Commemorating the centennial of the Armenian genocide
On the 26th of April the Armenian Foundation Ani organised a concert in the Armenian church in Maastricht to commemorate the genocide of Armenians by Ottoman Empire in 1915. ( more information about the genocide and the recognition of the European Parliament here: https://www.communications-unlimited.nl/the-european-union-parliament-recognizes-the-mass-murder-of-armenians-by-ottomoan-turkey-as-a-genocide/)
The concert was open by Mr Vasken Sarkis, board member of the Ani Foundation. The audience was impressed by the artistic programme devoted mainly to the Armenian componist Komitas and performed by:
- East Belgica : string quartet
- Armenian Voices Ensemble
- Hayk Melikyan: Armenian pianist
- Karen Abrahamjan: Armenian violinist
- Choirs: Sobornost, Amakuriki, Geghard and Surp Karapet
The poems were presented by the Armenian poet Artak Manukyan as well as by Shagik en Hovsep Asadourian. Mr Peter van Nunen, academic lecturer, presented a short lecture on Komitas: Armenian componist and priester.
The concert was visited by the family of Father Maternus Mure who worked for 41 years as a missionary among the Armenian people among others in Marache where he experienced terrible moments, his village including his church were demolished and his colleagues missionaries were dead. He supported the victims till the end of his life.
Her Excellency Ms Dziunik Aghajanian, Armenian Ambassador in the Kingdom of the Netherlands was present during the concert together with Consul General Mr Gevorg Petrossian. Ms Ambassador gave a speech in which she looked at the past, thanked the Dutch people for their support and expressed her hope that through the recognition of the genocide we can learn from the past.
The concert was also visited by the representatives of the Armenian church, Deputy Mayor of Maastricht Mr André Willems and representatives of the local government and Armenian community.
Sources: Ani foundation: www.animaastricht.nl
Photos: Communications-Unlimited.nl
from the left: Mr Vasken Sarkis ( board member of the Armenian Foundation Ani), Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska, Her Excellency Ms Dziunik Aghajanian, Ambassador of Armenia and Consul General of Armenian Embassy Mr Gevorg Petrossian.
