A Memorable Evening in Providence
6/15/02

Providence, RI - The 5th annual Gala Concert sponsored by the Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence, RI took place on Saturday evening, May 18. This special event was in loving memory of Archdeacon A. Edward Norigian, a recipient of the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal. The sold-out performance was held in the church sanctuary, where the concertgoers heard spectacular performances by a world-renowned tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan, and mezzo soprano Victoria Avetisian, and the Armenian Chorales of Rhode Island and Greater Worcester under the direction of Maestro Konstantin Petrossian.

In attendance were his Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

Spiritual music and classical Armenian music were featured, including "DerZor" performed by the Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, and "Ay Aghpyoor" performed by the Armenian Chorale of Greater Worcester. The composer of these moving pieces, K. Pidedjian, was in attendance and rose from his seat for well-deserved applause.

Victoria Avetisian's performances of "Ave Maria," "When I am Laid in Earth," and "Lusavorchi Ganteghu" were outstanding, as were Yeghishe Manucharyan's performances of Macdul's Aria (from Macbeth Opera), "Granada," "Hayastan," and "Partsur Sarer" (from Anoush Opera). This, coupled with the greatest performance to date by the Armenian Chorales of Rhode Island and Greater Worcester, led to standing ovations and yells of "Bravo."

Words of gratitude, praise, and congratulations were conveyed by the Patriach, and also the Primate, to Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, who not only prepared the magnificent program, but also served as music director and conductor, and to the 90 members of the Armenian Chorales of Rhode Island and Greater Worcester for their outstanding performances.

At the end of the concert, the official encyclical from His Holiness was read by the church pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Shnork Kasparian. This was followed by the presentation of the encyclical to Dolores Norigian, on behalf of her late husband, by the Primate who then spoke warmly of Deacon Edward. His Beatitude, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, then conveyed his deep feelings and high regard for Deacon Edwards, which was befitting, since he was the one who ordained him in 1984.

The ceremony moved Deegin Satenig, Deacon Edward's 94-year-old mother.

Dolores Norigian, children Sharon and Tanya and their husbands, and the entire Norigian and DerVartanian families, who experienced a feeling of elation in witnessing this much-deserved recognition being bestowed upon their busband, father, grandfather, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and dear friend.

Everyone then proceeded to the Egavian Cultural Center where an extraordinary reception, prepared by the Norigian family and their friends, awaited them.

Jean Farmanian Ricci, The Armenian Reporter International, 11.