Tekeyan Convention in Watertown Is Both Productive and Forward Looking

The Detroit TCA delegation presented the gift of a new painting by William Terian of the poet Vahan Tekeyan to the Baikar center. Terian has worked 32 ½ years for the Internal Revenue Service as an illustrator and previously worked five years at the Detroit News. The painting was received with great applause and will be placed in the TCA headquarters.

Edmond Azadian spoke about the many people who worked and had important experiences connected with the Baikar Center, and hoped that this will continue in the future after its renovation and after the successful and enjoyable convention this year. He praised the TCA Boston chapter’s efforts in hosting the delegates, Central Board members and guests.

TCA Central Board Secretary Hagop Vartivarian formally gave the Simsarian Cup to the Detroit delegation, praising their activities.

Arkun presented special trophies to Apet Torosian and architect Norair Kherlopian which were inscribed in recognition and profound appreciation of their tireless service and dedication in the renovation of the Baikar Building from the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada, and dated November 23, 2019. Torosian, Arkun said, would come at even at the earliest hours during the week or weekends to open the doors of the Center to various workers, and supervise their work closely. His advice was critical to the early stages of the renovations because of his great experience.

Kherlopian took over and planned and executed the final stages of the renovations, sacrificing much time to find various teams of workers to carry out his design as an architect for the hall and the upstairs. He too would come mornings and nights, Arkun said, to make sure the work continued.

Arkun told the audience that this was not an official opening for the renovated Baikar Center but rather the continuation of the TCA convention. When the building will be completed, a special event or reception will be held for the friends of Tekeyan and the Armenian Mirror-Spectator who have been so supportive in the past.

Montreal violinist Dr. Nuné Melik performed several solo pieces, which entranced the audience and led to a request of an encore, which she was kind enough to accept. Melik, who was born in Siberia and studied in Moscow, began playing the violin at the age of 6. She moved to Montreal in 2009. In 2010 she began the Hidden Treasure International Project to explore and promote rarely heard music, including that of Armenia. She had her solo debut in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in 2016 and in 2019 even shared the stage with Jimmy Buffett. She is also the author of poetry and has a doctorate from McGill University.

An unexpected talent turned up in the audience, interestingly again from Montreal. A talented young medical student Chloe Balian, though not prepared to perform, was spontaneously convinced to sing for the friendly audience, and so winningly performed an Armenian song that she too was asked for an encore.

The 25-year-old Balian has sang and danced since she was 3-years old. She is also a pianist with vocal training by a McGill University music professor. She has performed in several plays with Montreal’s Tekeyan HayPem theater group and in many other shows. She can sing in four languages (Armenian, English, French and Spanish). Balian holds a master’s degree in pathology, and is in medical school at the University of Montreal.

The final element of the cultural program was a heartfelt recitation of two of his own rhythmically inspired poems by TCA Boston executive member Sargis Gavlakian.

The entire evening was made all the more enjoyable by the culinary talent of caterer and longtime Tekeyan supporter Sarkis Antreassian.

While the convention ended late that night, the Tekeyan Central Board held a meeting the next morning to discuss forthcoming activities.