Komitas Tribute Concert for Armenian Genocide Commemoration Month

Komitas Tribute Concert, Glendale Community College

In observance of Armenian Genocide Commemoration Month, Glendale Community College

(GCC) paid tribute to Komitas, the founder of the Armenian National School of Music, with a special concert on April 22. The event, Celebrating Komitas: Sounds of the Armenian Soul, was organized through the collaborative efforts of GCC Cultural Diversity and the Armenian Kids Festival initiative. Through musical performances and videos, the concert highlighted Komitas's life and creative periods.

Distinguished guests included Glendale City Council member Ardy Kassakhian, GCC President Dr. Ryan Corner, college faculty and staff members, and students.

"Komitas is a key figure in Armenian culture who witnessed and survived the Armenian Genocide, which still persists against the Armenian people. He embodies the resilience of Armenians and his compositions resonate as the voice of their collective soul," expressed Arpi Amirian, a college employee and initiator of the event, speaking on behalf of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Planning Committee. Under Vardges Barseghyan's artistic direction, the concert featured performances of Komitas's compositions by renowned musicians and young talents from the art centers, symbolizing Komitas's enduring legacy across generations.

The LAARM quartet, consisting of Stepan Khalatyan (violin), Arsen Ketikyan (violin), Yelena Hayrapetyan (viola), and Milena Mardanyan (cello), opened the concert with enchanting Komitasian miniatures. Following them, the gifted duduk player Ruben Harutyunyan and dhol player Albert Ordinyan delivered a genuine interpretation of "Hov Arek Sarer jan." Liana Martirosyan and her qanun students, pianist Vana Churukyan, guitarist Karl Vardanyan, and duduk player Hayk Akobyan skillfully presented Komitas's intricate compositions, delivering a mesmerizing performance. The "Sound of Children" choir, showcasing their youthful talent, captivated the audience with exceptional performances. Guitarist Harutyun Ohanyan and vocalist Liana Mirzakhanyan then took the stage, delivering enchanting performances that brought the evening to a memorable close.

Videos shed light on Komitas's life and legacy, spanning from his early years to his tragic ending caused by the Armenian Genocide. Attendees at Kreider Hall emphasized the concert's educational and cultural significance, with the college president acknowledging the enlightening experience and praising the performers. "It was fascinating to delve into the legacy of the founder of the Armenian School of Music and the rich values he instilled. The Komitasian melodies were truly beautiful, remarked the college president. The concert provided valuable educational insights; we learned about Vardapet and his profound contribution to Armenian culture, information that was previously unfamiliar," confessed one Armenian spectator of the concert. "I was delighted to explore Komitas's work and experience of the depth of Armenian music rooted in history, which holds global significance. I believe this concert deserves a broader platform, reaching the wider American audience," commented a non-Armenian attendee of the concert, Jess Riley.

The concert became a reality thanks to the dedication of college representatives Carla Ruiz and Arpi Amirian.

Nane Avagyan and Nelly Ghukasyan, co-founders of the "Armenian Kids Festival" initiative, expressed their gratitude to GCC for the opportunity to showcase Komitas's legacy. "Komitas created his works during one of the most challenging periods for the Armenian people. Despite the adversity, he diligently collected, preserved, and laid the foundation of the Armenian music school. Today, we celebrate his resilient spirit, which symbolizes the strength of the Armenian people, proudly presenting the rich Armenian cultural heritage to the world," they remarked.

The Armenian Kids Festival initiative, operating under the Oolik organization in Los Angeles, aims to nurture Armenian cultural identity among Diaspora Armenian youth. Their previous endeavors include organizing the inaugural "Tsahkazard Kids Festival" in California and the successful "Komitas Hour" concert in Pasadena in November 2023.