Greater Worcester Chorale Holds 9th Annual Concert

WORCESTER, Mass.—The Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale presented its 9th annual Gala Concert on Sun., Nov. 1 in the Cultural Center of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. Under the direction of Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, the artistic director and conductor, the concert featured the “Arevig” Children’s Chorus and Dance Group, and special guest soloist Kate Norigian, soprano, accompanied by her brother, pianist John Paul Norigian. Karine Avanesov was the chorale’s piano accompanist with Mark Donabedian on dumbeg.

The master of ceremonies, Charles K. Der Kazarian, began the program by introducing representatives of the concert’s two co-sponsors—Steve Migridichian, a Parish Council member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, and Kapriel Kaprielian, Board of Trustees chairman of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church—who offered welcoming remarks:. The invocation was by Rev. Dr. Khatchadour Boghassian, pastor of Holy Trinity.

Following a delicious chicken kebab dinner which was served by chorale members and volunteers, Worcester Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes presented the City Proclamations declaring “Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale Day” in honor of the event to Petrossian, Rev. Aved Terzian of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, and Rev. Boghossian. The mayor then gave the “keys to the city” to Karine Avanesov, Kate Norigian, and John Paul Norigian. Also in attendance were the mayor’s husband, James Lukes, Worcester City Councilor Joseph M. Petty, and visiting members of the clergy.

The concert was dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabed. A number of his compositions were performed by the chorale and the Arevig Children’s Chorus in addition to popular and traditional folksongs. A special selection, “Yegegetseen Hayagagan” (Armenian Church), was offered in loving memory of the late Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian whose chorale in Boston has been a staple of the Armenian community’s cultural scene for many years. The chorale accompanied the Arevig Dance Group in several numbers that enchanted the capacity audience of 300. Choreographers Alin Sarkisian and Ani Yaghmourian deserve special praise for their dedication in training the young performers and for their imaginative dance arrangements.

Kate Norigian’s songs included two Italian operatic arias, three Armenian ballads, and “I Am Stranger Here Myself” from Kurt Weill’s “One Touch of Venus,” which was sung in English. Her renditions revealed a powerful voice filled with warmth and beautiful feeling. John Paul Norigian provided able accompaniment on piano.

The Arevig Children’s Chorus charmed everyone with their interpretation of three popular songs and one by Aram Khachatourian, “Karoon Yerevan” (Spring in Yerevan). The Arevig Dance Group conveyed the joy and delight of “Vartavar Sharana,” illuminating the song with their youthful energy and spirit.

The concert’s finale, “Tsaghkeer Indz Hamar,” was sung jointly by the chorale and children’s chorus, resulting in a standing ovation and much applause and appreciation from the audience. Rev. Terzian in his Benediction noted how the children’s chorus and dance group had doubled in size from last year, and that their commitment and enthusiasm were an inspiration to everyone who witnessed their wonderful performances, providing proof that the cultural legacy of the Armenian people is in the hearts and minds of these young boys and girls.

The Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale is looking forward to the 10th Anniversary Concert next year and to continuing, as stated in Mayor Lukes’ City proclamation, its dedication “…to the preservation and promotion of the rich musical heritage of the Armenian people.”

For more information, visit www.armenianchorale.com.