ORADELL, N.J.—On May 15, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society held its annual cultural event dubbed “An Afternoon of Cultural Gathering” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the 2nd Independence of the Republic of Armenia. The program showcased the talents of Hamazkayin New Jersey’s Nayiri Dance Ensemble and Arekag Chorus. Joining the program were the musical talents of Haig Buchakjian, Michael Gostanian, and Christopher Vosbigian, who entertained the audience with their unique delivery of traditional Armenian music.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Vartouhi Haroutounyan, the chairwoman of Hamazkayin New Jersey. The outstanding program provided traditional and contemporary pieces in dance, song, and music. The Hamazkayin children exhibited their limitless talents in not only song and dance, but also theater.
Over 30 talented children of the Arekag Chorus sang several cultural and nationalistic songs including “Azk Parabantz,” “Yes Im Anoush Hayastani,” “Hayer Miyatsek,” and “Giligia.” The Arekag Chorus performs throughout the year upon invitations by Armenian organizations. Their repertoire of songs includes traditional, popular, and nationalistic, and songs written by contemporary artists such as Karen Hakobyan.
The Nayiri Dance Ensemble, with nearly 50 dancers, performed a wide array of traditional Armenian dances including “Kochari,” “Vartavar,” and a beautiful rendition of the Toumanian’s story of ”Gigos.” The audience laughed and cried as the children celebrated the centuries-old tradition of “Vartavar,” recounted the story of “Gigos,” and finally brought the audience home to Armenia with “Menk enk mer Sarere.” The Nayiri Dance Ensemble has performed at various venues and for many occasions throughout the year. The children’s talent, combined with the expertise of the director, provided for Armenian dance performances unsurpassed in their commitment to tradition and beauty, while at the same time being contemporary and innovative.
The instrumental group performed several traditional Armenian melodies completing a magnificent cultural event. The trio’s talents added a new dimension to the program in their re-interpretations of traditional and contemporary Armenian music. The Arekag Chorus is led by Vagharshag Ohanyan, a well-known baritone in the Armenian community and a soloist with the New York City Opera. Ohanyan holds a doctorate of arts ED and an MA in vocal performance from the Armenian State Conservatory, and a certificate from the Julliard School. He is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists. Ohanyan was a principal soloist at the Armenian National Opera Theater. He has performed with the American Philharmonic Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall and with the Russian Chamber Chorus, and as a soloist with the New York City Opera. He continues to perform internationally at many prestigious festivals and opera houses in Europe, Russia, Armenia, and the United States.
The Nayiri Dance Ensemble is led by Tovman Haroutounian. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Haroutounian started dancing at the age of nine at the “Children’s Dance Studio” under the guidance of famous Georgian-Armenian cultural figure, Albert Sarkisyan. Over the next 20 years, he established a professional career in dance. Harutyunyan danced in the “Armenian State Dance Ensemble,” which was directed by Armenian national artist and famous choreographer Vanush Khanamiryan. In 1986, he starred as a bridegroom in the movie “Fire Dance,” a famous film and favorite among the Armenian community. Being one of the main dancers in the Armenian State Dance Ensemble, Harutyunyan has traveled on numerous tours across the former Soviet Union, and Europe and Mexico, performing on many world-famous stages. Since 1996 he has been teaching the art of Armenian dance to the young generation of Armenian Americans in New York, where he runs the Vanush Khanamirian Dance Academy.
The event was made possible with generous support from Dr. and Mrs. Haikaz and Siran Grigorian, Mr. Andreas Roubian, Dr. and Mrs. Vahan and Maggie Kouyoumdjian, Mr. and Mrs. Hovhannes and Hasmig Aprahamian, Verizon and Mr. and Mrs. Varoujan and Nora Diratsaoglu. The tireless efforts of the volunteers and committees who have helped make the Hamazkayin programs a success throughout the year, as well as the volunteers who worked backstage managing our talented and spirited children between costume changes, really came through as the program was both well organized and brilliant.
Hamazkayin was formed in Cairo, Egypt over 80 years ago in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide to bring together and provide a home for Armenian intellectuals, artists, musicians, poets, authors, and others in an effort to preserve what remained of our culture and heritage. For over 80 years, Hamazkayin has been a beacon for Armenian intellectuals and artists, a place they could always call home. In light of changes in our communities throughout the diaspora and Armenia, Hamazkayin has refocused its efforts on Armenian youth in order to impart our cultural treasures to the next generation. Hamazkayin New Jersey has made great strides in attracting over 80 kids to its Armenian cultural programs sharing Armenian music, dance, literature, and culture in order to preserve our nation for decades to come.
Hamazkayin New Jersey is a 501(c)3 not for profit and may be reached at (201) 945-8992.
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