BY TAMAR FOURNOUZIAN
Living in foreign lands outside of the homeland, it is every Armenian family’s dream to raise their children with strong ties to their ancestral and cultural roots. Krisdapor’s parents along with his maternal family accomplished just that. Krisdapor Arabian was born on March 10, 1989 in Maryland. At a young age he joined the Cub Scout ‘kaylig’ ranks in the Armenian General Athletics Union “Homenetmen,” and continued his community work by becoming an Armenian Youth Federation member. Though Krisdapor never attended a daily Armenian school, with the help of his family, he can read, write, and speak fluent Armenian.
Krisdpor grew up listening to Armenian and patriotic songs alongside the many stories of his Grandfather and Granduncle’s involvement during the Lebanese Civil War. Stories of courage and strength are one of the many factors that drove Krisdapor to tell the patriotic stories of the Armenians through his singing. He has been singing for five years and in the summer of 2011 released his first album in Beirut, Lebanon. The first song on his cd, Krisdapor has dedicated to his maternal Granduncle Hagop “Pasha” Marsoubian, who has become a very influential person in his life. Krisdapor has had performances throughout the East Coast; New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston, Cyprus, Toronto, Canada, and most recently in Los Angeles.
Krisdapor had his Los Angeles debut on Feb. 11 at the Oragark Armenian Periodical’s fund raising event that was held at Karapetian Hall in Hollywood. Hourig Fournouzian, committee member, welcomed guests and thanked them for their participation and support. Father Muron began the formal program with the blessing of the tables. The program continued with a few words from the periodical’s editor Zareh Ajemian. Mr. Ajemian gave a brief overview of the periodical, its’ works and its’ future projects. He also thanked all the periodical’s supporters and subscribers. Antoine Bezdjian, livened up the mood, and had guests dancing all night as they awaited the arrival of Krisdapor. Guests were very moved by his amazing performance, especially when Krisdapor sang the song dedicated to his Granduncle. Many in attendance knew Hagop and Simon Marsoubian (Krisdapor’s Granduncle and Grandfather) personally and in turn showed their sincere gratitude through their heartfelt donations to Oragark Periodical. Guests did not want the night to end and are anxiously waiting for Krisdapor’s future performances. Krisdapor hopes that through his songs he will be able to reach out to the younger generations and encourage them to learn more about their Armenian history and Hai-Tahd.
Krisdapor Arabian’s CDs may be purchased at Sardarabad Book Store, 1111 S. Glendale Ave, Glendale CA, 91205 or online.
