Pianist Karine Poghosyan Makes Boston Debut with SOAR Fundraiser

ARLINGTON, Mass.—The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) was the setting on Nov. 14 for the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) Boston Chapter’s musical evening fundraiser featuring renowned pianist, Karine Poghosyan. The concert, which was Poghosyan’s first performance in the Boston area, honored the 110^th anniversary of Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. Ballet transcriptions and solo piano works by Khachaturian were included in the program.

Poghosyan has been described as “extraordinary” and a “larger than life” pianist whose playing goes “to the heart of the music.” NY Concert Review called her a pianist who “has that spark.” The New York-based pianist, who is originally from Yerevan, dazzled the audience with her performance, and played with such exuberance and heartfelt emotion that Khachaturian’s masterpieces came alive and concertgoers were left entranced in the melodies.

After the concert, SOAR Boston Chairperson Charles Garo Arakelian spoke briefly about the history of the organization, a five-year-old 501(c)3 non-profit founded by George and Erika Yacoubian, Jr., of Philadelphia after the adoption of their daughter from Armenia. Arakelian also thanked everyone for coming, as proceeds from ticket sales will be used to purchase much-needed supplies for Armenian orphans in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, Lebanon, and Syria.

Vice Chair Laura Michael also gave a brief presentation regarding SOAR’s Sponsorship Program, which allows an individual to personally connect with an orphaned Armenian child or adult. The entire donation benefits the sponsored orphan; no funds support the facilities or SOAR generally, and SOAR assumes the cost of all wiring fees. The donor will receive a photo and personal profile of the sponsored orphan, updates on his/her health, and notes, drawings, or correspondence from the orphan at least twice a year. In the case of young children or those with special needs, updates will come from the facility directors. If interested in sponsoring an orphan, visit http://soar-us.org/enroll.html.

Guests were the invited to enjoy a post-concert wine and cheese reception with the pianist. Wine was donated by Tutunjian Estate Vineyards and hors d’oeuvres by Sevan Bakery. Poghosyan graciously mingled with guests and SOAR board members throughout the reception.

The Boston Chapter, which was originally the New England Chapter, became part of the SOAR family in February 2009. Several board members have visited various orphanages in Armenia, giving the chapter significant insight into the orphanages and their short- and long-term needs. The Board Board of Directors is comprised of Chairman Charles Garo Arakelian, Vice Chair Laura Michael, Secretary Talin Bekelian, Treasurer Marina Arakelian, and Board Members Amy Croot, John Elloian, Svetlana Javakhyan, Theresa Nibi, Cheryl Ourfalian Smith, Bob Semonian, Richard Simonian, and Armen Vartanyan. After several successful events in 2013, SOAR Boston will host its next fundraiser in early 2014.

For more information about SOAR and how to get involved, visit http://soar-us.org or e-mail laurajmichael@ymail.com.