He delighted millions around the world with his voice and helped strengthen the bond which exists between Armenian Diaspora and the motherland. A passionate ambassador of culture, living in 20th century Armenia, Badalian played a significant role in educating generations of young Armenians. A wonderful human being, a beloved folk singer and an admired artist, Hovanness, much like his peers of the time, dedicated his entire life to the advancement of the Armenian culture
We hope this fund will be helpful in communicating the singer’s wants and aspirations to generations beyond our own
HBMF was established with the initial sum of $5,000 donated by Gohar and Garnik Badalian, elder brother of Hovanness. It is organized under the charter of Amaras Art Alliance which appoints Fund’s board of trustees
I am overwhelmed with honor that I have a chance to speak of such a great man to you today. Hovanness Badalian was a man who carried his sense of identity with such absoluteness that his identity molded him rather than the contrary
Thus his great art beseeched him and his country listened. To have such an infectious passion can only inspire us
His voice led me to these images
Adagio from the east beckons
Pulled toward the sky surrounding me
I hang on to each branch offered
my eyes drift north to the palisades of a colossal past
rich as the land we’re grounded on,
sound rumbles throughout the fields
legends live within our tears
the sable obsidian is dripping within my thoughts
with a voice of hundreds before me…..
I anchor my lineage on an abstraction… intangible to the touch
an impetuous pulse finds every branch.
Holding on
I am never alone,
I am never forgotten
Zepure Arman
April 30, 2004
(Zepur also recited her poem at the HBMF inaugural event)