Deacon Hovhannes Nersesian wins 2nd place at International Pavel Lisitsian Competition

Deacon Hovhannes Nersesian of St. Sarkis Cathedral of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, soloist at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre after Alexander Spendiaryan has won the second place at the 4th international Pavel Lisitsian Competition.

The contest featured 48 vocalists from 12 countries – Armenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, China, Mongolia and others.

The event was held in North Ossetia from September 15 to 18. People’s Artist of Ukraine Larissa Gergieva was the President of the jury. She’s also the founder and director of the festival.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS