Greg Hosharian’s “Portraits of the Homeland” Concert Delivered a Night of Music and Unity
GLENDALE, Calif. — The Edward Hosharian Foundation’s annual benefit concert, Portraits of the Homeland, held at the Alex Theatre on November 10, 2024, celebrated Armenian heritage, music, and community, while merging, for the first time ever, Armenian vocal compositions with a Gospel choir.
With over 900 guests in attendance, the event was hosted by Araksya Karapetyan as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The concert brought together Maestro Greg Hosharian, the Armenian Pops Orchestra, and the Voice of Hope Collective Choir for a groundbreaking collaboration. Proceeds from the evening support scholarships for students of Armenian descent pursuing music, continuing the mission of the Edward Hosharian Foundation, a non-profit established to honor the legacy of the late composer Edward Hosharian.
The first half of the concert featured compositions by both Greg Hosharian and his father, Edward Hosharian. Highlights included performances by acclaimed musicians Salpy Kerkonian(
In the second half, Greg Hosharian and the Armenian Pops Orchestra were joined by the Voice of Hope Collective Gospel Choir, led by Jonte Moore and Aretha Scruggs. The choir delivered a powerful performance of Der Voghormia and Silent Night, sung in both Armenian and English, showcasing the universality of music in bridging cultures. Soprano Natalie Buickians captivated the audience with her vocals. The choir members had mastered complex Armenian lyrics and melodies.
“Bringing together Armenian music with the powerful harmonies of a gospel choir has always been a dream of mine,” said the Maestro. “That night, we made history in the concert hall—the very first collaboration of its kind, with the choir singing in Armenian.”
