The All Armenian Classical Concert Presented By The Zvartnots Cultural Committee Was The Summit Of The 90Th Anniversary Celebrations Commemorating The Establishment Of The Western Diocese

The November 28, 2017 Armenian Traditional Classical Concert under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate , was the crowning culmination of the 90th Anniversary Celebrations performed by two outstanding Armenian musicians: Pianist Professor Elizabeth Pehlivanian and Phoenix Symphony Violinist Levon Zarasian, both of Arizona.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Simon Simonian, Chairman of the Zvartnots Cultural Committee, gave a brief summary of the progress and achievements of the 90 year old history of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America.

The Program, commenced with serene dignity and reverence by the solo performance of Violinist Mr. Zarasian who rendered two Armenian Sacred Sharagans: "KHORHOURT KHORIN" and "AMEN, HAYR SOURP". The rest of the program consisted of masterful duets of piano and violin, including three different "Orors" by three different composers: Alan Hovaness; P. Ganachian; Aram Khatchaturyan. Also featured were Sayat Nova; S. Spendiaryan; Gomidas-Kaprelyan; Eduard Badhdasaryan and Gomidas-Aslamazyan.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who was visibly touched and inspired by the performers and their choice of rich variety of Armenian musical heritage, expressed his appreciation to the musicians by stating that there are rare occasions in life when words cannot describe the depth of emotions which lead humans to the Spiritual Realm and open a new Dimension of Faith. Only true talent creates that transformation in us he said and added, "this Classical Concert is the Glorious Termination of the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the inception of the Western Diocese".

His Eminence additionally acknowledged the presence of the AGBU Asbeds in the audience and dedicated this concert to them. He thanked and stressed his respect for the invaluable role of the AGBU and their charitable services to the Armenian community throughout the years.

The final word, however, came from Chairman Dr. SImonian, who announced that the musicians had a special request to surprise Archbishop Hovnan Derderian by asking everyone to sing with them while they played "Happy Birthday" for his Eminence's upcoming 60th Birthday!