NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—A memorial concert by the Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale will highlight the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 18 in Merrimack Valley.
The event will take place at 3 p.m. in North Andover High School, sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley. More than 350 are expected to attend this musical tribute to the martyrs.
The observance will also honor six remaining survivors in the region: Verjin Chilingirian, Ojen Fantazian, Mary Garavanian, Thomas Magarian, Nellie Nazarian, and Jennie Vartabedian. Fifteen years ago, the area recorded as many as 75 survivors.
“The Armenian Genocide is an important fabric of world history and cannot be forgotten,” said Sossy Jeknavorian, committee chairman. “We owe it to these survivors as well as the 1.5 million martyrs who perished under the Ottoman Turkish yoke during the years surrounding World War I. Recognition and reparations continue to remain steadfast with Armenians throughout the world.”
The 25-member chorale was founded a decade ago by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, a world-renown conductor and musician who continues to serve as artistic director, joined by accompanist Karine Avanesov. The group has performed near and far, joined by the Arevig Children’s Dance Group, an ensemble of 21 youngsters in costume, including several from this area. Much of their success can be attributed to choreographers Alin Sarkisian and Ani Yaghmourian.
The program is centered on the theme, “Armenian Culture: Thriving and Perpetuating.” There is no admission charge.
Dr. H. Martin Deranian will offer reflections on “President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug.” He operates a dental practice in Worcester, serves as associate clinical professor of general dentistry at Tufts University, and has authored three books, including a history of the Armenian community in Worcester.
A joint requiem service will precede the concert, conducted by area clergy. Complementing the service will be hymns by a combined liturgical choir from the community.
Children from the various Sunday Schools throughout the region took part in an essay contest on genocide. Winners will be announced that afternoon and share in $350 worth of prize money.
Since the committee’s inception in 1994, proceeds totaling nearly $50,000 have gone toward assisting worthy charities both here and in Armenia.
The anniversary is being planned by individuals from different churches and organizations, surrounding the catchphrase, “Remembrance, Renewal, Resolve — We Shall Survive.”
Communities in Greater Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell will commemorate the genocide throughout the week of April 18-25 through proclamation signings and meetings with local legislators.
A reception will follow in the school cafeteria. The public is invited.
Tom Vartabedian
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