ISTANBUL — On the occasion of the 155th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas (Komitas) Vartabed, on Saturday, October 26, a concert was organized in Beyoglu Holy Trinity Armenian Church, at the initiative of the Parish Council of the Balat Holy Archangel Armenian Church.
The guest of honor was a relative of Gomidas, musician Tamar Eskenian, who came from Switzerland.
The Lusavoric Choir also participated in the concert.
The ceremony was presided over by Patriarch Sahak II, accompanied by Archbishop Aram Ateshian.
Mari Kavafyan, the chairwoman of the board of Balat S. Hreshdagabed Armenian Church, made the opening speech and announced that they planned a cultural event and invited Tamar Eskenian at the suggestion of Besse Kabak. The Lusavoric Choir was invited and took part in the program under the direction of Hagop Mamigonyan, and the concert was organized by the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadyan.
Then, Damadyan offered a welcome speech and said that this concert had a unique character. It marked the first time a musician related to Gomidas had given a concert in the region. “Today, we all become part of those unique celebrations. This is the day of the meeting between grandfather and grandchild. The ancestor is Gomitas Vartabet, and the grandchild is the grown-up musician Tamar Eskenian. Noticing this unique initiative, we took it upon ourselves to contact Tamar in a very short time and organize the program of the concert, the songs, for the loving meeting of ancestor and descendant,” said Damadyan.
