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February 18, 2010
Musical Group YerazArt Performs in Toronto During North American Tour
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On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, a group of young musicians from Armenia, who perform as YerazArt, enchanted the crowd at the AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre in Toronto. -
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The young performers of YerazArt, who performed on October 14, 2009, in Toronto.
On October 14, 2009, the musical group YerazArt performed in Babayian Hall of Toronto's Alex Manoogian Cultural Center, finishing up its 10-day tour of North America. AGBU had extended a special invitation to YerazArt, made up of young performers from Armenia, to give concerts around the United States and Canada in honor of Armenian Cultural Month. In addition to Toronto, the group performed in a number of other cities with Armenian communities, including Montreal, Boston, San Francisco, Fresno, and Boca Raton. Over 300 people attended the final performance in Toronto.
AGBU Toronto's executive director, Salpi Der Ghazarian, gave the opening remarks, welcoming the enthusiastic audience and addressing the importance and impact the arts have on Armenian culture. "Armenians need art as much as bread, water and air, and they also feel the need to compose, create and present their work as art and music to Armenians and non-Armenians alike," she said. Apo Ashjian, director of YerazArt's tour, also spoke, explaining the background and organization of the musical group.
Out of 450 candidates eager to be a part of YerazArt, the following six were selected: 17-year-old pianist Hripsime Aghakarian, 16-year-old soprano Maneh Kaloyian, 16-year-old duduk player Norayr Kapoyian, 22-year-old oboist Maneh Harutiunian, 18-year-old violinist Hrayr Karapetian, and 15-year-old cellist Haik Sukiasian. These young musicians have participated in various national festivals and competitions, such as the Spendiaryan National Competition Festival, the Arno Babadjanian and G. Saradjyan national piano competitions, Aram Khachatryan Vocal Competition, National Folk Instruments Competition Festival, Avet Gabrielyan and Sargis Aslamazyan VII National String Competition, as well as the "Revival" International Music Festival and Competition in Gyumri, and have won major prizes and awards.
The Toronto performance included pieces from Arno Babajanyan, Edward Baghdasarian, Komitas, Beethoven, Charles Colin, Aleksandr Harutiunian, Sayat-Nova, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Aleksandr Spendiarian, and Henryk Wieniawski. Each of the musicians displayed their impressive talents throughout the concert, both individually and collectively, creating a memorable event for all in attendance. The YerazArt musicians, now back in Armenia, hope to return for more performances in North America.
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