Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale Gives Christmas Concert

By Charles K. Der Kazarian

WORCESTER, Mass.—On Sun., Dec. 7, the Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale presented a special concert of Christmas carols and songs in Armenian and English in the Sanctuary of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. The chorale is under the direction of Maestro Konstantin petrossian, artistic director and conductor, with piano accompaniment by Gayane Kocharyan. Mezzo-soprano Gohar Manjelikian of Cranston, R.I., was the guest soloist.

Manjelikian was born in Armenia and began her singing career in 1981. Accepted as a member of the State Academic Chorus, she graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. Since her arrival in the United States, Manjelikian has sung in many Armenian and American concerts. Her extensive repertoire includes a wide range of European, Russian, and Armenian operas, as well as classical, romantic, and sacred music. “How Great Thou Art,” an arrangement of sacred Armenian songs, is her first CD.

The singing of the “Hayr Mer” opened the concert. A medley of traditional carols beautifully performed by the chorale (“Oh Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night,” and “Carol of the Bells”) was followed by the Armenian Christmas songs “Park Ee Partzoons” (Gloria in Excelsis) and “Khorthoort Metz” (O Great Mystery), both by Movses Kertogh from the 6th century; “Ov Zamamanalee” (How Wondrous) by Grigor Pahlavuni from the 12th century; and “Aysor Dzaynum Hayragan” (Today, the Paternal Voice) by Hovhaness Yerzngatsi from the 13th century. The chorale also presented its signature piece, “Yegeghetsin Haygagan” (The Armenian Church).

Selections by Manjelikian included “Aysor Don Eh” (Today Is the Feast of Holy Nativity) by Gomidas, “Diramayr” (Mother of God) by K. Petrossian and Archbishop N. Bozabalian, and “O Holy Night.” The last, in English, brought the audience to its feet, with much applause for Manjelikian’s thrilling rendition of the classic carol.

The free concert was enjoyed by parishioners, friends, and guests who gave the performers a well-deserved standing ovation following the conclusion of the final numbers, “Deck The Hall” and “Joy To the World.” Hayr Soorp Sahag Yemishian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, which co-sponsored the event, congratulated Maestro Petrossian, the members of the chorale, pianist Gayane Kocharyan, and soloist Gohar Manjelikian for the wonderful holiday season performance. He thanked the audience for their attendance and encouraged them to continue to support the chorale, noting the importance of preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of the Armenian people.

The fellowship in the Church Hall, which preceded the concert, was provided by the chorale. To learn more, visit www.armenianchorale.com.