NEW YORK — Classically trained opera singer Elie Berberian will serve as the special headliner of the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the Times Square Commemoration on Sunday, April 22.
Hosted annually by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, the commemoration serves as an opportunity to share in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians massacred by the Young Turk government between 1915-1923 and to spread awareness of the first genocide of the 20th century.
The diverse program features top elected officials who underscore their efforts in Congress in their push towards genocide recognition, as well as renowned scholars and artists.
“Times Square is the business and entertainment capital of the world,” said Berberian. “It’s an extraordinary step for my nation to have an event of this scale that amplifies the Armenian cause.”
Berberian will debut a special song during his performance, titled Hayer Jan, which spreads the message of united Armenians. He will sing two additional songs, including the emotional folk melody Horovel by Komitas.
Emphasizing the importance of Armenian Genocide remembrance on both “moral and historical levels,” Berberian says it’s paramount to teach the new generation “the strength of our ancestors who fought to keep their religion.”
