Proceeds from Armenian Independence Day Concert to Benefit People of Artsakh

With a closing prayer for the courageous souls who have died “in these brutal and genocidal attacks,” he asked all to pray to save those still under attack, and for the end of this aggression. He also prayed for the “spirit of courage, unity, care and love for one another, and understanding so we can stand up for the truth and help each other during times of trial and tribulation, especially for our brothers and sisters in Armenia.”

Musical Masterpieces

Before the Cathedral altar, the youthful 45-piece Mid-Atlantic Philharmonic Orchestra was in place with Jason Tramm, a much decorated choral, symphonic, and operatic conductor, and an accomplished educator at Seton Hall University.

Karine Poghosyan, an award winning pianist who has had several sold-out recitals at Carnegie Hall and who has a world-wide following with multiple glowing press coverages, then confidently entered in a glittering gold dress, her right wrist adorned with a satin covering displaying the Armenian flag colors.

One of the greatest and most beloved monumental compositions, Sergey Rachmaninoff’s soulful and towering Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, a piano and orchestral masterpiece with its different themes and thudding climax, filled every crevice of the vast cathedral.

The pianist and conductor reflected the expressiveness and sentimentality of this epic work of genius with their virtuosity and emotional body movements. And they were rewarded with a loud standing ovation lasting several minutes.

Another masterpiece followed. Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto in D-Flat Major, employs soulful Armenian folk melodies, unique harmonies and colorful orchestration. Again, the pianist, conductor and orchestra displayed their mastery, to another long standing ovation.

Poghosyan then presented an encore, the much loved Khachaturian’s Toccata for solo piano, which again reflected the composer’s Armenian roots with its folk melodies and rhythms, and several contemporary themes. She provided the necessary skill, sweep and control with her artistry.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to both the pianist and conductor by the organizing committee to the delight of the audience who continued their ovation.

Rev. Karamyan expressed his appreciation to the benefactors of this special event, Harry and Suzanne Toufayan, Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, and John Mahdessian in memory of his father Noubar Mahdessian.

“Our music has always reflected the pain and hope of our people and nation,” stated Karamyan.

The organizer of the concert and its committee, Hovanessian, paid tribute to the 32nd anniversary of the independent Armenian nation with the beautiful musical performance, and expressed appreciation to Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan “for his vision in encouraging this cultural event,” and to Karamyan and the hardworking committee for their “invaluable help”.

She then reflected on the 10-month blockade, and now the brutal attack on Artsakh and its people. “It is our prayer and resolute conviction that we will face these atrocities and difficulties with the resilient spirit our nation.”

The organizing committee included co-chair Seta Pascalian Kantarjian, and Sossy Setrakian, Lily Sarkissian, Yn. Alla Terzyan Karamyan and Tamar Barsamian Degermenci.

Following the event, a gathering of concert attendees took place on the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Plaza, with coffee and cookies. Due to the attack on Artsakh, the original plan to serve champagne in celebration of Armenia’s independence was changed.

Arts aficionado John Wolohojian, reflecting the feelings of so many, called the concert “very accomplished. It was so important to show the timeless and heroic spirit of Armenia and Artsakh. And it is crucial to help the people in Artsakh as much as we can,” he stated in tribute to the decision to send all the concert’s proceeds to the suffering people of Artsakh through the Fund for Armenian Relief.