155th ANNIVERSARY OF GOMIDAS VARTABED CELEBRATED IN ISTANBUL

On the occasion of the 155th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabed, on October 26, 2024, a concert was organized in Beyoglu Holy Trinity Armenian Church, at the initiative of the Parish Council of Balat Holy Sourp Hreshdagabed Armenian Church. The guest of honor was the relative of Gomidas Vartabed, the musician Tamar Eskenian, who came from Switzerland. The Lousavorich Choir also participated in the concert.

The ceremony was presided over by Patriarch Sahak II, accompanied by Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadian, the preacher of Beyoglu Armenian Church, Shnorq Donikian, clergy, deacons, Nayiri Bedrosyan, permanent representative of the Republic of Armenia of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, and the Parish Council of Beyoglu Armenian Church, chaired by Aksel Topalyan. A small statue of Gomidas Vartabed made by Gulizar Artuch from the same council was placed at the entrance of the concert area.

Mari Kavafyan, the chairwoman of the board of Balat Sourp Hreshdagabed Armenian Church, gave the opening speech and announced that they invited Tamar Eskenian at the suggestion of Besse Kabak. The Lousavorich Choir took part in the program under the direction of Maestro Hagop Mamigonyan, and the concert was organized under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadyan.

Then, Rev. Fr. Harutyun Vartabed gave a welcome speech and said that this concert had a unique character. It was the first time; a musician from the Gomidas’ roots gave a concert in the region, where Gomidas formed the Kusan Choir.

This is the day of the meeting between grandfather and grandchild. The ancestor is Gomidas Vartabed and the grandchild is the grown-up musician Tamar Eskenian. Noticing this unique initiative, we took it upon ourselves to contact Tamar and organize the program of the concert, the songs, for the meeting of ancestor and descendant,” said Rev. Fr. Harutyun.

Then Tamar Eskenian and the Lousavorich Choir came on stage. They were joined by Rober Doganay on the piano and Sevan Garabedian on the dhol. When the choir performed the polyphonic songs, Tamar Eskenian played the flute, shvi and duduk, and sang solo. One of the memorable moments of the concert was when the attendees joined in singing “Gakavig”, under the direction of Maestro Mamigonian. Tamar Eskenian gave information about the songs, presenting the genius of Gomidas Vartabed.

Souvenirs were handed over to institutions and people participating in the program.

His Beatitude gave the final speech and spoke about the greatness of Gomidas Vartabed. Archbishop Sahak II said that Gomidas is remembered almost every day in any Armenian region of the world. He has become a well-known musician of all Armenians and other nations. He expressed his joy that such a program was implemented in Istanbul on the occasion of the 155th anniversary of Gomidas. It created an opportunity for a musician from the roots of Gomidas Vartabed to get to know the Armenians of Istanbul. His Beatitude appreciated Tamar Eskenian and congratulated the board of Balat Sourp Hreshdagabed Armenian Church and Besse Kabak, volunteer and cultural server.

His Beatitude also congratulated the Lousavorich Choir under the direction of Hagop Mamigonian, which was prepared for this concert in a short time.

On this occasion, he brought to the attention of the audience that the choir continues to celebrate its 95th anniversary, enjoying the support of the Parish Council of Beyoglu Armenian Church.

The concert ended with the Lord’s Prayer.