An Evening of Romantic Songs and Poems in New Jersey

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By MaryLynda Bozian-Cruikshank

Special to the Mirror-Spectator

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.- The Mher Mergerdchian Theatrical Group (MMTG) and the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA)  hosted actor and singer, Hovhannes Babakhanyan, to perform at a program titled “Poetry and Love Songs” on Friday, October 5 at the Tekeyan Center.

Harout Chatmajian, chair of MMTG, and Hilda Hartounian, chair of the New York/New Jersey branch of the TCA, collaborated to bring this highly talented actor to the Center.

In anticipation to see this performance, over 80 guests were in attendance. Chatmajian introduced the actor, and he emerged in a shiny silver suit, ponytail, and wing-tipped shoes, and started to sing romantic songs by Robert Amirkhanyan, Sayat Nova, Ashugh Sheram,  as well as other songs.

He recited several poems by Vahan Tekeyan, including “Hayu Hokin,” “Ahavaor Pan Muh Ayndegh” and others.

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To entertain the non-Armenian guests, he sang  Besame Mucho, and from his one-man show, on Broadway, the popular song, New York, New York.  During the show, it was obvious Hovhannes had captivated the crowd, either with tears, or making us laugh, dance and sing along.

Babakhanyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia, and when in school, studied fine arts, acting, and singing.  In 1984 he joined the Yerevan State Drama Theatre, and has performed in more than 200 roles, in theatre, movies and TV, thus receiving accolades, and numerous, prestigious awards. He now resides with his family in Los Angeles.

After the performance, all who were present  were invited to a reception in the center. The guests were excited to meet the actor, commenting on how much they enjoyed the show, whilst taking photos, in a cozy atmosphere.

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