Concert/Celebrating 300th Birth Anniversary of Sayat Nova – October 6
An evening dedicated to the iconic troubadour Sayat Nova
Presenting music, songs and poetry created by our beloved bard
47 Nichols Ave, Watertown, MA
MC: Lousineh Ayanian
And featuring accomplished performer:
Shoghaken Folk Ensemble founding member and soloist Aleksan Harutunyan
David Ayriyan, master Kamancha player from Providence
Musaner Armenian Folks Jazz Ensemble, led by Ara Sarkissian, Artistic Director
Martin Haroutunian, Duduk
Newly formed Armenian Chamber Chorus of Boston, led by Artur Veranian, Artistic Director
The Sayat Nova Dance Company led by Apo Ashjian, Artistic Director
Ani Arakelians and Berj Chekijian, recitations
Garen Avetissyan, dancer- as Sayat Nova
Free and open to the public will
Program Report follows – Photos by Viken Karaguesian:
The Sayat Nova 300 Joint Committee wishes to publicly thank all the performers for donating their time and talent for this performance. The Committee also extends a heartfelt thank-you to those who responded generously to our appeal for financial contributions and to those who made in-kind donations that greatly contributed to the success of this event- in particular we wish to say thank-you to the New England Armenian community and our public who, for years, have supported us with their presence at our events. A heartfelt gratitude to you all.
A dynamic cast of performers presented some of the most authentic, beautiful and lyrical Armenian songs and poems of the troubadour, both in traditional form and with modern interpretations and expressions. The audience was ecstatic and showed its appreciation at the conclusion of the concert with a standing ovation – singing and applauding long after the performance had ended.
The renownedtroubadour was born in 1713 in an ethnically diverse and linguistically plural part of the world- South Caucuses. He became fluent in most languages of the region, writing, composing and performing in Armenian, Georgian, Persian, and Azerbaijani, contributing enormously to the poetry and music of his time. His influence on Armenian Culture continues to affect our lives today in Armenia and the Diaspora.
Mistress of Ceremonies was the very gifted radio personality Lousineh Ayanian who offered excerpts from Sayat Nova’s verses, while Ani Arakelians-Avakian and Berj Chekijian recited beautifully entire poems written by the bard himself or from the works of other poets paying homage to the beloved gousan (troubadour). An appearance by folk singer Aleksan Harutunyan with his deep understanding of traditional Armenian music was instrumental in transforming the mood of the audience back to Armenia and back 300 years. Enhancing this transformation was the delicate sound of master Kamancha player David Ayriyan who offered a magical window into the world Sayat Nova lived in.
Three performing groups also participated in this tribute, each bringing a unique quality to add to the program. Award winning conductor Maestro Artur Veranian led his newly formed Armenian Chamber Chorus of Boston, presenting three of his own arrangements of Sayat Nova’s songs; while composer and classical pianist Ara Sarkissian leading his Musaner Armenian Folk Jazz Ensemble offered his vision, with a delightful new flavor of the music we so dearly love. And members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, under the direction of choreographer Apo Ashjian, took to the stage three times performing graceful dances to the music of Sayat Nova, with new and unique interpretations. Among them, Garen Avetissyan, Kamancha in hand, depicted Sayat Nova.
The Sayat Nova 300th Anniversary Celebration was a collaborative effort between two organizations with deep roots within the New England community – The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (SNDC) and Amaras Art Alliance. Formed in January 1986 under the direction of Apo Ashjian, SNDC is named after the beloved troubadour whose beautiful music and poetry captures the essence of the Armenian soul and spirit. SNDC has been a source of inspiration to generations of young Armenians who continue to promote and safeguard their culture through the art of dance. To learn more about the dance company, how to join the group and view their schedule of upcoming performances please visit www.sayatnova.com. Amaras Art Alliance is committed to working with professional artists and musicians, to stage and present high quality cultural programs in New England and Armenia. Founded in 1990, Amaras also supports young aspiring performers to achieve their full creative potentials. Visit AmarasOnline.com for more information on the type of projects Amaras produces, learn how to become involved by bringing your own ideas to the group and preview past programs.
thank you
Joint Committee
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