LIFE, LOVE AND DESTINY: A GLANCE AT THE BEGINNINGS OF THE HAMAZKAYIN SAYAT NOVA CHOIR
BY VICKEN SOSIKIAN
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
The Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir
Stepan Bairamian arrived in the United States when he was 23 years
old. Shortly after, he joined the US Armed forces and was stationed in
Georgia and later continued training in Maryland. Friends and family
were not surprised to learn that Stepan had joined the army – after
all he was the son of Col. Joseph Bairamian, a well-known leader in
the Syrian-Armenian community.
A tall and well-built gentleman Stepan was an asset to his group.
However, after being diagnosed with kidney failure he was discharged
from the army as a veteran and returned to Los Angeles to begin
dialysis at the age of 26.
The optimist that he was, Stepan did not let his health problems
change his lifestyle; he continued to pursue higher education. His
passion for singing, music and Armenian culture remained top priority.
He enlisted in singing classes with renowned vocalist Arpineh
Pehlivanian and enrolled at California State University Northridge
pursuing a degree in geological engineering. Upon graduation he
embarked on a career with the Internal Revenue Service.
Destiny begins Just about this time, in 1985, Nora Roumian’s sister,
husband and kids were moving to the United States, she decided to
join them to help out with the move, to take a break from her busy
life in Beirut and simply to see what “America” was all about.
It didn’t take long for Nora to realize that she did not enjoy America
one bit, she missed Lebanon. She did not want to stay and was eager
to return home. However, her parents soon informed her that they too
would relocate to Los Angeles and as such she should stay put.
It was difficult for her.
Back home Nora was a public figure of sorts. She was a graduate of the
Lebanese National Conservatory of Music, a recipient of a scholarship
from Geneve’ Musicale Du Liban where she attended master classes in
piano and chamber music. She was chosen to perform for the Belgium
National Radio and Television and studied at the International Music
Academy of Nice, France. Nora was chosen to be the soloist for the
Touring Chamber Music Orchestra of Tubingen Germany. She taught music
at Nshan Palanjian Jemaran and was active in the local Hamazkayin as
an executive member working with youth.
She even taught a blind student to play piano at Tekelian Music School
where she was the head of the piano department.
She had to start all over in America.
Just about this time, the Glendale Hamazkayin Anoush choir was looking
for a pianist. While of course this was a voluntary position it was
still close to Nora’s heart as she was able to work with her beloved
Hamzkayin.
Shortly after accepting the pianist position, the choir was invited to
perform at a community event being held at the Glendale High School
auditorium, where Karnig Sarkissian was scheduled to sing the ARF
anthem. Last minute, word was received that Karnig would be unable
to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Quickly, a replacement
was assigned the responsibility of singing the ARF anthem. Nora was
reluctant to accompany a singer with whom she had not practiced,
but as she was mulling over how to address the situation, a tall,
dark and handsome gentleman approached her and handed the notes to
the song. Turns out that Stepan was also a student of Ms. Arpineh
Pehlivanian and this would be the precursor to a special relationship.
Destiny grows Before they got any more serious, Stepan informed Nora
of his health condition. She didn’t care. Stepan was kind, polite,
caring, loving and generous. Nora loved him and he loved her.
They got married in November of 1986 despite discouragement from
friends and family who urged Nora to reconsider given that those
with Stepan’s health condition are usually given a 10-15 year life
expectancy.
Stepan and Nora’s relationship was truly special and remarkable.
They loved one another endlessly. Nora showed her love by standing
beside and caring for her husband throughout the many surgeries,
extended hospital stays, failed kidney transplants and life threatening
emergencies. As for Stepan, he was always happy, grateful and
optimistic. He always had hope that he would be healed. He never
complained and was always content. He never fell short on finding
ways to show Nora how much he loved her.
Destiny plays its course As with all kidney failure patients, the
illness takes a toll on the body. Fortunately, Stepan had already
surpassed double his life expectancy, but had started experiencing
vision problems and difficulty walking.
It was right at this time in 2009 that the Valley “Baruyr Sevag”
Hamazkayin chapter approached Nora to help launch a choir. She was
reluctant due to her husband’s advanced illness, but discussed the
proposition with Stepan, who loved the concept, encouraged Nora to
accept and was eager to be one of the first members of the new choir.
