Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide through the spirit of the arts

Commemoration through the spirit of Art

On April 24th Naregatsi Art Institute hosted the concert entitled “Commemoration through the Spirit of Art” devoted to the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

It is already the tenth year that "Naregatsi" Art Institute has brought the artists together under one roof to perpetuate the memory of the innocent victims.

The commemoration concert started with the words of prayer and remembrance made by Deacon Arsen Mathevosian.

- Not only this day, but we should always remember and honor the memory of the innocent victims in our prayers and in our actions ... - said Deacon Arsen.

Singer, songwriter Vahan Artsruni recalled the commemoration concert organized by Naregatsi Art Institute in New York in 2003, where he had also taken part in. Then he asked the audience to join him in performing the song.

The concert featured as well Hasmik Baghdasaryan (soprano), Aleksandr Zhuykov (tenor), Avag Margaryan (blul), Levon Karapetyan (piano), The Garni quintet (Artistic Director Sona Movsesyan), the Naregatsi Folk Instruments Ensemble (Artistic Director Hovik Sahakyan) and the Paros Choir (Artistic Director Raffi Michaelian)

The works of Heriknaz Galstyan (sculpture & installation) and Gohar Tumasyan (miniature painting) were presented in the exhibition hall.
Naregatsi Art Institute founder Nareg Hartounian also mentioned in his speech the first commemoration concert in New York, where he recalled 100-year-old writer Hakob Asatourian’s speech:

- We will revenge living as an Armenian. Genocides are still going on: Sumgayit, Baku, etc.- said Nareg Hartounian, - We have to be psychologically strong enough with our culture and faith, so that we can withstand and fight. Every day we should have one and a half million reasons to endure, resist and fight.

At the end of the concert those present and the participants kept silent for a minute with burning candles in remembrance of the genocide victims.