years. It was during that time that her solo albums — “Day Dream”, “Concerto for Voice & Orchestra”, and “Doors” – were recorded. In 1990, she was introduced to Mr. Pierre Sprey, president of Mapleshade Record Productions. That meeting marked the beginning of her musical career in the United States. Mr. Sprey opened the doors of his studio to Datevik and facilitated for a recording session with the wonderful and very talented pianist Larry Willis and his quartet - the result of which was a beautiful album "Ballads from the Sea". Asked about her experience, Datevik states, “I consider my Mapleshade studio experience with the magical music of Larry Willis as one of the unforgettable highlights of my life”. Some of Datevik's biggest accomplishments of her career and most important contribution to Armenian music have been in the last 16 years. Datevik has introduced a new genre of music called Ethnic Jazz, by combining Armenian folk music and traditional jazz music. She has accomplished this notably through the introduction of Komitas, Sayat Nova, and Armenian traditional songs, in the medium of jazz, to the new generation of Armenians and to people of all nationalities and various backgrounds. Datevik is truly a cultural Ambassador of Armenia. She has extensively traveled all over the world and participated at prestigious jazz festivals. Since Datevik extensively works with non-Armenian musicians, she has had the distinct opportunity to introduce them to Armenian music and culture. Notable American, Russian, and Australian musicians have adopted this type of music in their compositions and concerts. Her latest music CDs that include Armenian ethnic jazz music are "Listen to My Heart" and "Stage to Stage". When asked about Datevik, legendary jazz producer George Avakian said, "The finest new voice I have heard in a quarter of century". Internationally known composer, arranger and pianist Michel Legrand added, "Listen to the Heart of Armenia, listen to Datevik". Armenia Fund’s 9th Annual International Telethon will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006 from 8am – 8pm PST. The live telethon will feature guest appearances of celebrities and community leaders, renowned Armenian performers, as well as Armenia Fund’s long time donors and supporters. Proceeds from the Telethon will be geared towards the fight against rural poverty --- which includes the reconstruction of a regional hospital with 5 new ambulances, the construction of local village schools, waterways for irrigation and drinking water purposes, and a comprehensive agricultural development plan. The 12 hour live program will be webcasted on www.armeniafund.org on the day of the Telethon. |
