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March 01, 2011
A Cultural Event Dedicated to Paruyr Sevak, One of the Greatest Armenian Poets of the 20th Century
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AGBU Glendale-Pasadena Chapter's Giligia Committee holding its first cultural event at the AGBU Pasadena Center, dedicated to the memory of the great 20th-century Armenian poet Paryur Sevak.
The Giligia Committee, a two-year-old offshoot of the AGBU Glendale–Pasadena Chapter that organizes cultural and social events, celebrated the memory of one of the greatest and most popular 20th-century Armenian poets, Paruyr Sevak, at the AGBU Pasadena Center on November 21, 2010. More than 20 dedicated Giligia Committee members volunteered their time, effort and talents to put this event together, which featured not only a reading of Sevak's biography and some of his well-known works, but also a wide selection of songs and music.
Born Paruyr Ghazarian in 1924, Sevak graduated from the Philological Faculty of Yerevan State University in 1945. After working as a member of the editorial staff of local Armenian newspapers, he attended the International Institute of Literature in Moscow, where he worked as a lecturer following graduation. From 1963 until his "accidental" death in 1971, he was a senior researcher at the Institute of Literature of the Armenian Academy of Sciences. In 1966, he was elected secretary of the Armenian Writers Union.
Paruyr Sevak is remembered for having elevated Armenian poetry to new heights on a spiritual/emotional level. An anti-establishment writer, he wrote eight books of poetry between 1948 and 1971, the most highly regarded of which are "Anlreli Zankagadoon" (The Ever-Ringing Belfry), devoted to Komitas Vartabed and the Armenian Genocide, and "Yeghitsi Luys" (Let There Be Light). He also authored a highly regarded monograph on the famous 18th-century troubadour Sayat-Nova.
The hall was filled with more than 400 attendees who generously supported and encouraged the performers throughout the evening. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Rita Belderian. The program ended with acknowledgements from event director Hampartsoum Aghbashian, committee head Berge Jonian and Chapter Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian. A reception followed at Boyajian Hall.
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