The month of May became prolific for the Armenian cultural society of Australia. The Regional Executive Board of Australia and its affiliated chapters had invited native singer Vardan Sahakyan and violinist Armen Manoogian to Sydney. Their concert took place on May 8, 2016, in the evening, at the hall of Ryde Eastwood RSL Club. Vardan Sahakian’s charming voice and professional interpretation surprised the audience.
In the first part of the program, he presented classical songs by Gomidas, Spendiarian, Paghtasarian, as well as Rodolfo Falvo’s "Dicitencello Vuie" and Cesare Andrea Bixio's "Parlami d'Amore Mariu'".
Armen Manoogian also left a great impression on the audience with the high-quality music performed on violin. The native artists were accompanied on the piano by the young, talented, professional and well-known in the community pianist Zela Markosian- Gaspar. She skilfully combined the musical arrangement of the concert on the piano.
In the second part of the program, Vardan Sahakian thrilled the audience with a range of national and patriotic songs. Images related to the songs, the Armenian History, national awakening, revolutionary movement and the struggle for the liberation of Artsakh were displayed on the screen.
The opening speech was delivered by Ms. Karen Pohosian, and the evening was perfectly conducted by Haykush Zeytuntsian. She duly presented every song and read Vardan Sahakian’s grandfather's letter addressed to Sydney Armenians.
At the end of the concert, the native artists and Zela Markossian were presented souvenirs. Chairman of the Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin Australia, Viken Kalloghlian congratulated the artists and those who value the culture. Comrade Kalloghlian said, "The Armenian Community of Australia enjoyed the presence of two talented artists, Sahak Sahakian and Tovmas Boghosian invited from Homeland 26 years ago. They thrilled the Sydney Armenian Community for their exceptional talents." Then, he added. "Today, we had the chance to witness Sahak Sahakian’s grandson Vardan’s performance. He charmed us with his voice, and surely filled his grandfather's heart with pride.
On Sunday, May 15, 2016, in honor of the native artists, a farewell evening was organized at the Armenian Cultural Center. In a very familiar atmosphere, they performed for the guests and especially for young Armenians some musical pieces of various styles. At the end of the evening, they inspired the guests with national and revolutionary songs.
Sydney Armenian community was satisfied with the opportunity to enjoy the concert by native artists organized by the Hamazkayin Society.
The Hamazkayin Society does its best for the preservation and promotion of the Armenian culture. We wish many of such opportunities to the community.
Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin Australia
08/06/2016