On February 25, 2023, the Hamazkayin Nigol Aghpalian Branch organized an event dedicated to the memory of deceased members Kevork Bursalian, Khajag Sarkisian, Jirayr Sarkisian, Yetvart Msrlian, Emma Melkonian, and Anushavan Kasbarian.
Because of the break imposed by Covid-19, the audience was impatient to resume in-person cultural life and events. They greatly enjoyed the young participants’ song and dance performances. Indeed, alongside the Berkeley Armenian Students’ Association Dance Ensemble, Jeremy Ormbrek, Nareh Chanian, Nicole Dersahakian, Anthony Degoyan, and Lori Panosian performed. The audience was very pleased and asked that the artists perform again in future events.
At the beginning of the program Lori Panosian sang the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, accompanied on piano by Nayiri Sarkis. The pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of San Francisco, V. Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian prayed for the souls of the honorees and for Armenia and Artsakh.
Sona Tomoyan skillfully emceed the event. She briefly spoke about the work of the comrades who started the Hamazkayin N. Aghpalian Chapter in 1974. Those dedicated comrades made many sacrifices to serve Armenian culture and the Armenian Cause. They included singers, radio-hour producers, lovers of theater, and modest soldiers dedicated to the dreams of the Armenian people. They are remembered and missed today.
On the piano, Nareh Chanian performed Aram Khachaturian’s, Andantino, drawing the hearts of the audience with her moving interpretation.
Jeremy Ormbrek provided an impressive performance of Clementi’s Sonata No. 6 and the first movement of Mozart’s Sonata No. 8.
Sona Tomoyan performed a folk song, “Msho keghen,” a cappella. The sweet melody of this simple song filled the hall with lyricism.
Thanks to Zartonk Dance Ensemble of the Berkeley Armenian Students’ Association, which performed the “Shalakho.” The young dancers pleased the audience with their bearing and their enthusiasm. After that dance, Berkeley students Nicole Dersahakian (piano) and Anthony Degoyan (violin) performed the song “Pari Arakil.” The audience was happy that the students had wanted to be part of a community event.
Members of the Hamazkayin Chapter Executive Board Edward Khodaverdian (song) and Gagik Ghevondian (accordion) performed “Yes mi Gharib blbuli pes” by Sayat Nova and “Sirum em kez” by Ashugh Sheram, which also pleased the audience.
At the end of the program, Lori Panosian performed “Yerevan Erepuni” and “Giligia,” accompanied by Nayiri Sarkis.
There was a reception.
