Author: The Armenian Report

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The Armenia State Symphony Orchestra celebrated the close of its 20th anniversary season Monday night with a free open-air gala that drew thousands of people to Yerevan’s iconic Cascade Complex for an evening of classical music, Armenian traditions and symphonic interpretations of modern hits. The performance took place at the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden, where the orchestra, led by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Sergey Smbatyan, presented a program spanning centuries and musical styles. The concert reflected the ensemble’s evolution over the past two decades while bringing symphonic music to one of the city’s most popular public spaces. The repertoire featured…

The world’s tallest planned statue of Jesus Christ is almost coming alive in Yerevan, though questions remain over whether it will ever reach its intended home on Mount Hatis. A massive statue of Jesus Christ is taking shape in Yerevan, the monument designed to become the tallest depiction of Christ in the world. The Armenian Report visited the site, where the upper half of the sculpture now towers above the sculptor’s backyard. The statue is being built in sections before its planned transport to Mount Hatis in Armenia’s Kotayk Province. Jesus’ figure will stand 33 meters, or 108 feet, tall.…

A Hollywood producer behind some of the past decade’s most acclaimed independent films says bringing his latest project to Armenia was more meaningful than any international premiere or awards ceremony. Armenian-American producer and screenwriter Sev Ohanian traveled to Yerevan for the 23rd Golden Apricot International Film Festival, where Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” screened before Armenian audiences for the first time. He described during an exclusive interview with The Armenian Report the experience as “a dream come true,” reflecting on his Armenian roots, his path through Hollywood and the family journey that led him to the Oscars. “It’s literally a dream come…

Armenia’s largest international film festival is underway, transforming Yerevan into a gathering place for some of the world’s leading filmmakers, actors and cinema professionals. The 23rd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival opened July 13 and will run through July 19, presenting acclaimed films from around the world while highlighting Armenia’s growing role in the international film community. The Armenian Report is covering the festival throughout the week, with reporter Ani Khachatryan speaking with filmmakers, actors and festival attendees from opening day as she brings readers exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage from one of the region’s premier cultural events. This…

Antranik Kalaydjian, the Armenian-American founder and CEO of Guardian Professional Security, said returning to Armenia as a featured speaker at the Mantashyants Business Club conference became far more meaningful than he ever expected, describing the experience as a homecoming filled with gratitude, pride and a renewed connection to his roots. Kalaydjian, who built one of the United States’ leading executive protection companies, said he never imagined he would one day address Armenian entrepreneurs in their homeland. “It means the world to me,” he said. “I was not expecting this at all.” He said joining the Mantashyants Business Club was initially…

BREAKING: In a moment of pride for Glendale’s Armenian community and the city at large, Robert William, a lifelong Glendale resident who built his career from the ground up within the department, was officially appointed on Monday, June 23, as the 21st Chief of Police of the Glendale Police Department. Chief William succeeds former Police Chief Manny Cid, who led the department from 2023 to 2026. Home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia, Glendale’s new police chief is widely known for his longstanding relationships with the city’s diverse neighborhoods and his commitment to community engagement. William’s…

Armenian football icon and Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan returned to the club where his professional journey began, meeting with dozens of young players at FC Pyunik’s academy in Yerevan as part of a special “Home Coming” event dedicated to his career and legacy. The gathering brought together aspiring footballers from multiple age groups, many of whom see Mkhitaryan as both a role model and proof that international success is possible for Armenian athletes. Addressing the young players, Armenia’s all-time leading goalscorer and former national team captain reflected on his career, the challenges he faced, and the dream that drove…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan on May 26 for a trip that lasted approximately 40 minutes, holding meetings with Armenian officials before departing from Zvartnots International Airport. The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan was at Zvartnots covering Rubio’s arrival and departure. During the visit, the United States and Armenia signed a framework agreement connected to the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, known as TRIPP, a regional infrastructure and transit initiative aimed at expanding transport and economic links across the South Caucasus. The agreement links the future implementation of the TRIPP project to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process,…

The 8th Summit of the European Political Community has officially started in Yerevan, bringing together dozens of leaders from across Europe and beyond. The event is taking place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex, where a formal welcoming ceremony was held earlier in the day. The Armenian Report was present on behalf of the Armenian diaspora to cover the summit. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan personally greeted nearly fifty leaders as they arrived at the venue. The summit is one of the largest international political gatherings ever hosted in Armenia. Among those attending the summit are French President Emmanuel…