We’re all living through a difficult time, especially because of the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, and in the case of Lebanon, also because of the catastrophe of the explosion on August 4, 2020, at the Port of Beirut, and its consequences. Hamazkayin has not stopped its cultural and educational activities, thanks to the tireless and dedicated efforts of our regional executive boards and chapters, and of the staff of our schools, including our jemarans and schools of art.
We’re glad to announce a new initiative today, one that both helps keep our cultural path well-lit and honors the great writer, poet, and educator Moushegh Ishkhan who died thirty years ago.
We present to the Armenian public our contribution to the Armenian playlist, a cooperative effort between artists from Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian diaspora. Armenuhi Karapetyan, the talented composer from Armenia, transformed Moushegh Ishkhan’s poem “Hay Hokin” (Armenian spirit) into a song. No fewer than 26 well-known singers and musicians performed it jointly. They all participated as volunteers. Without the gift of their participation, this initiative could not have been realized.
The music video is ready. It had its debut on the Hamazkayin Western U.S.A. program, “For You, Lebanon,” on September 19, 2020.
By putting Ishkhan’s poem, which defines the essence of Armenianness, to music, we are certain that the memory of the poet and the song will live long in the Armenian consciousness.
We publicly thank all the artists who accepted our invitation and participated in this initiative.
Hamazkayin Central Executive Board