Armenian Youth Talent Shines in NY

NEW YORK—For the third consecutive year, more than 25 young Armenian musicians—who were selected after rigorous auditions—performed to great acclaim on Sunday afternoon, May 29. The Armenian Youth Talent (AYT) concert held at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall was organized by “Direct Help for Armenian People” (DHAP) and dedicated to the 20^thanniversary of Armenia’s independence.

With its aim of promoting Armenian heritage and culture, the event drew a crowd of more than 200, including guests of honor, the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Armenian Catholic Exarch Bishop Manuel Batakian, Armenian Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian, United Nations high ranking official Dr. Movses Abelian, and Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara.

One of last year’s AYT finalists, Eugenia Sarian, who had the distinction of being born the same year as the independence of Armenia, warmly welcomed the large crowd. The program was replete with captivating melodies by such beloved Armenian composers as Komitas, Sayat Nova, Khachaturyan, Kanachyan, Tigranian, Babadjanyan and Hovhaness Melikian, among others.

The finalists in the voice category included Arman Abelian, Zovinar Aghavian, Ani Manvelyan, Julia Naldjian, Serena Tchorbajian, Shoushig Tenguerian, and Irene Vilgorin. Instrumentalists among the gifted youngsters were flute soloist Sareen Nairi Balian, viola de gamba soloist Lucine Musaelian, and violin soloist Lilit Vahradyan.

Talented piano finalists were Shushan Aghavian, David Antabian, Nareg Stepan Balian, Ryan Chan, Vahe Kafafian, Vatche Kafafian, Nicole Khrimian, Daniel Manucharian, Ani Mouradian, and Katherine Sadaniantz.

The 2011 Armenian Youth Talent guest performers from the winners, finalists, and participants of the first, second, and third competitions included Merydel Ambre, Aram Balian, Ani Djirjirian, Mila Gak, Niree Kaprielian, Lily Kijyan, Nicole Mark, Elen Ohanyan, and Eugenia Sarian.

A delightful part of the program was the performance of the 31-member Hamazkayin “Arekag” Choir, which ranges in age from 7-15. They performed rousing renditions of “Azg Parapants” and “Azat Hayastan,” under the artistic direction of Vagharshak Ohanyan, who also accompanied them on the piano.

Following a standing ovation by the enthusiastic crowd, Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian presented each finalist with an honorary certificate accompanied by a financial gift and a flower bouquet. “These gifted young people are our future, and enhance the spirit of Armenia,” she said, speaking in Armenian.

The inspiring event concluded with the audience singing “God Bless America.”

Judges for the 2011 competition included noted musicians soprano Anoosh Barclay, baritone Vagharshak Ohanyan, pianist Lusine Badalyan, composer and pianist Karen Hakobyan, violinist Diana Vasilyan, and singer Anahid Boghossian.

Members of the AYT Executive Committee were Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian, Marina Bagdasarova, Angela Kazarian, and Melik Kazarian, and the Artistic Advisory Panel included Karen Hakobyan, Khoren Mekanejian, and Vagharshak Ohanyan.

Among the generous sponsors were the AGBU, Drs. Karen and Irina Kakosian, Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian, Arpine Aynilian, Marina Bagdasarova, Harry and Suzanne Toufayan, Saro and Hilda Hartounian, Rita Balian, and Nazar and Artemis Nazarian.

With Armenian organizations celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, the gifted young finalists of the AYT presented their tribute in the way they know best—through music and song to promote Armenian culture.