ARMENIAN HERITAGE SHINES AT AN UNFORGETTABLE GALA IN LOS ANGELES
An evening of elegance and purpose celebrating the Armenian American Museum and the extraordinary spirit of the Armenian community
As we walked into the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown on Saturday night for the Armenian Heritage Gala, we immediately sensed that we were entering a gathering of significance. The greeting was gracious, the décor refined, the lighting ambient — from those very first moments it was clear that the evening had been thoughtfully arranged to honor memory, culture, architecture, and ambition all at once.
The music began the story. First, young piano prodigy Alec Van Khajadourian performed with impressive poise and elegance, his playing filling the room and establishing the tone for the night. Then, a group of talented students from the Sonata Music School brought traditional Armenian melodies to life — their music a vivid reminder of a heritage alive in rhythm, melody, and community.
When the moment arrived for recognition, the room embraced the honorees warmly. We watched as architects Aram Alajajian and Sako Marcoosi, from Alajajian Marcoosi Architects, took the stage—honoured for their visionary design of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California, now rising in Glendale. We observed with admiration as Araksya Karapetyan, Emmy-winning co-anchor for FOX 11’s Good Day LA, stood recognized for her voice, her advocacy, and her representation of the Armenian-American story. Museo Armeno Americano di California+2FOX 11 Los Angeles+2
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But more than the formalities, what made the night memorable was the shared sense of purpose in the air. As we moved among guests, we heard conversations about foundations and facades, about archives and education, about the next generation of Armenian-American voices. The museum—scheduled to open in 2026—emerged repeatedly as a living project: not simply to preserve the past, but to create the future.
As the city lights of downtown Los Angeles glimmered beyond the windows, the gala drew to a close—but not quietly. Guests lingered, sharing stories, soaking in the energy, connecting over drinks and ideas alike. It was an evening that combined elegance with intention, celebration with momentum.
The Armenian Heritage Gala was beautifully executed, emotionally rich, and deeply meaningful. It reminded us as observers of the strength of the Armenian community, the power of culture, and the importance of building something lasting.
Even more, it offered a clear message: heritage isn’t simply inherited—it’s created, lived, and advanced together.
https://armenianamericanmuseum.org/
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Style Editor Raimondo Rossi, styled for the gala with accessories by Davide Cristofaro
