U.S. donors support National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia

Mark and Paulette Geragos host event

by Paul Chaderjian

Published: Tuesday September 23, 2008

The NCOA performs at the Geragos home. Red Point Studio

The NCOA performs at the Geragos home. Red Point Studio

Burbank, Calif. - For each of the notes sounding from the stage at the recentNational Chamber Orchestra of Armenia (August 30, 2008, Arts & Culture)performances in North America, there must be an equal number of fans rootingfor the orchestra to survive, thrive, and continue to share its collectivetalents on the world stage.

One Southern California organization working hard to helpthe orchestra is the Friends of the NCOA. Thissmall yet potent group of fans has already raised $65,000 in just the past fourmonths. Their goal is to top half a million in the next two years.

While the NCOA was in SouthernCalifornia, estate-management consultant Alina Koutnouyan, and herInstrument Replacement Fundraising Committee of the Friends of NCOA, organized a private, Labor Day donor performanceat the home of Mark and Paulette Geragos.

"This is not just a talented Armenian chamber orchestra,"said host, famed attorney Mark Geragos. "This is truly a talented chamberorchestra that happens to be Armenian. Serene yet inspirational. Brilliant yetcalming. The best way to describe it is 'indescribable.'"

Ms. Koutnouyan told the Armenian Reporter that theperformance was a "token of gratitude" to donors and that all costs andservices for the invitation-only event were donated. The money raised throughMs. Koutnouyan's committee will be used for the procurement of new instruments.

"The reception andperformance were a rare opportunity to witness up-close the fantastic talentand vigor of the NCOA musicians, as well as thedynamic energy and effectiveness of the maestro [Aram Gharabekian]," said Ms.Koutnouyan.

 "Fantastic" is howdonor Dr. Robert Marsh described the NCOA."I have heard orchestras in the concert halls of a majority of countries inEurope, and I would be proud to hear [the NCOA] inany such venue," he said.

"It's really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we werethrilled to host them," said Mrs. Geragos. "They are perfect, really perfect,and the more help they get, the better."

"We can make a difference in terms of the opportunities thatlie ahead for the NCOA, and the powerful, positiveimpression they leave on audiences around the globe," said Ms. Koutnouyan.

1-818-649-8653 alina@aok-consulting.com