Vartabedian: ‘Armenian Night at Pops’ Glitters

The stars were out Saturday night in Boston. One, in particular, shined with pure effervescence. It belonged to diva Hasmik Papian, who formed her own galaxy at Symphony Hall for this 60th anniversary of Armenian Night at the Pops. A near-capacity audience, including 450 Armenians, remained entrenched in their seats as the gifted soprano sang a medley of Armenian selections, interlaced with the finest arias from the American and Italian genre. Of particular interest was John Sarkissian’s eclectic work “Drinking Song,” which was making its world premiere in Boston. For those unfamiliar with Sarkissian’s work, he happens to be an author of symphonic, chamber, stage, choral, vocal, and solo instrumental work. He is certainly one of the brighter talents we have upon the symphonic scene. He was introduced by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and rose to resounding applause. The piece carried a simple tone, putting the listener at rest from life’s foibles and bringing an air of joyfulness to the floor. Quite the contrast actually from anything else Papian brought to the stage. To say she was stunning in a blue shimmer gown is putting it mildly. Her voice carried to the rear without benefit of a body microphone as she lived up to her advanced billing. Serious as this was, the singer appeared casual and buoyant throughout. She began her program with the aria “Vocalise” by Babadjanian-Sarkissian, followed by “Kilikia,” by Yeranian-Yekmalian. Next came a shift in direction with “Catalani” by Ebben, then the ever-provocative “O mio babbino caro” from “Gianna Schicchi,” which stole the show. A Frank Lehar piece from “Giuditta” drew its plaudits, paving the way for Sarkissian’s world premiere. More than once, Lockhart was caught holding his heart with one hand and reaching out to the singer with the other. In many instances, his sights were fixed upon the diva as opposed to his orchestra, all the while beaming with delight. The entire Pops extravaganza was centered around an earlier segment dedicated to horses titled “Triple Crown,” ending with a bluegrass portion with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder—hardly what one would expect at a Pops gathering, but nonetheless a popular adjunct. No doubt, the Friends of Armenian Culture Society (FACS) took every liberty to make this sixth decade one for the books. The 450 in attendance was pretty much what was drawn a year ago. A champagne reception followed at the Colonnade, attended by more than 100 guests who ate and schmoozed the night away. It was here that FACS President Ara Arakelian welcomed the gathering and threw out a host of acknowledgements. It some ways, it was a remembrance to Dr. Keran Chobanian, who passed away last year at the ripe age of 90. No one was more instrumental in perpetuating this extravaganza and ensuring its success than Dr. Chobanian—founder, chairman, and beloved leader. His accolades were first resounded by Lockhart and then Arakelian for a litany of credits, including that of Boston Symphony Orchestra resident physician. Another tender moment came with the mention of Robert and Sandy Aghababian, two scions with FACS over the years, who worked so diligently on this concert only to suffer a tragedy with the death of their son Easter morning. Papian showed up at the reception to autograph copies of her new CD, “A Homage to Komitas,” which includes 26 works in Armenian and another nine in German said to be rare. The fact we’re in the midst of a 20-year anniversary marking Armenian Independence only heightened the moment. Maestro Lockhart mentioned it, as did Papian, who makes her home in Vienna these days. Papian had this to say about her recording, “Paying homage to Komitas also means paying tribute to the ever-enduring will of his people to defend their 2,700-year-old culture that despite all its catastrophes, persecutions, and inflicted suffering remains unmistakably unique, and is expressed so well in Komitas’ music.” As fate would have it, the Pops concert came at a time when the Greater Boston community was mourning the death of its own diva, Evelyn Kazanjian, who for years rocked the stage as both a soloist and member of the Komitas Choral Society under the baton of Rouben Gregorian, who conducted many an Armenian venue at Symphony Hall when Arthur Fiedler was at the helm. The recent demise of George Changelian was another sympathetic cause. Both George and his wife Anahid were noted singers in their own right, fervent FACS supporters, and promoters of the fine arts. Every good concert deserves an encore. No doubt, FACS will continue bringing moments of pride and pleasure in the years to come.

Vartabedian: ‘Armenian Night at Pops’ Glitters

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Tom Vartabedian

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This story is FREE for you...

Tom Vartabedian

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