On Sunday, March 20, 2011, at 3:30 PM, a lecture dedicated to Father Gomidas, the great figure from Armenian musical history, was organized at the Church of Notre Dame of the Armenian Catholic community by the Levon Shant Chapter of Hamazkayin in Valance.
Maral Harboian quoted lines from the great Armenian poet dedicated to Gomidas: “Had Gomidas not been born, the wise Armenian nation would not have reached this height. Had the Armenian nation not existed, Gomidas would never be this sweet.”
On this occasion, renowned conductor Khachig Yelmazian was invited from Marseille. His lecture was titled “The life and work of Gomidas.” The Marseille choir, Sahag Mesrob, conducted by Kachig Yelmazian, performed several songs and solos. Antranig Minassian performed a unique solo of “Horovel,” while Ani Yelmazian-Konke performed “Andouni.” The choir performed rural farming songs and spiritual songs.
The event was concluded by Moushegh Ishkhan: “He, who lives with the Songs of Gomidas, cannot be lost in the turmoil of unknown seductions.”