World famous rock musicians Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) sent musical instruments as a gift for N6 musical school in Gyumri.

Professional musical instruments from Fender Musical Instruments Corporation are supplied to Yerevan: 4 acoustic guitars of Japanese Takamine Company and Blackhawk drum kit of American Gretsch Drums Company. The musicians also gifted Paiste сymbals and Vic Firth drumsticks, presented by John Henrys Ltd. Company.

On October 1, 2009, Ian Gillan and Toni Iommi visited music school N 6 in Gyumri within the framework of Armenia Grateful 2 Rock project, realized by Mediamax and Australian “Do Something” organization. Director of the school Harutyun Asatryan stated in a talk with the rock stars that the pupils would very much like to have good guitars and a drum kit. The music school N 6 in Gyumri was destroyed during 1988 earthquake and is still hosted in temporary shelters.

“We express huge gratitude to the great musicians for their attention towards Armenian children, who study music in difficult conditions. Almost 5 months have passed from the time of Gillan’s and Iommi’s visit to Armenia, but this present evidences that their sincere wish to help the Armenian school has not become weaker to any extent. I want to also sincerely thank the managers of the musicians Ralph Baker and Phil Banfield, who directly dealt with acquisition of the instruments”, Mediamax Director Ara Tadevosyan stated.

Ian Gillan’s concerts with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia will take place on March 26 and 27. The entire proceeds from them will be directed at rebuilding of musical school N 6 in Gyumri.

“This is another evidence that Armenia has found friends in those great musicians”, Ara Tadevosyan stated.

He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Head of the Armenian President’s Staff Vigen Sargsian for assistance, rendered in transportation of the musical instruments to Yerevan. Ian Gillan’s and Tony Iommi’s gift was supplied to Armenia by Armenian President’s aircraft, who visited London last week. “This is very symbolic, since Rock Aid Armenia/Armenia Grateful 2 Rock takes place under the patronage of the President”, Mediamax Director stated.

It is expected that the musical instruments will be handed over to the school representatives in March within the framework of Ian Gillan’s visit to Yerevan.

“VivaCell-MTS” is the general sponsor of Ian Gillan’s concerts due on March 26 and 27 in Yerevan. bmi Airlines is the partner of the concerts.


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