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Sayat Nova celebrated in New England
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2013-11-02-sayat-nova-celebrated-in-new-england
Published: Saturday November 02, 2013
Sayat Nova dancers perform on Oct. 6. Viken Karaguesian
WATERTOWN, MASS. - The New England Armenian Community celebrated the
300th birth anniversary of the beloved bard Sayat Nova. The free event
was held in the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center in Watertown,
MA on October 6.
A dynamic cast of performers presented some of the most authentic,
beautiful and lyrical Armenian songs and poems of the troubadour, both
in traditional form and with modern interpretations and expressions.
The audience was ecstatic and showed its appreciation at the
conclusion of the concert with a standing ovation - singing and
applauding long after the performance had ended.
The renowned troubadour was born in 1713 in an ethnically diverse and
linguistically plural part of the world- South Caucuses. He became
fluent in most languages of the region, writing, composing and
performing in Armenian, Georgian, Persian, and Azerbaijani,
contributing enormously to the poetry and music of his time. His
influence on Armenian Culture continues to affect our lives today
inArmenia and the Diaspora.
Mistress of Ceremonies was the very gifted radio personality Lousineh
Ayanian who offered excerpts from Sayat Nova's verses, while Ani
Arakelians-Avakian and Berj Chekijian recited beautifully entire poems
written by the bard himself or from the works of other poets paying
homage to the beloved gousan (troubadour). An appearance by folk
singer Aleksan Harutunyan with his deep understanding of traditional
Armenian music was instrumental in transforming the mood of the
audience back to Armenia and back 300 years. Enhancing this
transformation was the delicate sound of master Kamancha player David
Ayriyan who offered a magical window into the world Sayat Nova lived
in.
Three performing groups also participated in this tribute, each
bringing a unique quality to add to the program. Award winning
conductor Maestro Artur Veranian led his newly formed Armenian Chamber
Chorus of Boston, presenting three of his own arrangements of Sayat
Nova's songs; while composer and classical pianist Ara Sarkissian
leading his Musaner Armenian Folk Jazz Ensemble offered his vision,
with a delightful new flavor of the music we so dearly love. And
members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, under the direction
of choreographer Apo Ashjian, took to the stage three times performing
graceful dances to the music of Sayat Nova, with new and unique
interpretations. Among them, Garen Avetissyan, Kamancha in hand,
depicted SayatNova.
The Sayat Nova 300th Anniversary Celebration was a collaborative
effort between two organizations with deep roots within the New
England community - The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (SNDC) and
Amaras Art Alliance. Formed in January 1986 under the direction of Apo
Ashjian, SNDC is named after the beloved troubadour whose beautiful
music and poetry captures the essence of the Armenian soul and spirit.
SNDC has been a source of inspiration to generations of young
Armenians who continue to promote and safeguard their culture through
the art of dance. To learn more about the dance company, how to join
the group and view their schedule of upcoming performances please
visit www.sayatnova.com. Amaras Art Alliance is committed to working
with professional artists and musicians, to stage and present high
quality cultural programs in New England and Armenia. Founded in 1990,
Amaras also supports young aspiring performers to achieve their full
creative potentials. Visit AmarasOnline.com for more information on
the type of projects Amaras produces, learn how to become involved by
bringing your own ideas to the group and preview past programs.
The Sayat Nova 300 Joint Committee wishes to publicly thank all the
performers for donating their time and talent for this performance.
The Committee also extends a heartfelt thank-you to those who
responded generously to our appeal for financial contributions and to
those who made in-kind donations that greatly contributed to the
success of this event- in particular we wish to say thank-you to the
New England Armenian community and our public who, for years, have
supported us with their presence at our events. A heartfelt gratitude
to you all...
From: Baghdasarian
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2013-11-02-sayat-nova-celebrated-in-new-england
Published: Saturday November 02, 2013
Sayat Nova dancers perform on Oct. 6. Viken Karaguesian
WATERTOWN, MASS. - The New England Armenian Community celebrated the
300th birth anniversary of the beloved bard Sayat Nova. The free event
was held in the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center in Watertown,
MA on October 6.
A dynamic cast of performers presented some of the most authentic,
beautiful and lyrical Armenian songs and poems of the troubadour, both
in traditional form and with modern interpretations and expressions.
The audience was ecstatic and showed its appreciation at the
conclusion of the concert with a standing ovation - singing and
applauding long after the performance had ended.
The renowned troubadour was born in 1713 in an ethnically diverse and
linguistically plural part of the world- South Caucuses. He became
fluent in most languages of the region, writing, composing and
performing in Armenian, Georgian, Persian, and Azerbaijani,
contributing enormously to the poetry and music of his time. His
influence on Armenian Culture continues to affect our lives today
inArmenia and the Diaspora.
Mistress of Ceremonies was the very gifted radio personality Lousineh
Ayanian who offered excerpts from Sayat Nova's verses, while Ani
Arakelians-Avakian and Berj Chekijian recited beautifully entire poems
written by the bard himself or from the works of other poets paying
homage to the beloved gousan (troubadour). An appearance by folk
singer Aleksan Harutunyan with his deep understanding of traditional
Armenian music was instrumental in transforming the mood of the
audience back to Armenia and back 300 years. Enhancing this
transformation was the delicate sound of master Kamancha player David
Ayriyan who offered a magical window into the world Sayat Nova lived
in.
Three performing groups also participated in this tribute, each
bringing a unique quality to add to the program. Award winning
conductor Maestro Artur Veranian led his newly formed Armenian Chamber
Chorus of Boston, presenting three of his own arrangements of Sayat
Nova's songs; while composer and classical pianist Ara Sarkissian
leading his Musaner Armenian Folk Jazz Ensemble offered his vision,
with a delightful new flavor of the music we so dearly love. And
members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, under the direction
of choreographer Apo Ashjian, took to the stage three times performing
graceful dances to the music of Sayat Nova, with new and unique
interpretations. Among them, Garen Avetissyan, Kamancha in hand,
depicted SayatNova.
The Sayat Nova 300th Anniversary Celebration was a collaborative
effort between two organizations with deep roots within the New
England community - The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (SNDC) and
Amaras Art Alliance. Formed in January 1986 under the direction of Apo
Ashjian, SNDC is named after the beloved troubadour whose beautiful
music and poetry captures the essence of the Armenian soul and spirit.
SNDC has been a source of inspiration to generations of young
Armenians who continue to promote and safeguard their culture through
the art of dance. To learn more about the dance company, how to join
the group and view their schedule of upcoming performances please
visit www.sayatnova.com. Amaras Art Alliance is committed to working
with professional artists and musicians, to stage and present high
quality cultural programs in New England and Armenia. Founded in 1990,
Amaras also supports young aspiring performers to achieve their full
creative potentials. Visit AmarasOnline.com for more information on
the type of projects Amaras produces, learn how to become involved by
bringing your own ideas to the group and preview past programs.
The Sayat Nova 300 Joint Committee wishes to publicly thank all the
performers for donating their time and talent for this performance.
The Committee also extends a heartfelt thank-you to those who
responded generously to our appeal for financial contributions and to
those who made in-kind donations that greatly contributed to the
success of this event- in particular we wish to say thank-you to the
New England Armenian community and our public who, for years, have
supported us with their presence at our events. A heartfelt gratitude
to you all...
From: Baghdasarian