Commemorative concert held in Cambridge

Erevan Choral Society performs at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Greater Boston

By Aida Diloyan

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — After two and a half years of absence from the public due to COVID-19 pandemic, the well-known Erevan Choral Society of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Greater Boston returned with an impressive, inspirational concert dedicated to the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The concert was held on April 24 in the church sanctuary. This was the chorale’s first highly-anticipated performance after the forced break.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian paid tribute to the memory of the 1.5 million martyrs.

Under the direction of long-time music director and composer Konstantin Petrossian, the chorale opened the program with the national anthems of the US, Armenia and Artsakh. The program also included well-selected works of Gomidas, contemporary Armenian composers and popular patriotic songs.

A highlight of the program was the virtuoso performance of soloist and accomplished soprano Kate Norigian, who impressed the audience with the popular “Groong” and “Karoon-a” by Gomidas. Violinist Armen Ghazaryan and pianist/organist Levon Hovsepian accompanied her.

The church’s Armenian school students also participated with popular poems by well-known Armenian poets.

Former church pastor Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian delivered the closing remarks, stressing the importance of the event and praising the singers and the soloists for their dedication and magnificent performances.

The program concluded with the “Hayr Mer” (Lord’s Prayer).

The concert was a celebrated event in the Armenian community and was warmly received by the public.