Music is as ancient as language and the Armenian nation. As a guardian and protector of the Armenian language and culture, their preservation is of vital importance to Hamazkayin, the greatest national wealth, a cultural verve and a power giving genuine strength and spirit to the generation next.
After months of consistent and intense rehearsals, the Zvartnots Choir of Hamazkayin performed for the Armenian community in Aleppo. The two concerts took place on the evenings of 5 and 6 March 2011 and were sponsored by His Grace Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, the Prelate of the Diocese of Aleppo.
Following both THE Syrian and Armenian national hymns, Alin Momjian delivered an opening speech in Armenian and Arabic.
Afterward, the Choir performed a series of folk songs familiar to the audience. It was a profound pleasure to listen to the songs of Gomidas, then to arias from Carrmina Burana and from Verdi’s opera. The two patriotic songs performed in Arabic were also appreciated.
A special performance of five songs by Sayat Nova is the peak of these annual concerts. Those songs were dedicated to the 200th birth anniversary of Sayat Nova, an offering from the heart of Hamazkayin to the memory of the poet singer. The three patriotic songs concluded the concert with their impressive performance.
The concerts were a success and the audience appreciated the choir who had given all their time and efforts to accomplish the mission trusted in them.
If songs are a treasure that through national and artistic education ennoble and alleviate the soul, then the formation of this choir and the consistent rehearsals are a school for its members. In it, they acquire skills of team work, love and awareness of national values, which is a blessing for our far away communities.
With these dual qualities Zvartnots Choir deserves special appreciation. We warmly congratulate Davit Poghosyan, a talented choirmaster and conductor from Armenia, who featured his choir with a quality program. We also appreciate the committee of the choir unit, whose members had dedicated their time and efforts for the success of the concerts
Emma