At the initiative of the Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles, Glendale hosted a benefit concert of Armenian opera singer Arax Manrourian and her student from Australia Lisa Bell. The concert was attended by music lovers, art critics and foreign guests.
Addressing the concert attendees, Armenian Consulate General Grigor Hivhannisyan said the singers would then travel to Armenian for a benefit concert to be held under the patronage of First Lady Rita Sargsyan. All proceeds of the Yerevan performances will be donated to the Armenian Children's Charity for the treatment of children suffering from cancer.
The Australian soprano's plan to visit Armenia was hailed by the country's Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
"I was proud to learn that the proceeds of the Yerevan concert will be sent for children's treatment. Australia appreciates its relations with Armenia. We have an Armenian community which is proud of its heritage and the struggle for freedom," she said.
