“We Sing Armenian Church Songs” children’s album released in U.S.

PanARMENIAN.Net - Award-winning artist Nvair Kadian Beylerian officially released her latest album, “We Sing Armenian Church Songs (Badarak Hymns for Children)” last week. Her latest compilation is an innovative educational tool, which teaches the hymns of the Armenian Divine Liturgy to the younger generation, Asbarez reports.

Each song is recorded in both Armenian and English and includes liner notes explaining the significance of each hymn during the church service.

“This album is about bringing our Armenian Church life into our daily lives,” said Beylerian, who has a master’s degree in education and has been involved in “edutainment,” combining both education and entertainment elements for children, since 2001. “It’s a reminder of who we are.”

“We want the kids to feel comfortable in church,” said Carden, who holds a master of arts degree and is a special education specialist in the New Jersey Public School system. “Feeling that connection and experiencing that familiarity gives them a reason to want to be there.”

“These children brought remarkable focus, almost no self-consciousness and a wonderful sense of fun. They’re an example for performers of all ages,” said Joseph Halajian, recording engineer of the album. “The sound they make together is truly uplifting.”

“We Sing Armenian Church Songs” is the product of a 10-year journey Beylerian and Carden embarked on when they began collaborating together to teach primary-grade Sunday School students spiritual, Christian music along with Armenian church hymns.

Following the album’s release, Beylerian and Carden are scheduled to make interactive educational presentations to Sunday Schools across the Eastern Diocese as well as to Armenian communities throughout the country.

Nvair Kadian Beylerian holds a BA in History and a Master’s degree in Education. She is a third-generation Armenian American who has had the privilege of growing up within a culturally rich, Armenian-speaking household rooted in the active and energetic Armenian-diasporan community of the NYC region. She has been on stage performing Armenian song and dance with her family since childhood.

Since 2001, Nvair has released three children’s CDs in Armenian. She performs interactive bi-lingual concerts for Armenian and non-Armenian children and their families in the U.S. and Canada. Each CD has been nominated for the Annual Armenian Music Awards in the category of Best Children’s Album in their respective years. Donadzar (Christmas Tree) was awarded a Big Apple Music Award in 2003, in the Best Children’s Album category.