The Hamazkayin “Zvartnots” Choir has a special place in the cultural life of Aleppo Armenians. It has introduced successive generations to Armenian and non-Armenian folk and classical song.
For years on end, Armenian and Arab audiences have heard Zvartnots sing the works of Gomidas, Dikran Tchouhadjian, Armen Tigranian, Tatoul Altounian, Paregh Ganatchian, Kristapor Kara-Murza, and other talents. Zvartnots has been led by conductors from Aleppo and Armenia. Zvartnots has been the name of a large family under whose roof warm and unbreakable bonds have formed between generations.
The choir is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, Kantsasar reports. At the special concert organized for this occasion, the last song featured singers, conductors, and pianists from the last 50 years. The moment brought tears as well as pride. The choir stayed on course all this time thanks to members, conductors, accompanists, and administrators who had faith and love and worked hard.
The concert was held on April 7 and 14, 2019, under the auspices of Archbishop Shahan Sarkisian, Armenian Prelate of Syria. The Hamazkayin “Zvartnots” Choir Executive Board organized the concert. Gayane Simonyan-Deryan conducted the group, which was accompanied by Rouzan Barsoumian on piano.