Saturday, April 27, St. John Sayat Nova Cultural Committee hosted a Celebratory and Benefit Concert to honor Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash’s First Anniversary of his ordination to Holy priesthood. St. John Paul Family Hall was filled with parishioners from the entire Bay Area. Fr. Mesrop Ash welcomed everyone and after a prayer invited the performers to start the program.

The first part of the program consisted of arias and duets from Il Trovatore by Verdi, performed by, Linda Lester, mezzo soprano, and Hagop Kupelian, tenor, two arias by Dvorak and Boito performed by Sousanna Tchobaryan, soprano, accompanied by Naiyry Sarkiss. Solo piano pieces Prelude by Rachmaninoff and Toccata by A. Khatchaturian were performed by Sima Kesecker.

During the intermission Fr. Mesrop Invited Mr. Peter Abajian from Paros Foundation to present a video about the art school project which they are currently sponsoring to help Armenia.

The Paros Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the purpose to help Armenia with project such as education, Health, and cultural centers such as shown in the video. The art school project is part of the 100 for 100 program “Projects for Prosperity Honoring the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide”. One of the current needs of the art school shown in the video was to purchase two pianos. The response from the audience at the end of the program was one of spontaneous generosity; the combination of the proceeds from the concert and donations made the same night, was sufficient to cover the cost of the two pianos.

After this inspirational intermission the performers returned on stage with greater enthusiasm. The second part of the program started with an interesting rendition of Bach’s violin concerto played on a marimba by Tommy Kesecker and piano by Sima Kouyoumdjian Kesecker, followed by arias and duet from La Traviata by Verdi, performed by Sousanna Tchobaryan and Hagop Kupelian. Linda Lester ended the program with two French arias from Carmen by Bizet accompanied by Naiyry Sarkiss.

The concert was distinguishable by its variety and flair of well-trained musicians who were our own  parishioners: impressive technique of the marimba player, who delivered an impeccable rendition of Bach Concerto, the lyrical high notes of the soprano, Tchobaryan, the theatrical enthusiasm of our very own 'diva', Linda Lester, the timelessness and triste emotion of Hagop's father-to-son lyrics in the two Armenian folk songs, brilliance and musicality in the solo piano pieces performed by Sima Kouyoumdjian Kesecker.

Following the concert, Der Mesrop thanked the performers and made a touching presentation, expressing his feeling and perception about the mission of the priesthood.  This was described in a most special way in his prayer, which he wrote himself for this memorable occasion.

One could come out of the concert with the sense that these were talents who were not only Armenian, but legitimately part of the world that composed the world-class pieces of music represented in the program:  Bach, Verdi, Bizet, Rachmaninoff, Khachturian, and even a touch of contemporary jazz, Brubeck’s Take Five, Der Hayr's favorite, thrown in as a surprise encore at the end. This encore was performed by Tommy Kesecker on Marimba, ten year old Matthew Kesecker on drums and Naiyry Sarkiss on piano.   These musicians were not simply quality artists, but individuals who gave all of us the feeling of inclusiveness:  that WE gave of ourselves, the best of our own, and the contribution was truly done in a spirit of love and well-wishing from everyone. 

All the musicians also work full-time and have families.  It is thus with great admiration and appreciation that we can recognize their efforts of preparation for this concert. 

After the concert, one could sense the so-called 'after-concert glow'.  This was shared between musicians and audience alike.  All intermingled, ate, drank, lingered and enjoyed.  It seemed no one wanted to leave.  It was a experience each one wanted to continue on.  All were a part of it -- a special 'mas', one could say. 

The event was very successful, the performers did a remarkable job, and the most rewarding part was that the Sayat Nova Committee was able to purchase two pianos for the art school.

A special thanks to all who participated, and a special wish to Der Mesrop and Yeretzgeen Annie for God's blessing on their further work.