YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. A number of cultural figures have been rewarded with state awards and titles of honor by the decree of Robert Kocharian, the President of the Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the proclamation of the Independece of the Republic of Armenia. Hasmik Poghosian, the Minister of Culture, highly appreciated their contribution to the development of the Armenian culture and art in her speech made at the ceremony held in the RA MInistry of Culture on September 26 on this occasion. "The roots that gave birth to such cultural figures should be in inexhaustable," the Minister stressed. A number of cultural figures have been awarded RA titles of honor for their considerable contribution to the development of art and culture: Children's writer Suren Muradian, in particular, was awarded a Movses Khorenatsi medal for his considerable contribution to the development of children's literature. Suren Gyanjumian, the art director of the "Garun" (Spring) children's and youthful dance ensemble, was awarded an honorary title of People's Artist, and sculptor Artashes Hovsepian was awarded the title of People's painter. Theatre scientist Levon Mutafian, and writer Alvard Petrosian, as well as Arageghetsik Amirkhanian, the head of the cultural department of the personnel of the RA regional council of Armavir, Hasmik Kirakosian, the Head of the cultural department of the personnel of the RA regional council of Shirak, and Murad Malkhasian, the head of the state orchestra of people's instruments of Gyumri, were awarded a title of Honorary Cultural Figure. Kanon-player Hasmik Leyloyan, a professor of the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas, pianist Anahit Nersisian, a professor of the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas, singer -composer of songs Leila Saribekian were awarded the title of Honorary Artist. Tar-player Rafik Vardanian and duduk-player Georgi Minasian were awarded the same title. And as for Andranik Haroutiunian, the head of the Komitas Chamber Music Hall, Aram Gharabekian, the artistic director and principal conductor of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, pianist Levon Malkhsian, Armen Martirosian, the artistic head of the variety art - jazz orchestra of Armenia, they were awarded the title of Honorary Art Figure. Film producer Vagharshak Chaldranian and pianist Levon Malkhasian were awarded with the same title.

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