Holy Trinity’s Erevan Choral Society to Present Concert on April 17

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—In commemoration of our Sainted Martyrs of 1915, and dedicated to His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian of blessed memory, the Erevan Choral Society of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church will present a concert on Sun., April 17, at 2:30 p.m., in the church sanctuary at 145 Brattle St. in Cambridge. Under the direction of Composer Konstantin Petrossian, music director and conductor, the Erevan Choral Society will present a befitting program that will include Armenian memorial, folk, and patriotic songs.

Guest soloists will be David Ayriyan, kamancha, and Gohar Manjelikian, mezzo-soprano, with Nune Hakobyan on the organ and piano. Ayriyan is one of Armenia’s greatest musicians, a living legend, and a virtuoso kamancha performer. The kamancha is an ancient stringed musical instrument of Armenia. Ayriyan entered Baku Conservatory where he studied this unique instrument. He has won gold medals in many worldwide competitions, including one in Moscow (1957), and has toured Europe, Asia, United States, and Canada. In 1991, Ayriyan and his family moved to the United States, where he has expanded his repertoire and is able to meet new requests and exploit the full range of the kamancha.

Mezzo-soprano Gohar Manjelikian is an Armenian artist now living in the United States She began her singing career in Armenia in 1981, when she was accepted as a member of the State Academic Chorus. She graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. Since her arrival in the United States, Manjelikian has sung in many Armenian and American churches. Her extensive repertoire includes a wide range of European, Russian, and Armenian operas as well as classical, romantic, and sacred music. “How Great Thou Art” is her first CD with sacred Armenian songs.

Also included in the program will be recitations of inspirational poems by students of Holy Trinity’s Armenian School.

“It is extremely fitting,” said Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, “to be dedicating this concert in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, who was an avid and long-time supporter of the Erevan Choral Society and attended as many of the concerts as he was able.”

Yeghishe Srpazan served as pastor at Holy Trinity Armenian Church from 1974-76. He was the former Primate of the United Kingdom, a long-serving pastor among churches of the Eastern Diocese, and the eldest clergyman of episcopal rank in the Armenian Church. He was a true spiritual father to his people.

“We invite the Armenian and non-Armenian community to join us on Sun., April 17,” Fr. Vasken said, “as we commemorate through music and poem, the Sainted Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and fondly remember Yeghishe Srpazan.” The concert is a gift to the community, but those interested in supporting the Erevan Choral Society may make contributions to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church.
Source: Armenian Weekly New England