PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Cultural Committee of the Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, RI presented the concert titled “Aysor Don Eh” in the sanctuary of the church. This Christmas concert included the Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, the Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and the Junior Choir of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. This special evening also featured performances by talented soloists.
Joyce Avedisian, chair of the Parish Council, gave the opening remarks.
Konstantin Petrossian, artistic director and conductor of the Armenian Chorales of Rhode Island, Greater Worcester and Junior Choir, presented a program featuring Armenian and international Christmas carols and songs. The Armenian chorales sang a large variety of songs from sacred to secular. He arranged for many soloists to perform in this concert. Joanne Mouradjian, soprano, sang the deeply emotional song of Keesherayeen Meghedee, dedicated to the loving memory of Rev.Mesrob Tashjian, author of the lyrics of this song. She also sang Christmas Spiritual Go Tell It on the Mountain. The Ov Hayots Asdvats by M. Yekmalian, other Armenian Christmas hymns, and Ave Maria by Cachini was performed by the chorales and accompanied on the flute by David Griego. Ov Zarmanalee (How Wondrous), the beautiful Armenian carol, was sung by the chorales with a moving tenor solo by Sarkis Yepremian. Soprano Gohar Manjelikian sang Aysor Don Eh by Gomidas and Diramayr by Petrossian. It was quite an impassioned performance. The Junior Choir sang the beautiful “Ding Dong”. The concert ended with the Armenian Chorales and Junior Choirs performing Park Ee Partzoons, Carol of the Bells and Silent Night. The final song was Joy to the World, accompanied by David Griego on the flute. Mari Panosian provided the organ accompaniment.
Father Shnork Souin, pastor of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church, offered the closing remarks and led all in the Lord’s Prayer.
A post-concert gathering took place in the Egavian Cultural Hall. Many friends of the Cultural Committee prepared the refreshments.
— Shirley Ventrone
