PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The “Tribute to Armenia” heralding the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, sponsored by the Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, was held on Saturday, October 22, at the Egavian Cultural Center.
The special program featured the guest speaker Tigran Samvelian, Armenia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, New York. The renowned vocal group The Bostonians presented “Our Favorite Armenian Songs” as well as “American Songs of Hope and Inspiration” during their premiere performance in Rhode Island.
Konstantin Petrossian, director/chairperson of the Cultural Committee, who arranged the “Tribute to Armenia,” welcomed the capacity audience. He especially noted the attendance of Samvelian who had driven from New York to join in the festivities. Petrossian mentioned that the “Bostonians,” having no Armenian roots, would dazzle the audience with their interpretation of popular songs by Armenian composers.
Parish Council Chairperson Joyce Avedisian thanked Petrossian for his efforts in bringing this special event for the benefit of the Greater Rhode Island Armenian community.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church’s Rev. Shnork Souin welcomed the crowd representing the Armenian parishes in Rhode Island. Clergymen present were Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian and his wife Joanna, and Rev. Kapriel Nazarian and his wife Debra, from St. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Providence, as well as Rev. Hagop Manjelikian, and his wife Gohar, of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Cranston. He thanked the evening’s benefactors for their support in helping to make this milestone Anniversary Program possible. He especially noted the efforts of Petrossian and the entire Cultural Committee, whose dedication and hard work culminated in the evening’s success.
The Bostonians repertory company featured well-known vocal artists Tamara Ryan, Roselin Osser, Michael Calmés and Phillip Lima. They were accompanied by virtuoso pianist William Merrill. They have all performed in the United States and abroad in many countries in Europe as well as the Far East.
