Manhattan School of Music hosts "Music of Armenia" concert

PanARMENIAN.Net - Manhattan School of Music hosted the "Music of Armenia" concert, which started with a heartfelt performance of Makar Yekmalian's Ov, Hayots Ashkharh (Oh, Land of Armenia), according to the Armenian Reporter.

Sopranos Caroline Braga, Christine Price, Kim Foxen, and Caroline Dunigan, and tenors Jose Ruiz, Robert Murphy, Dorian Balis, and Michael Anderson – none of whom is Armenian – showed that they had put much heart and soul into their preparation of Yekmalian's masterpiece. Dr. Karine Poghosyan, the concert organizer and an accomplished pianist, served as conductor.

Next on stage was eight-year-old Zoe Pian-Chowdhury on piano, performing Aram Khachaturian's Folk Dance.

Two beautiful pieces by Komitas, Ay aylughs (My red handkerchief) and Chinar es (Tall as a poplar tree) were brought to life by Sophia Steger on violin and Christopher Tong on piano.

One of the most unusual performances of the evening was Komitas's Kele Kele (Walk, walk), arranged by Dr. Poghosyan for saxophone and piano.

The talented duo of David Antabian and guest soprano Talene Tchorbajian, who studies at the Manhattan School of Music with Kelly Sawatsky, performed the beloved Krunk (Crane).

Jack Heaphy and Stephanie Tse gave the piano duo rendition of Khachaturian's beautiful Adagio, the love duet from the ballet Spartacus.

David Antabian then returned to the stage to perform Arno Babajanian's Elegy in memory of Aram Khachaturian and Khachaturian's Toccata.