An unforgettable evening with Sofya Vardanyan, Pink Martini and the timeless music of Alan Hovhaness

BOSTON — The Friends of Armenian Culture Society proudly presents its 74th annual Armenian Night at the Pops concert on Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Boston’s Symphony Hall. In a Boston Symphony Orchestra season dedicated to “E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One,” and in tribute to both Armenian heritage and America’s 250th anniversary, this special concert features Yerevan-born violinist Sofya Vardanyan, performing with the Boston Pops Orchestra under the baton of conductor Keith Lockhart. Vardanyan will play the rarely performed Ode to Freedom by composer Alan Hovhaness, alongside a selection of other masterworks. The evening also welcomes the return of the genre-defying ensemble Pink Martini to Symphony Hall. Violinist Sofya Vardanyan was born in Yerevan in 1999 into a musical family. She began studying the violin at age 7 and received her early training at the Tchaikovsky School of Music. Vardanyan has performed widely in Armenia and internationally, appearing with ensembles such as the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and participating in international masterclasses with artists such as Ida Kavafian, Levon Chilingirian, Kim Kashkashian, Daishin Kashimoto and Frank Peter Zimmerman. Her festival appearances include the Yerevan International Music Festival and the Moritzburg Music Festival, where she was awarded the Festival Academy Prize. An accomplished chamber musician, Vardanyan completed her undergraduate studies at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold in Germany, where she served as concertmaster. She has continued advanced studies in Europe and is building a versatile career across solo, orchestral and chamber music stages. Alan Hovhaness, one of the most prolific American composers of the 20th century, was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1911 and resided in Arlington for many years. He is celebrated for his ability to merge Eastern and Western musical traditions into a transcendent, meditative soundscape, drawing inspiration from Armenian sacred music, Asian modalities and nature. Commissioned by Russian-born conductor Maestro Andre Kostelanetz for the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Hovhaness’ Ode to Freedom was performed by violinist Yehudi Menuhin at Wolf Trap 50 years ago, on July 3, 1976, with Maestro Kostelanetz conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. Ode to Freedom unfolds with a sense of quiet grandeur and introspection; its themes of resilience and hope make it a symbolic celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Returning to Symphony Hall this evening is Pink Martini, the “little orchestra” that effortlessly crosses genres—from classical, jazz and Latin to vintage pop and global folk traditions—for a vibrant and multilingual musical experience. Playful, polished and performing in over 25 languages, Pink Martini has captivated audiences worldwide with its eclectic repertoire and charismatic performances, offering a joyful journey through different cultures and eras. Tickets can be purchased directly through a special link at www.FACSBoston.org, where attendees may view and select their seats. On an evening that celebrates the 125th anniversary of Symphony Hall and the 74th year of Armenian Night at the Pops, please join us in celebrating diverse musical traditions and world-class artistry!

An unforgettable evening with Sofya Vardanyan, Pink Martini and the timeless music of Alan Hovhaness

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