ORCHESTRA WITHOUT BORDERS BRINGS ARMENIAN MUSIC TO GREATER BOSTON

On Friday, December 12, the sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, was filled with the harmonious sounds of Armenia and the Diaspora, thanks to the Orchestra Without Borders and its conductor, Luca Antonucci. With the support of all the Greater Boston Armenian churches, more than 300 people gathered to hear the richness of our musical culture.

Following welcome and introductory remarks by Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Pastor, the program began, featuring works of Alan Hovhaness, Alexander Arutiunian, and Komitas. Readings in Armenian and English of some of the lyrics were offered by the clergy and members of the community, with the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston treating guests to their artistry.

Antonucci described growing up in Watertown, where he was exposed to Armenian culture from a young age, and having a vision to one day offer a worthy performance of its great composers. Fr. Hrant recalled that a happenstance encounter with Antonucci’s mother had paved the way for the concert. Reflecting on the power of music to overcome tragedies like the Genocide—Komitas was a survivor—Fr. Hrant led a prayer for the end of crimes against humankind.

The evening concluded with a spirited fellowship in the church hall, where an archival display on the composers was featured thanks to the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research.

The concert is available on the church’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YQI4IWg4uaU