Celebrating the Erevan Choral Society’s 50th Anniversary at Christmas Holiday Concert

Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra’s annual holiday program always presents a diverse set. This year’s concert was no different. The program included New Year’s and Christmas spirituals, and works by both Western composers, such as Vivaldi and Handel, as well as Armenian composers, including Komitas, Edgar Hovhannisyan, Arno Babajanian, Levon Chaushyan, Martin Vartazaryan, and Melik Mavisakalyan. Along with these works, there were two premieres: Aram Satian’s “Holy Fatherland” and “A Word to the Generations” by Rita Sargsyan – both warmly received by the audience. Soloists Vagharshak Ohanyan, bass-baritone, and Kate Norigian, soprano, performed a series of songs showcasing their high artistic caliber. The Holy Trinity Church’s Armenian School students’ poem recitations were performed beautifully, as well.

The entire concert was uplifting, and the Erevan Choral Society presented a varied and complex program brilliantly. This was made possible thanks to the creative work of Artistic Director and Conductor Konstantin Petrossian, pianist Nune Hakobyan, and each member of the Choral Society who had worked on this program for several months.

Following the concert, there was a festive reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Choral Society in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. In his speech, Master of Ceremonies Berj Chekijian paid tribute to the founder of the Erevan Choral Society, Father Oshagan Minassian, who dedicated his entire life to serving the arts. Kouzouian thanked all members of the Choral Society for their many years of work, and on behalf of the church presented commemorative gifts to Nancy Moscofian and Alice Palanjian who have been active members of the choir since its founding.

Konstantin Petrossian thanked all members, friends, and sponsors of the Choral Society and Orchestra, and invited new members to join the group. A slideshow of the choir’s history, masterfully prepared by Vatche Der Torossian, closed the evening. Notably, artist Sossy Nercessian created a mural and logos commemorating the Choral Society’s 50th anniversary.

As an added component to the evening, an exhibit of paintings in oil and watercolor by talented artist Sona Manoukian was on display during the reception.

“The evening was a tribute to Fr. Oshagan,” stated Kouzouian, “and to all those who have been a part of the Erevan Choral Society over the half century as well as all who have contributed to make this beautiful tradition a reality.”