‘Armenian Youth Talent’ Showcased at Carnegie Hall

NEW YORK—On Dec. 1, for the fifth consecutive year, “Armenian Youth Talent” finalists were featured at New York’s prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Dedicated to the 110^th anniversary of the legendary composer, pianist, and conductor Aram Khachaturian, and the 5^th anniversary of “Armenian Youth Talent,” the concert was organized by Direct Help for Armenian People (DHAP), under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian, the president and founder of DHAP.

Concert hosts Harut Minasian and Eugenia Sarian welcomed the sold-out audience, and noted the event was “to encourage young Armenian talent in the performing arts.”

“It is a great expression of Armenian ability, musicianship, and spirit that our heritage demonstrates and is proud of,” the said.

The unique event featured 32 young musicians ages 6-15, many of whom had chosen compositions by Khachaturian, in honor of the anniversary of his birth. All of the performers were granted honorary certificates and monetary awards following their performances.

Singers, which included Zovinar Aghavian, Julia Cumming, Christina Kerestedjian, Lucine Musaelian, Julia Naldjian and Amalia Shahinyan, displayed their bell-like angelic voices and lovely expression.

Vahn Mouradian showcased his cello talents with an accapella Bach Prelude, while Laura Navasardian displayed her formidable technique on the cello, which was larger and taller than her. Haig Hovsepian’s musicianship was amply shown on the violin.

The largest group of young musicians tinkled the piano ivories. They included Michael Khoury, David Hovanisyan, Harutiun Kljyan, Sophia Hovakimian, Nico Carere, Ansel Chang, Zoe Pian-Chowdhury, Gregory Sarafian, Irene Vilgorin, and Ani Mouradian, all displaying impressive technique and expression.

David Antabian, 15, showed his special versatility and self-confidence in Khachaturian’s difficult “Sonata,” while duo pianists Alin and Nicole Khrimian, and Marina and Eve Kazarian, showcased their impressive synchronization.

A highlight of the event was the Arminstring violin group featuring Griffyn Kang, Aren Arakelian, Nicholas Degoian, Anthony Degoian, Lily Kliyan, Nicole Mark, and Zovinar Aghavian. They delighted the audience with a jazzy “Cancan” by Offenbach and heartfelt “Memories” by Babajanyan.

The conclusion of the concert brought on a spontaneous standing ovation. Amirkhanian expressed her gratitude to the parents, relatives, teachers, and sponsors, which included the Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation, Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), and Saro and Hilda Hartounian, among many others.

She pointed out that in the past five years of the “Armenian Youth Talent” concerts, more than 300 young musicians have performed on the Carnegie Hall stage. “The level is getting higher and higher, with now even non-Armenian performers singing and playing Armenian compositions with great Armenian feeling,” she said.

Amirkhanian also praised executive member Marina Bagdasarova for her tireless work, as well this year’s distinguished judges, which included St. Vartan Cathedral Choir director Khoren Mekanejian, singer Vagharshak Ohanyan, pianists Lusine Badalyan, Karen Hakobyan, and Karine Poghosyan, and violinist Diana Vasilyan.

Among the special guests attending were Armenia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Garen Nazarian, St. Illuminators Armenian Cathedral pastor Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Lucine Der Harootian, wife of the renowned sculptor Khoren Der Harootian, and the AGBU’s director of Performing Arts, Haig Arsenyan, who emphasized that “promoting Armenian culture and supporting our next generation is necessary and crucial.”

Congratulatory letters sent by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, Ambassador Nazarian, the AGBU, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New Jersey, Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara, and renowned pianist and composer Sahan Arzruni were printed in the program booklet and given to all concert attendees.

Applications for the 2014 “Armenian Youth Talent” competition are due on Feb. 16, 2014, and will be available on the website http://dhap-ayt.orgstarting on Jan. 7, 2014.