On November 24, CASPS—Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools—and Lark Musical Society, held their first-ever collaborative effort, dedicated to Komitas, the “father of modern Armenian music.” The event, which took place at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, was a fund raiser for CASPS and was very well received by the community.
The afternoon began with a welcoming address by CASPS Executive Director, Arsineh Hovannisian, and an introduction by Tagouhi Arzoumanian, VP of Lark Conservatory. It was followed by a group of students’ flawless recitation of Paruyr Sevak’s “The Ever-Ringing Belfry,” whose powerful delivery stirred emotions and drew a standing ovations. The program continued with musical selections by Armenian composers, performed by very talented young musicians, and enthusiastically applauded by the audience. And for the finale, under the artistic directorship of Movses Pogossian, the world acclaimed Dilijan String Quartet delighted everyone with beautiful renditions of Komitas favorites.
Rouben Gourjian, CASPS President, and Mrs. Laura Atoian, CASPS Board member and event Chair, expressed their heart-felt gratitude to Maestro Vatsche Barsoumian and the entire LARK organization, for their unparalleled dedication to the betterment of Armenian youth. Gourjian praised Lark for its excellence and for the promotion of Armenian music and culture in the world. Atoian then presented a Kamancha to Maestro Barsoumian in gratitude for his generous gifts of time and talent. Mrs. Tagouhi Arzoumanian accepted on his behalf. Atoian explained that the Kamancha had been commissioned by CASPS from one of the few people in Armenia who still make the instrument by hand, explaining further that it was a symbolic gift of friendship to be displayed at the Lark facility, as a memento of the two organizations joining hands to work on their shared philosophy of arts and education for Armenian youth.
During the past couple of decades, both CASPS and Lark have been focused on service to young Armenians, providing academic and social support, and honing Armenian aesthetic and intellectual values, respectively. CASPS and LARK look forward to future joint activities, and invite the community to stand behind their common mission.
A very good program for an excellent cause. My wishes for both Lark and CASPS to continue their work and have more success.