Victory Concert Dedicated To The Canonized Martyrs

The Zvartnots Cultural Committee of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presented a tribute concert on Sunday, December 6, 2015 in honor of the canonized martyrs on the occasion of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

The full house audience at the Geragos Hall of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena,  was jubilant during the ethnic dances and sounds of "duduk and zourna" depicting the characteristic and spirit, unique to the collective psyche of a Victorious Armenian Nation.  

The program commenced with a solemn prayer by  Father Zaven Arzoumanian, PhD, dedicated to the Martyrs, followed by Dr. Simon Simonian, Chairman of the Zvartnots Cultural Committee,  who welcomed the clergy and guests.  He also observed a moment of silence in memory of the 1988 December 7, earthquake victims of Armenia.

Nune Avetisian then set the pace with her magnetic voice as the announcer of the evening and later with her inspirational poetic renderings.

The volunteer stars who enhanced the magical evening were: Razmik Mansourian, Harut Hagopian, Armen Hovhannisyan,  Salbi Mayilyan, Vartan Harutyunyan, Tavit Samuelian and Ruben Telunts.  

Additionally, a new generation of young energetic dancers of the Zvartnots Dance Group, directed by Vartan and Armine Agajanyan created great enthusiasm with their smiles, colorful costumes and remarkable precision. 

The concert organizer was Antranik Mouradian.

In his closing remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, praised all the talented performers of the evening for generating such joy and commended the Zvartnots Organizing Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Simon Simonian.  He connected the 2015 Centennial Commemorations worldwide from the violence of Der Zor to the peaceful march of 150,000 people on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and throughout all Armenian communities in the world.