“Anoush Opera - Through The Eyes Of Children” Captivates The La Audience

For two and a half hours on April 17, a mesmerized audience of nearly 1,500 people were captivated by the angelic voices of the “Armen Tigranyan Music School” students who arrived in Los Angeles less than a month ago to present Anoush, a timeless opera five-act opera composed by Armen Tigranyan based on the homonymous poem written by Hovhannes Tumanyan.

The iconic Alex Theater in Glendale was the venue of the magnificent performance which featured Ani Tamazyan (Anoush), Eric Mkhitaryan (Saro), Armen Avetisyan (Mossi), Karo Ayrumyan, Liana Ayrumyan, Nara Asatryan, Aleta Tadevosyan, Gayane Vardanyan, Gayane Harutunyan, Vahe Badalyan, Hasmik Hovanissyan, Vahe Hakobyan and Agavni Harutunyan. The play also featured the talented, dynamic and creative dancers of the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company.

The three day performances (April 17, 18 and 19) were held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the esteemed patronage of Mrs. Sirvart Kavoukjian and the production of actor and singer Arman Nshanian. 

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the opera with guests Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and the curator of the “Armenia: An Open Wound” Exhibition Mrs. Sonia Arakelian.

In his remarks, the Primate congratulated the young vocalists as well as the school’s principal, the artistic director, vocal teacher and stage manager for their exceptional delivery of a timeless Armenian classic. His Eminence commended the tireless collective efforts of Mrs. Sirvart Kavoukjian and Mr. Arman Nshanian for their leadership roles in the major undertaking. Addressing the children, the Primate said “Tonight, you delivered a clear message to the world about the resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people. You are the unified voice of the Armenian people and the testament of our Homeland's prosperous future."

The high-ranking clergyman then invited Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to the stage to deliver her heartfelt remarks. “I am truly humbled to witness the captivating performance of these children. They are the embodiment of all that is good on God’s green earth,” stated Congresswoman Sanchez. As a token of her gratitude and in recognition of their delightful performance, Congresswoman Sanchez presented the students of the Armen Tigranyan Music School a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Congress

The opera showcased the finest students of an enrollment of 900. Each year, the school takes part in local, national and international festivals winning recognition for their outstanding performances.