Email a copy of 'ONNIK: Portrait of a Legend' to a friend

* Required Field






Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.



Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.


E-Mail Image Verification

Loading ... Loading ...
Christian Garbis

Christian Garbis

Christian Garbis is a writer and experimental filmmaker born and raised in Greater Boston. He received his BA in English and Certificate in Film Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has been contributing to the Armenian Weekly since 1994 and has served as an assistant editor for the paper. He lives in Yerevan with his wife and son and maintains two blogs documenting his impressions: Notes From Hairenik and Footprints Armenia. His first novel is partly based on his experiences in Armenia.

19 Comments

  1. Was your familie’s name who are deceased , Boyajian from Diyarbekir ? If so, we are more than likely related for my grandfather & other family members came from there. Gerebed Boyadjian (other sp.) was an uncle . Plz contact if this is a possibility. Thx, June,Joyce( King, Boyajian) Howard

  2. I loved reading this!! What a beautiful biography it is, and there was so much I didn’t know. Thank you for including my grandma, Khalleh, and Dyedye! Congratulations, Uncle Onnik………very nice.

  3. Onnig and I were soloists in the World’s Fair with Kousan chorus in 1964-65. Also he was gracious enough to accompany me in a duet love song (Hebard hye aghtchig) in my album in 86
    maiden name Rosemary Maljian
    Onnig I published a Novella in Paris Dec 2011. “Les lueurs sombres de la destinee” by Ambear with Edilivre Collection Tremplin. I also translated in English “the dark glow of destiny” by Ambear that I released in September.
    Please Google and see…nice having known a true artist…unbelievable Onnig!

  4. I was so happy to read this wonderful tribute to one of my all time best Armenian singers, Onnik Dinkjian. He has always been my Father’s favorite and mine as well. As a performer and teacher of Armenian dance, I have always loved using Onnik’s songs in my presentations. As a vocalist, he’s the singer that reaches my soul and that’s how I learned more Armenian, from his lyrics!!! It was always my Father’s wish to have Onnik sing at my wedding but it couldn’t happen in CA. in 1980! I will always enjoy his style and heartfelt interpertations of Armenian culture and music. In my book, no one can touch the joy and spirit I get from Onnik’s EEm Chee Naree Yaruh and all the other favorites mentioned in the tribute. May God bless Onnik and let him know how much he will always be loved and appreciated!!1 Susan Eramian Ounjian

  5. Nov. 14, 2012

    Onnik’s biography was well written and very interesting. I couldn’t resist saying a few words. I too, was born in Paris, France to Armenian parents. I lived in Issy-les-Moulineaux and Meudon which are Parisian suburbs. I also remember my parents sending me to Armenian School on Thursdays. Whatever I learned there, I’ve never forgotten.

    My father brought me to Bridgeport, CT at age 10 where I have lived most of my life.

    I’ve enjoyed Onnik’s music throughout the years if I happened to be where he was performing.

    Bravo to you Onnik for giving the Armenian community so much enjoyment of Armenian music.

    Although I am not as famous as Onnik, I really related to his life background.

    Thanks

  6. Another outstanding piece of journalism by writer Christian Garbis. He painted such a live portrait of the crooner that it appeared he was inside my room singing before me. Onnik has always been an icon — both in the church and social circles — and has defied his age. Which proves the idiom that “an old nightengale” can still chirp a happy tune. May his presence in our community long endure.

  7. It was a pleasure for me to read such a fantastic tribute to such a deserving artist. Onnik is a gem amongst the Armenian musicians. I did not grow up with his music, however after moving to U.S. in 1977 his music moved me. A few years ago, my husband Berdj & I had the pleasure of meeting Onnik and his beautiful wife, Araxi at the Armenian cruze. Since then we have become such close friends. Our trips to Florida is not complete unless we get together with the Dinkjians. We are so fortunate that our paths have crossed and we have come to know this beautiful couple upclose. Christian Garbis thanks for this wonderful piece of journalism.

  8. A wonderfully written tribute to a most deserving person. Dedicated to his family and his Church, he surely has given his all. A special treat for me was watching as his son, Ara, grew up and became a special man and talent as he took after his father. A huge highlight of my musical experiences was the making of the Seven Uncles album with Onnik. I will say again as I have many times before, his rendition of Em Anoush Davil on that album will always be timeless in its’ heartwarming flow of tones and exemplifies his greatness and will forever be my favorite. I also appreciated his inviting me to play on his Encore album. It was an honor. Today, we are closer than ever. Along with his beautiful wife Araxie, we share memories and laugh as much as we can. On a personal note, my wife Carole and I, along with our children Dawn and John, will forever be grateful to Onnik for the special kindness he exhibited to us at our worst moment. Thank you and thank you again.

  9. I have been blessed to follow onnik since i was 12yrsold. the very 1st time i heard him was in queens ny,with john berberian,ara dinkjian and david attarian. i frequently listen too all of his recordings. he is a legend in his on way. in addition to all of his audio recordings,i have many videos of him also dating back to 1980 to the present. i was also requested by my 2 dearest and closest freinds,john and lisa tarpinian to assist her in teaching the lyrics too many songs performed by onnik. she has alot of good talent and a very sweet voice. i am proud to be part of what she has done.onnik,may u always be blessed,ara kazanjian

  10. Can anyone tell me how to get in touch with Onnik or his staff? I would love to know whether he is available to visit the Netherlands for my wedding.

    • Dear Nisan, do send me an email to anastasiakom@hotmail.com and I can provide you all the information regarding possible Onnik’s presence in your wedding. I assume you say that he would sing in your wedding, no?

  11. My father ( now deceased ) had a favorite song ” HEY JON ” BY
    ONNICK DINKJIAN with BATT MASIAN orchestra.His 78 rpm record is no longer playable but the music plays in my mind when i think of my father.I am leaving my grandchildren the joy of our ethnic foods & stories of their great grandpa but i want them to hear the music that ties it togeter.I can’t find his recording on the internet.It may not be his most populer recording but it is to me.
    Any ideas on where to find this song by ONNICK ?

    • @Maurice Kalaygian – it’s been nearly a year since you posted your comment. Please reply to me with a contact of some sort, i may be able to help you out with that song.

  12. It was very nice to see this article about Uncle Onnik. I have many memories as a child watching and hearing he and Uncle Ara jam with my father. Thank you for sharing this story.

  13. Dear Onnik , I thank you for your beautiful story, I am looking forward to seeing you and Araxie again. Remember my mother
    Takouhie Donabedian from Lowell, Ma? I STILL HAVE THE RECORDS YOU SENT HER YEARS AGO. Thankyou!
    Love to you, Araxzie and family. Bertha Demirjian

  14. Dear Onnik, I thank you for your beautiful story. I am looking forward to hear you sing again. Remember my mother Takouhie Donabedian from Lowell, Ma? I still have the records you sent to her and made her very happy years ago.
    LOVE TO YOU, ARAXSIE AND FAMILY=. Bertha demirjian

Comments are closed.