ARMENIA-DIASPORA: TOGETHER IN UNISON

Azg/am
24 Sept 04

For a week Armenia and Diaspora were singing together in one
voice. The goal of the initiative was to organize concerts in
Knaravan, newly built villagein Artsakh, in Stepanakert, in Shushi, in
Hadrut and in Yerevan. “Komitas” Chamber United Chorus includes the
members of Aynchar’s “Komitas” Chamber Chorus and the singers from
some of Armenian choruses. Pargev Taslakian, head and conductor of the
chorus, said that this initiative was the first practical step of “One
Nation, One Culture” festival.

“Komitas” chorus has 40-years-old history. Its members are mainly
Musaler dwellers. Being the only professional group in the Middle
East, in 2001, itwas recognized the best among the Lebanese
choruses. It deserved the right to represent Lebanon in international
musical festivals and contests. In 2001, “Komitas” chorus was
recognized the best in the Middle East.

The chorus gave over ten concerts in Armenia. It is invited to Armenia
by “Yerkir” NGO. Knaravan village was built in Nagorno Karabagh at the
initiative of “Yerkir” NGO.

On September 9, the chorus gave its last concert in Yerevan Chamber
Music Hall, performing the unique pieces of Komitas and
Kanachian. “The most important thing was that we could unite and
follow this beautiful path together,” Armen Tovmasian, singer of RA
Chamber Chorus, said after the concert. Pargev Taslakian assured that
they have many joint projects and they will certainly continue
cooperating.

In the August of 2005, “Veha” chorus, headed by Taslakian, will arrive
in Armenia to perform Armenian, European and Arabic pieces.

By Tamar Minasian