Knights, Daughters of Vartan Feature Arsenyan at Embassy in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last month, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Washington, D.C. chapters, featured world-acclaimed pianist Hayk Arsenyan at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.

(L-R) Armenian Embassy First Secretary Karen Israyelyan, Hayk Arsenyan, Jake Bournazian, and Louisa Baghdasarian

Ani Lodge commander Jake Bournazian and Dikranouhi Otyag commander Louisa Baghdasarian opened the program and welcomed the packed hall. Arsenyan brought the audience through a majestic musical performance that featured the works of famous Armenian composers Hovhaness, Khachaturian, and Komitas. Arsenyan also performed a beautiful rendition Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliette” and delighted the crowd with Schubert’s “Piano Sonata.” His performance was passionately concluded with Khachaturian’s iconic “Sabre Rattle,” which brought the audience to their feet in magnificent applause.

“I hope that today’s concert will not only be a tribute to our heroes who gave their lives for the independence of the Republic of Armenia, but will also be an inspiration for all those Armenians who, even far away from their motherland, continue to support and assist our brothers and sisters in Armenia,” said Baghdasarian.

Arsenyan is a New York-based pianist-composer and native of Armenia. He has appeared in numerous recitals in the U.S., Armenia, and the Middle East, including Carnegie Hall. He teaches at New York University and holds a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Iowa. At age 11, he made his orchestral debut performing his own Requiem for piano and orchestra.

Armenian Embassy first secretary Karen Israyelyan and third secretary Anna Naghdalyan attended the performance. “The Knights of Vartan appreciate the Armenian Embassy’s willingness to provide this prestigious venue for this event, so that we can feature and support performances by our musical artists for the greater Washington, D.C. Armenian community to enjoy,” said Bournazian.

Following the concert, the members of the Ani Lodge and Dikranouhi Otyag gathered for a special dinner, where former commander Margie Satian was honored for her steadfast leadership.