Yerevan /Mediamax/. Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan will be awarded the title of "Friend of the Armenians 2014”.

The title will be awarded to the singer by the Eastern Diocese of Armenian Church in America, Mediamax reports.

The awarding ceremony will take place within the framework of the 112th annual assembly of the Eastern Diocese in New York City on May 2.

Deep Purple lead singer will be awarded the honorary title for his participation in the construction of Octet Music School in Gyumri.

The school was constructed within the framework of the joint project of Mediamax, Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) and Australian Do Something organization.

The opening ceremony was held in September 2013 and was attended by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Ian Gillan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and members of Mardigian Family Foundation who provided the biggest donation for the construction of the school.

In 2009, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan awarded Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Jon Dee (Founder of Rock Aid Armenia), Geoff Downes (Asia, Yes), Brian May (Queen), and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) the Order of Honor for their participation in Rock Aid Armenia project in 1989.

In October 2009, Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Jon Dee and Geoff Downes visited Octet Music School in Gyumri, which was sheltered in temporary constructions for over 20 years and promised to support the construction of the new building.

Ian Gillan’s charity with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia organized by Mediamax in March 2010 were the first step. Later on Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi founded WhoCares supergroup, which released a single and an album to raise funds for the construction of the Music School in Gyumri.

Mediamax is going to cover the ceremony to be held in New York on May 2.