Concert-exhibitions dedicated to Komitas 155th birthday held in Cardiff and London

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS: Klingen Choir and Cultural Association under the auspices of the Embassy of Armenia to the UK and the Armenian Community Centre Wales presented a concert-exhibition dedicated to Komitas 155th birth anniversary on Saturday 8 June 2024 in St German's Church, Metal St Cardiff for the 1st time in Wales, KCCA said.

The event director and manager was maestro Sipan Olah.

Musicians and some audience from London visited the garden of the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, Wales to see the Armenian Genocide memorial in Cardiff.

John Torosyan the founder of the Armenian Community Centre in Wales (ACCW) delivered a special speech about the Khachkar, which was placed in the garden of the Temple of Peace in 2007 for the immortal memory and respect towards the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

After that, the group of visitors from London had a sightseeing walk around central Cardiff.

There was a reception and an exhibition at St German's church hall, which was followed by a concert in the historic St German's church.

The event featured 19th century silver jewellery, artworks and Komitas manuscripts, records and books exhibition and talk organised by the artist Mariam Torosyan from Cardiff.

There were solo performances by internationally acclaimed musicians Sipan Olah – conductor/ tenor /piano and concert director, Evgenia Terentieva – piano, Hayarpi Yeghikyan – soprano, Narine Malkhasyan - soprano, Elvira Margarian – soprano, Helen Rotchell – mezzo-soprano, Hagop Jack Mouradian – oboe, as well as pieces performed by Klingen choir and vocal ensemble, presenting the immortal musical heritage of the great Armenian composer Komitas.

His Excellency ambassador of Armenia in the UK Varuzhan Nersesyan delivered a speech about Komitas and his precious legacy. He highlighted the strong connection, cooperation and friendship with Wales, Welsh people and Armenians. Also he thanked the Klingen Choir and Cultural Association, maestro Sipan Olah and the Armenian Community Centre Wales for the professional presentation and performance of music by great Komitas.

John Torosyan the founder of the Armenian Community Centre Wales (ACCW) handed special Komitas medals for this unique anniversary event to maestro Sipan Olah and His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan. John Torosyan thanked KCCA for the continuous and dedicated work in promoting and presenting Armenian music and arts all over the UK and worldwide.

Delighted to have as the event guests Stephen Thomas, Fr. Nicholas and Stephen Doughty MP at this concert and Armenian and Welsh music lover audience.

This was a brilliant opportunity to witness the spectacular concert-exhibition in Wales for the first time and to enjoy the beautiful city of Cardiff.

Last month on the 18th of May, the same concert-exhibition dedicated to Komitas was held in London’s St Sarkis Armenian Church which was another successful event by KCCA in cooperation with the Embassy of Armenia to the UK and St Sarkis church.