On the occasion of the 155th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabet, on Saturday evening, October 26, 2024, a concert was organized in Beyoglu Holy Trinity Armenian Church, at the initiative of the Parich Council of Balat Holy Archangel Armenian Church. The guest of honor was the relative of Gomitas Vartabed, the musician Tamar Eskenian, who came from Switzerland. Lusavoric Choir also participated in the concert.
The ceremony was presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Sahak II, accompined by Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadyan, the preacher of Beyoglu Armenian Churches, Shnorq Donikyan, clergy, deacons, Nayiri Bedrosyan, permanent representative of the Republic of Armenia of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, and the Parish Council of Beyoglu Armenian Churches, chaired by Aksel Topalyan. A small statue of Gomidas Vartabed made by Gulizar Artuch from the same council was placed at the entrance to the concert area.
Mari Kavafyan, the chairwoman of the board of Balat S. Hreshdagabed Armenian Church, made an opening speech and announced that they planned a cultural event and invited Tamar Eskenian at the suggestion of Besse Kabak. Lusavorich Choir was invited and took part in the program under the direction of Maestro Hagop Mamigonyan, and the concert was organized by the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadyan. On this occasion, Mari Kavafyan thanked all the participants.
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 Vartabed formed the Kusan Choir. “Today, we all become part of those unique celebrations. This is the day of the meeting between grandfather and grandchild. The ancestor is Gomitas Vartabet, and the grandchild is the grown-up musician Tamar Eskenian. Noticing this unique initiative, we took it upon ourselves to contact Tamar in a very short time and organize the program of the concert, the songs, for the loving meeting of ancestor and descendant,” said Rev. Fr. Harutyun Vartabed.
Then Tamar Eskenian and Lusavoric Choir came on stage. They were joined by Rober Doganay on the piano, and Sevan Garabedyan on the Armenian dhol. When the choir performed the polyphonic songs, Tamar Eskenian played flute, Armenian shvi and duduk, and sang solo. One of the memorable moments of the ceremony was when the attendees also sang the song “Gakavig”, under the direction of Maestro Mamigonyan. 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 made the final speech and spoke about the greatness of Gomitas Vartabet. 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 the whole Armenians and the other nations. He expressed his joy that such a program was implemented in Istanbul on the occasion of the 155th anniversary of Gomidas. This one created an opportunity for a musician from the roots of Gomidas Vartabet to get to know the Armenians of Istanbul. Although his presence was short, it was effective. His Beatitude appreciated Tamar Eskenian and congratulated the board of Balat Holy Archangel Armenian Church and Besse Kabak, volunteer and cultural server, on this occasion.
His Beatitude also congratulated Lusavoric Choir under the direction of Hagop Mamigonyan, 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 Churches.
The concert ended with the Lord’s Prayer.
