The students of Armenian schools in Los Angeles have been provided with opportunity to enjoy a beautiful musical performance organized by the Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin West USA for three years in a row. This year, during the visit of students from Yerevan "Armen Dickranian" Music School, the Hamazkayin Theatrical Unit grabbed the chance and immediately started the organization of the performance. Due to the support of all Armenian school managements and the Armenian language teachers, the students’ performance became a reality. More than 1,400 of students enjoyed a special and beautiful performance of "Anoush" Opera staged by children and for children, which took place on Monday morning, April 18, 2016, at "Alex" Theater Hall of Glendale.
The representative of Hamazkayin Theatrical Unit, Narkiz Murinian delivered the opening speech of the event and warmly welcomed the students and teachers.
"Anoush" opera has been repeatedly staged in Los Angeles, while it has been permanently on stage in Armenia. For the people of Homeland, it has become a sacred piece of art due to Gohar Gasparian, Anna Nishanyan and others. Their little successor, a 10-year-old girl Ani captivated the audience with her powerful voice and vocal skills. Her friends accompanied her in the role of other heroes of "Anoush".
Indeed, the visit of native "cranes", endowed with divine grace, created special enthusiasm among the audience, especially among the young boys, as the Armenian boys raised in America had never had an opportunity to witness such a professional level and almost a professional play. The opera by Armen Tigranyan and Hovhannes Tumanyan was staged with some modifications and the tragic end of the play was omitted.
The Hamazkayin "Ani" Dance Ensemble accompanied the performance and made exceptional contribution to its success.
Dance instructors Yeghia Hasholian and Suzy Parseghian-Darbinyan gladly accepted the offer to stage a harmonious dance selection in a very short period. Without the participation of "Ani" Dance Ensemble the perfect staging of "Anoush" would hardly be possible.
A perfect opera worthy of respect, rightfully inciting hope for future, was performed and applauded due to the teachers’ unconditional dedication and serious approach, vocal training, high-level vocal abilities and consistent efforts.
"To satisfy the need of professional stage art among young and adult audience, to develop in them a unique taste and perception of Armenian art." The Hamazkayin Society carries on its shoulders the sacred mission of promoting Armenian culture and educating especially the young students by providing them with opportunity to enjoy the relics of Armenian glorious art and learn about the creations of great authors of Homeland. Consequently, they will not only fill proud of this heritage, but will be able to get rid of xenomania and obtain national spirit and cultural traditions.
Our gratitude to all principals that, after this exceptional performance, thanked the Hamazkayin Society in the name of their students, and for their contribution to the event.
At the end, each school had the opportunity to have a group photo with the young actors of "Anoush".
The Hamazkayin Theatrical Unit never spares efforts while organizing theatrical workshops for children or adults, or forming amature theatrical troupes, encouraging and training promising talents.
This noble goal will become a reality only due to faith and united efforts. We are confident that this one ill also succeed and become a reality together with other cultural goals of Hamazkayin Society. The dynamic activities of dance ensembles, choirs, art academy, crafts centers prove the above-said.
Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin Western USA and Theatrical Unit