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Three Young Norwegian-Armenians to Perform on Stage for `Rybak Effect'
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/02/10 /three-young-norwegian-armenians-to-perform-on-sta ge-for-%e2%80%98rybak-effect%e2%80%99/
By Weekly Staff - on February 10, 2010
OSLO, Norway (A.W.)-During these cold and dark months of winter in
Norway, there is only warmth and light radiating from the faces of
three Armenian-Norwegian youth in the southern city of Skien.
Aleksander Varadian Johnsen, 13, Harout Yacoubian 12, and sister
Maria, 9, recently met at no better place than where they enjoy being
the most - on stage. Although their parents have known each other for
years, the Yacoubian children didn't know Varadian Johnsen well, as
they live in separate towns.
All three are representing their local `school of arts' in two
pre-events leading to round four of Norway's National Melody Grand
Prix, being held in Skien. Norway, the winner of last year's Euovision
(European) Song Contest, is gearing up once again to choose who will
represent the country in this year's competition, to be held in Oslo
in May. Armenia, one of 30 countries to compete in this year's
competition, placed 10th in 2009.
In tribute to Norway's victory last year, won by Alexander Rybak, a
talented vocalist and fiddler, the local school of arts has arranged a
show called the `Rybak Effect.' Many youth were inspired by Rybak and
have since joined the already popular schools of arts throughout
Norway. Aleksander Varadian Johnsen, a prominent theatre student, has
been asked to host the evening, which includes interviewing Alexander
Rybak. Harout Yacoubian, a talented violinist, and his sister Maria
will perform on stage. When both parents realized this coincidence,
Harout's father exclaimed, `Imagine that, three Armenians on stage at
the same time in this little country of Norway!'
In addition to this performance, perhaps the more exciting event is
what will happen the day of the show: All three have been asked to
participate in a film clip that will appear on national television
(NRK) on the evening of the competition. Ian Wright, known worldwide
for his travel documentaries `Globetrekkers' (on the Travel Channel),
is in Norway filming. He has filmed in over 100 countries including
Armenia. Now he is travelling to the five locations of the Melody
Grand Prix competition trying to find out the secret behind Norway's
success. In the clip, Varadian Johnsen and Wright discuss the enormous
national interest in music, while roaming a snow-covered street in
town. Harout and Maria Yacoubian play their violins in the background.
Both Varadian Johnsen and Harout Yacoubian will also appear on NRK's
morning news program, as part of the media coverage of Melody Grand
Prix in Skien.
Varadian Johnsen, the son of David and Christine (Varadian) Johnsen,
has been a theatre student for six years. He immediately took to the
stage and is considered a talented young man destined for a future in
the arts. He has been in many local theatre productions, including
playing the role of Oliver in `Oliver Twist' with a professional adult
theatre troupe that toured several cities. In addition to his
theatrical talents, he is a singer and songwriter, and has won several
local competitions. His mother is a former resident of the Providence,
R.I. community and was actively involved for many years in the
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF).
Harout and Maria Yacoubian are the children of Dr. Paul and Trude
Yacoubian. Harout attends the school of arts in Porsgrunn. He has
performed in numerous concerts where he has also played solo. His
talent has caught the eye of local newspapers and he, too, is a rising
young star. Undoubtedly his passion and interest in violin has rubbed
off on his younger sister, Maria, who is following in his footsteps.
Father, Paul (Boghos), is from Aleppo, Syria, and was an active member
of the ARF and ARS there.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/02/10 /three-young-norwegian-armenians-to-perform-on-sta ge-for-%e2%80%98rybak-effect%e2%80%99/
By Weekly Staff - on February 10, 2010
OSLO, Norway (A.W.)-During these cold and dark months of winter in
Norway, there is only warmth and light radiating from the faces of
three Armenian-Norwegian youth in the southern city of Skien.
Aleksander Varadian Johnsen, 13, Harout Yacoubian 12, and sister
Maria, 9, recently met at no better place than where they enjoy being
the most - on stage. Although their parents have known each other for
years, the Yacoubian children didn't know Varadian Johnsen well, as
they live in separate towns.
All three are representing their local `school of arts' in two
pre-events leading to round four of Norway's National Melody Grand
Prix, being held in Skien. Norway, the winner of last year's Euovision
(European) Song Contest, is gearing up once again to choose who will
represent the country in this year's competition, to be held in Oslo
in May. Armenia, one of 30 countries to compete in this year's
competition, placed 10th in 2009.
In tribute to Norway's victory last year, won by Alexander Rybak, a
talented vocalist and fiddler, the local school of arts has arranged a
show called the `Rybak Effect.' Many youth were inspired by Rybak and
have since joined the already popular schools of arts throughout
Norway. Aleksander Varadian Johnsen, a prominent theatre student, has
been asked to host the evening, which includes interviewing Alexander
Rybak. Harout Yacoubian, a talented violinist, and his sister Maria
will perform on stage. When both parents realized this coincidence,
Harout's father exclaimed, `Imagine that, three Armenians on stage at
the same time in this little country of Norway!'
In addition to this performance, perhaps the more exciting event is
what will happen the day of the show: All three have been asked to
participate in a film clip that will appear on national television
(NRK) on the evening of the competition. Ian Wright, known worldwide
for his travel documentaries `Globetrekkers' (on the Travel Channel),
is in Norway filming. He has filmed in over 100 countries including
Armenia. Now he is travelling to the five locations of the Melody
Grand Prix competition trying to find out the secret behind Norway's
success. In the clip, Varadian Johnsen and Wright discuss the enormous
national interest in music, while roaming a snow-covered street in
town. Harout and Maria Yacoubian play their violins in the background.
Both Varadian Johnsen and Harout Yacoubian will also appear on NRK's
morning news program, as part of the media coverage of Melody Grand
Prix in Skien.
Varadian Johnsen, the son of David and Christine (Varadian) Johnsen,
has been a theatre student for six years. He immediately took to the
stage and is considered a talented young man destined for a future in
the arts. He has been in many local theatre productions, including
playing the role of Oliver in `Oliver Twist' with a professional adult
theatre troupe that toured several cities. In addition to his
theatrical talents, he is a singer and songwriter, and has won several
local competitions. His mother is a former resident of the Providence,
R.I. community and was actively involved for many years in the
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF).
Harout and Maria Yacoubian are the children of Dr. Paul and Trude
Yacoubian. Harout attends the school of arts in Porsgrunn. He has
performed in numerous concerts where he has also played solo. His
talent has caught the eye of local newspapers and he, too, is a rising
young star. Undoubtedly his passion and interest in violin has rubbed
off on his younger sister, Maria, who is following in his footsteps.
Father, Paul (Boghos), is from Aleppo, Syria, and was an active member
of the ARF and ARS there.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress