On September 10, the Armenian Music Festival of Rhode Island Inc., supported by The Armenian Euphrates Evangelical Church, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian organizations of Rhode Island presented a “Salute to Armenia” program, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

The Republic of Armenia’s ambassadors to the United States and the United Nations have accepted invitations to participate in “Salute to Armenia.” Federal, state and local dignitaries were also invited.

The commemorative concert included performances by: Metropolitan Opera singer Yegishe Manucharyan, Victoria Avetisyan (Massachusetts), Garo Nichanian (Canada), Kate Norigian, Joanne Mouradjian, David Ayriyan, Debra Takian Pjojian, David Gevorkian, Gohar Manjelikian, David Alexander, Mher Saribekyan, Alexan Tokatlian (New York), The Armenian Chorales of Rhode Island and Greater Worcester and the Philharmonic Community Symphony Orchestra of Rhode Island. Konstantin Petrossian is artistic director and conductor.

Guest composers from Armenia, Martin Vardazaryan and Levon Chaushyan, were also in attendance.

In addition to traditional Armenian music, the program premiered songs composed especially for this event by Armenian composers.