The year 2001 marked the 1700th Anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity in Armenia. The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese, under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, celebrated this historical event by presenting the world premiere of “Oratorio Sourp Khatch” (Holy Cross) at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto, on the occasion of the first pontifical visit to Canada of His Holiness, Catholicos Karekin II.

After the resounding success of this project the Canadian Armenian Association for the Performing Arts (CAAPA) was formed in January 2002 as a non-profit cultural association under the direct patronage of his Eminence, the Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese.

Mission Statement:

CAAPA’s mission is to promote cultural activities within the Canadian-Armenian community and bring the Armenian cultural heritage to the attention of society at large. Our goal is to present one or two major artistic events per year as well as to promote and support young Armenian talents with performance opportunities and scholarships financed by a trust fund established from the income generated by these concerts.

Current CAAPA Board Members (June 2003 -to present) His Grace, Bishop Galstanian Primate/President Lena Ouzounian Chairperson Antranik Tchilingirian Vice-Chairperson Lena Ishkanian Treasurer Kathy Sakarya Secretary Ayda Afarian Advisor Aida Bardekjian Advisor Salpy Deirmenjian Advisor France Kandaharian Advisor Vatche Kerametlian Advisor Annie Yeretsian Advisor *Maestro Nurhan Arman Honorary Member/Music Advisor

CAAPA’s Past Projects:

1-“ The Young Rising Stars” concert featuring young Canadian Armenian Classical musicians … Saturday November 3, 2002. Holy Trinity Arm. Church. 2-“The Chilingirian Quartet” of London, England. Establishment of the “Fund for the Arts” under the Auspices of His Eminence, Arch. Hovnan Derderian Saturday March 22, 2003 at the Toronto Centre For the Arts. 3-“The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia” Under the Direction of Maestro Aram Gharabekian. Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Composer Aram Khachaturian & in Honor of the newly elected Primate, His Grace, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan. Wednesday November 26, 2003, H.T.A.C. 4-“Luys Vocal Quintet” from Erevan, Armenia. A benefit concert to support Dental Projects in Armenia and Karabagh, organized jointly with ACMAO, the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario. Saturday June 29, 2004. H.T.A.C.

Upcoming Projects:

1-Armenian Masterpiece Theatre by the “Hagop Baronian State Theatre of Erevan” Saturday November 27, 2004 and Sunday November 28, 2004 Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute 2- “Young Rising Stars” Concert . Date to be announced. 3-“CAAPA Award Night”- Presentation of Scholarships to two talented Canadian Armenian artists pursuing studies in the performing Arts. Date TBA