ANCA-Hollywood to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America, Hollywood Chapter will host an Armenian Cultural Show in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on the evening of Friday, April 20, Asbarez reports.

April 24 marks the dark day Armenian intellectuals and artists were killed. The evening will remember these artists and thinkers and bring their art to life again. Again and again, the show’s message will be the revival of the Armenian People through art and creativity that persists to this day.

“We have not forgotten the spirit and talent of our people, which live on today through our youth, who are constantly generating new inspiring artwork,” said ANCA-Hollywood Executive Board Member Tsovinar Karapetyan. “True, the memory of the Armenian Genocide continues to live in us and makes up a part of our identities, but our identity as Armenians should not be limited to this memory. We have a rich culture and produce great art, poetry, and music that speaks strongly of this Genocide and we should always remember this,” she added.

The evening will begin with Armenian-American composer Eric V. Hachikian, who will speak about his cultural and professional journey in music and the inspiration his heritage lends him in producing such art.

In addition to composing, Hachikian has produced and directed the film Voyage to Amasia, which tells the story of his grandmother’s exile from her village “Amasia” during the Armenian Genocide and his return to that village, now in modern-day Turkey, nearly a century later.

Following Hachikian’s presentation, a group of young, talented students will perform the immortal works of Komitas, Shiraz, and Paruyr Sevak.

On display throughout the evening will be an “art showcase,” arranged as a timeline of the works of Armenian writers, artists, and intellectuals who died during the Genocide or survived to see its consequences. The works of today’s Armenian youth will also be showcased.

“It will be a great opportunity for the entire community to come together and witness the unique Armenian talent living here in Los Angeles,” said ANCA-Hollywood Chair Paul Seradarian.