The Diocese
Posted: 02/11/2016
On Paregentan Sunday, February 7, 2016, the Shnorhali Music Committee of the Western Diocese under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, presented its third Annual Concert at 7:00 pm.
The sanctuary of St. Leon Cathedral was the scene of a serene classical youth concert.
Mrs. Lucy Tashjian opened the program by her welcoming remarks which included the Mission of the Shnorhali Music Committee. She said it was to "encourage and promote our young talents so they can carry the torch of our rich musical heritage". She introduced the Honoree of evening, Mrs. Alice Navasargian as a Distinguished Author and Benefactress. She also mentioned that the evening success was only possible by the tireless efforts of renowned Pianists Armen Guzelimian, Chair of the Shnorhali Committee and Dr. Vatche Mankerian, who took the young performers under their wings and groomed them for stardom.
The Program consisted of the following young, talented performers:
Cara Pogossian 16, viola
J.S. Bach; Paganini
Accompanied on the piano by Paul Switzler
Anoush Pgossian 13, clarinet
Komitas Vartapet; Guiseppe Tartini
Accompanied on the piano by Paul Switzler
Anna Avetisyan 25, piano
Frederic Chopin; Arno Babajanian
The Daghlian Ensemble:
Patil 13, flute; Saren 12, violin; George 17, piano
Friedrich Kuhlau; Stepan Naghidian
Mariam Tonakanyan 23, soprano
Edouard Aprahamian; Komitas Vartapet; Geghuni Chitjian
Accompanied on the piano by Armen Guzelimian
During his closing remarks, His Eminence applauded the superb performance of the young musicians and invited the Honoree. Mrs. Navasargian also expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the evening specifically mentioning the achievements of Archbishop Derderian within the Western Diocese.
The evening ended with a closing prayer by the Primate.
The tradition of these annual events initiated by Archbishop Derderian in 2014, started as a commemorative event for the Genocide Centennial through music; to celebrate the survival of Armenian art and culture as well as honor individuals who have reached a milestone in their lives.
The original concert Honoree was Governor George Deukmejian, first Armenian Governor of the State of California.
The Honoree of the second 2015 Genocide Centennial Concert, "REBIRTH FROM THE ASHES" was Professor Mihran Agbabian, First President of the American University of Armenia.
