St. Vartan’s Concert Celebrates Armenian Music

“Our primary targets were our international partners,” said Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, permanent representative of Armenia to the United Nations. “The whole idea of this concert was to combine all of the elements of our culture into one single commonality, just as we are here in New York City.”

The predominantly international crowd, coupled with the global backgrounds of the performers, who have trained in Armenia, Russia, England, Cyrus and the US and who play both Eastern and Western composers, was shared with the entire UN community in an effort to “participate and share in diversity.”

He continued, “The incessant applause demonstrated how exciting it is to showcase Armenia’s rich cultural and musical heritage in one of the most beautiful churches located by the United Nations, which demonstrates the vibrancy of the Cathedral’s architecture, faith and culture.”

The hour-long concert captured various tones and moods of classical music, ranging from Haydn’s lively piano trio to Hovnuts’ rarely-performed Duo Sonata for violin and cello to Babadjanian’s emotionally charged piano trio, culminating in an artistic and enriching performance.

“It was a great honor and pleasure to be invited by Ambassador Mnatsakanyan to perform in St. Vartan Cathedral,” said Chilingirian, who had played there previously with his Chilingirian Quartet 40 years ago. The Cyprus-born violinist, who is professor of violin and chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music in London, remarked on the “wonderful acoustics” of the Cathedral, making it “an ideal venue to promote the music of Armenian composers in front of a truly international audience.”

Each of the musicians was pleased to form a trio with their colleagues and fellow musicians, with whom they share mutual respect and admiration.