Nora felt that by accepting and helping launch the choir, she would
boost Stepan’s morale. It would be a tough challenge for Nora.
Between teaching music at Chamlian, piano lessons to her private
students and tending to Stepan’s increasing dependency on her; it would
not be easy. But it was not in her nature to turn down an opportunity
to volunteer for Hamazkayin; especially if it would make Stepan happy.
And as such in May of 2009 the Sayat Nova choir was formed with 27
members, led by Nora who was not only the choir’s pianist but also
the conductor – an unusual combination by all accounts.
[nora.jpeg]
Nora Roumian-Bairamian with her late husband Stepan
Initially, the newly-formed choir met and conducted practice sessions
at various members’ houses, but as Stepan’s condition worsened the
group took up Stepan and Nora’s home as the primary practice venue.
The gatherings began taking place more frequently to prepare for the
group’s inaugural performance.
Destiny has its own plan Just days after celebrating New Year’s Eve
with family and just before Armenian Christmas Stepan passed away
in his sleep at the age of 58. It was truly a difficult time for
Stepan’s entire family, but especially for Nora who had literally
dedicated her life to Stepan.
“The choir members proved to be my second family,” said Nora.
“They were always visiting, supporting, helping and encouraging; they
motivated me and gave me strength – for which I am always thankful.”
The Hamazkayin “Baruyr Sevag” chapter executive decided to dedicate
the choir’s first performance to the memory of Stepan. With every
song they sang, they out-did the previous. It seemed as though the
choir had a new strength; an additional mission.
“We sing because we love music,” says one choir member. “We sing
because we want to promote our rich culture,” says another. “We
sing because we love Hamazkayin.” “We sing to encourage the next
generation.”
While each choir member may have her or his own reason for joining
and diligently attending practice sessions; the fact is they are all
collectively, serving the Hamazkayin mission, promoting Armenian
culture and enthusing the audience that follows them. Practice
sessions are anything but regular. A group of nearly 40 women
and men, from all walks of life gather Tuesday and Friday nights
converting Nora’s living room and dining area into a makeshift music
hall. Foldable chairs are set in semi-circle rows, the AC runs full
blast and several fans work at full speed to keep a room full of
beautiful voices semi-ventilated.
None but one of the choir members are professional singers; most began
singing when they first joined the choir. Realtors, accountants,
attorneys, business owners, teachers, therapists, designers and
government workers – who otherwise don’t have much in common; seem
like lifelong friends when they come together at practice sessions.
They all put in several hours each time to perfect some fifteen songs
they will perform at their next performance on October 13th.
“While some of the pieces are traditional Armenian songs, most are
unique interpretations of popular pieces including English, Arabic,
French and even Russian songs, which I have arranged for choir,
” explains Nora. “Our aim is to please the audience with exciting
selections and a unique flavor.”
“From the Middle East, to Europe, to the United States and Russia;
Armenian’s have lived in and contributed to various societies, while
acquiring hints of cultural influence. Our selection of pieces is
a reflection of the evolutionary Armenian culture, which in turn
is a direct result of a people who were forced from their homeland
during genocide.”
While attending a performance is quite an experience, witnessing a
practice session is uplifting to say the least. The fact that average
people dedicate several hours a week for the pleasure and enjoyment
of their audience; is impressive in of itself. The choreographic
exchange of versus and lines between various voice types within the
choir and the pursuit of perfecting a single verse through multiple
repetitions is just a couple testaments to what it takes to prepare
for a major performance.
However, most impressive of all is the passion and emotion that is
spurned out in the voices of each choir member. Team work is defined
here and it is here that you see the peace in Nora’s eyes and you
feel the smile in Stepan’s soul.
The choir members are passionate and dedicated people. Stepan was an
exemplary human being. Nora is a strong and committed Armenian woman,
whom I am proud to call my aunt.
I look forward to seeing it all come together at the upcoming
performance where destiny will dance to the beautiful sounds it so
quietly composed many years ago.
http://asbarez.com/105844/life-love-and-destiny-a-glance-at-the-beginnings-of-the-hamazkayin-sayat-nova-choir/