PRESS RELEASE
Joint Committee of Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston and
Amaras Art Alliance
Contact: Tatoul Badalian
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 617-331-0426
New England Armenians Celebrate 300th Birth Anniversary of troubadour Sayat Nova
On Sunday, October 6, 2013, the New England Armenian Community
celebrated the 300th Birth Anniversary of our beloved bard Sayat Nova.
The free event was held in the Armenian Cultural and Educational
Center in Watertown, MA. A dynamic cast of performers presented some
of the most authentic, beautiful and lyrical Armenian songs and poems
of the troubadour, both in traditional form and with modern
interpretations and expressions. The audience was ecstatic and showed
its appreciation at the conclusion of the concert with a standing
ovation – singing and applauding long after the performance had ended.
The renowned troubadour was born in 1713 in an ethnically diverse and
linguistically plural part of the world- South Caucuses. He became
fluent in most languages of the region, writing, composing and
performing in Armenian, Georgian, Persian, and Azerbaijani,
contributing enormously to the poetry and music of his time. His
influence on Armenian Culture continues to affect our lives today in
Armenia and the Diaspora.
Mistress of Ceremonies was the very gifted radio personality Lousineh
Ayanian who offered excerpts from Sayat Nova’s verses, while Ani
Arakelians-Avakian and Berj Chekijian recited beautifully entire poems
written by the bard himself or from the works of other poets paying
homage to the beloved gousan (troubadour). An appearance by folk
singer Aleksan Harutunyan with his deep understanding of traditional
Armenian music was instrumental in transforming the mood of the
audience back to Armenia and back 300 years. Enhancing this
transformation was the delicate sound of master Kamancha player David
Ayriyan who offered a magical window into the world Sayat Nova lived
in.
Three performing groups also participated in this tribute, each
bringing a unique quality to add to the program. Award winning
conductor Maestro Artur Veranian led his newly formed Armenian Chamber
Chorus of Boston, presenting three of his own arrangements of Sayat
Nova’s songs; while composer and classical pianist Ara Sarkissian
leading his Musaner Armenian Folk Jazz Ensemble offered his vision,
with a delightful new flavor of the music we so dearly love. And
members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, under the direction
of choreographer Apo Ashjian, took to the stage three times performing
graceful dances to the music of Sayat Nova, with new and unique
interpretations. Among them, Garen Avetissyan, Kamancha in hand,
depicted Sayat Nova.
The Sayat Nova 300th Anniversary Celebration was a collaborative
effort between two organizations with deep roots within the New
England community – The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (SNDC) and
Amaras Art Alliance.
Formed in January 1986 under the direction of Apo Ashjian, SNDC is
named after the beloved troubadour whose beautiful music and poetry
captures the essence of the Armenian soul and spirit. SNDC has been a
source of inspiration to generations of young Armenians who continue
to promote and safeguard their culture through the art of dance. To
learn more about the dance company, how to join the group and view
their schedule of upcoming performances please visit
Amaras Art Alliance is committed to working with
professional artists and musicians, to stage and present high quality
cultural programs in New England and Armenia. Founded in 1990, Amaras
also supports young aspiring performers to achieve their full creative
potentials. Visit AmarasOnline.com for more information on the type
of projects Amaras produces, learn how to become involved by bringing
your own ideas to the group and preview past programs.
The Sayat Nova 300 Joint Committee wishes to publicly thank all the
performers for donating their time and talent for this
performance. The Committee also extends a heartfelt thank-you to those
who responded generously to our appeal for financial contributions and
to those who made in-kind donations that greatly contributed to the
success of this event- in particular we wish to say thank-you to the
New England Armenian community and our public who, for years, have
supported us with their presence at our events. A heartfelt gratitude
to you all…
Joint Committee
[Photos by Viken Karaguesian]