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Life, Love And Destiny: A Glance At The Beginnings Of The Hamazkayin

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  • Life, Love And Destiny: A Glance At The Beginnings Of The Hamazkayin

    LIFE, LOVE AND DESTINY: A GLANCE AT THE BEGINNINGS OF THE HAMAZKAYIN SAYAT NOVA CHOIR
    BY VICKEN SOSIKIAN

    http://asbarez.com/105844/life-love-and-destiny-a-glance-at-the-beginnings-of-the-hamazkayin-sayat-nova-choir/
    Thursday, October 11th, 2012

    The Hamazkayin Sayat Nova Choir

    Stepan Bairamian arrived in the United States when he was 23 years
    old. Shortly after, he joined the US Armed forces and was stationed in
    Georgia and later continued training in Maryland. Friends and family
    were not surprised to learn that Stepan had joined the army - after
    all he was the son of Col. Joseph Bairamian, a well-known leader in
    the Syrian-Armenian community.

    A tall and well-built gentleman Stepan was an asset to his group.

    However, after being diagnosed with kidney failure he was discharged
    from the army as a veteran and returned to Los Angeles to begin
    dialysis at the age of 26.

    The optimist that he was, Stepan did not let his health problems
    change his lifestyle; he continued to pursue higher education. His
    passion for singing, music and Armenian culture remained top priority.

    He enlisted in singing classes with renowned vocalist Arpineh
    Pehlivanian and enrolled at California State University Northridge
    pursuing a degree in geological engineering. Upon graduation he
    embarked on a career with the Internal Revenue Service.

    Destiny begins Just about this time, in 1985, Nora Roumian's sister,
    husband and kids were moving to the United States, she decided to
    join them to help out with the move, to take a break from her busy
    life in Beirut and simply to see what "America" was all about.

    It didn't take long for Nora to realize that she did not enjoy America
    one bit, she missed Lebanon. She did not want to stay and was eager
    to return home. However, her parents soon informed her that they too
    would relocate to Los Angeles and as such she should stay put.

    It was difficult for her.

    Back home Nora was a public figure of sorts. She was a graduate of the
    Lebanese National Conservatory of Music, a recipient of a scholarship
    from Geneve' Musicale Du Liban where she attended master classes in
    piano and chamber music. She was chosen to perform for the Belgium
    National Radio and Television and studied at the International Music
    Academy of Nice, France. Nora was chosen to be the soloist for the
    Touring Chamber Music Orchestra of Tubingen Germany. She taught music
    at Nshan Palanjian Jemaran and was active in the local Hamazkayin as
    an executive member working with youth.

    She even taught a blind student to play piano at Tekelian Music School
    where she was the head of the piano department.

    She had to start all over in America.

    Just about this time, the Glendale Hamazkayin Anoush choir was looking
    for a pianist. While of course this was a voluntary position it was
    still close to Nora's heart as she was able to work with her beloved
    Hamzkayin.

    Shortly after accepting the pianist position, the choir was invited to
    perform at a community event being held at the Glendale High School
    auditorium, where Karnig Sarkissian was scheduled to sing the ARF
    anthem. Last minute, word was received that Karnig would be unable
    to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Quickly, a replacement
    was assigned the responsibility of singing the ARF anthem. Nora was
    reluctant to accompany a singer with whom she had not practiced,
    but as she was mulling over how to address the situation, a tall,
    dark and handsome gentleman approached her and handed the notes to
    the song. Turns out that Stepan was also a student of Ms. Arpineh
    Pehlivanian and this would be the precursor to a special relationship.

    Destiny grows Before they got any more serious, Stepan informed Nora
    of his health condition. She didn't care. Stepan was kind, polite,
    caring, loving and generous. Nora loved him and he loved her.

    They got married in November of 1986 despite discouragement from
    friends and family who urged Nora to reconsider given that those
    with Stepan's health condition are usually given a 10-15 year life
    expectancy.

    Stepan and Nora's relationship was truly special and remarkable.

    They loved one another endlessly. Nora showed her love by standing
    beside and caring for her husband throughout the many surgeries,
    extended hospital stays, failed kidney transplants and life threatening
    emergencies. As for Stepan, he was always happy, grateful and
    optimistic. He always had hope that he would be healed. He never
    complained and was always content. He never fell short on finding
    ways to show Nora how much he loved her.

    Destiny plays its course As with all kidney failure patients, the
    illness takes a toll on the body. Fortunately, Stepan had already
    surpassed double his life expectancy, but had started experiencing
    vision problems and difficulty walking.

    It was right at this time in 2009 that the Valley "Baruyr Sevag"
    Hamazkayin chapter approached Nora to help launch a choir. She was
    reluctant due to her husband's advanced illness, but discussed the
    proposition with Stepan, who loved the concept, encouraged Nora to
    accept and was eager to be one of the first members of the new choir.

    Nora felt that by accepting and helping launch the choir, she would
    boost Stepan's morale. It would be a tough challenge for Nora.

    Between teaching music at Chamlian, piano lessons to her private
    students and tending to Stepan's increasing dependency on her; it would
    not be easy. But it was not in her nature to turn down an opportunity
    to volunteer for Hamazkayin; especially if it would make Stepan happy.

    And as such in May of 2009 the Sayat Nova choir was formed with 27
    members, led by Nora who was not only the choir's pianist but also
    the conductor - an unusual combination by all accounts.

    [nora.jpeg]

    Nora Roumian-Bairamian with her late husband Stepan

    Initially, the newly-formed choir met and conducted practice sessions
    at various members' houses, but as Stepan's condition worsened the
    group took up Stepan and Nora's home as the primary practice venue.

    The gatherings began taking place more frequently to prepare for the
    group's inaugural performance.

    Destiny has its own plan Just days after celebrating New Year's Eve
    with family and just before Armenian Christmas Stepan passed away
    in his sleep at the age of 58. It was truly a difficult time for
    Stepan's entire family, but especially for Nora who had literally
    dedicated her life to Stepan.

    "The choir members proved to be my second family," said Nora.

    "They were always visiting, supporting, helping and encouraging; they
    motivated me and gave me strength - for which I am always thankful."

    The Hamazkayin "Baruyr Sevag" chapter executive decided to dedicate
    the choir's first performance to the memory of Stepan. With every
    song they sang, they out-did the previous. It seemed as though the
    choir had a new strength; an additional mission.

    "We sing because we love music," says one choir member. "We sing
    because we want to promote our rich culture," says another. "We
    sing because we love Hamazkayin." "We sing to encourage the next
    generation."

    While each choir member may have her or his own reason for joining
    and diligently attending practice sessions; the fact is they are all
    collectively, serving the Hamazkayin mission, promoting Armenian
    culture and enthusing the audience that follows them.    Practice
    sessions are anything but regular. A group of nearly 40 women
    and men, from all walks of life gather Tuesday and Friday nights
    converting Nora's living room and dining area into a makeshift music
    hall. Foldable chairs are set in semi-circle rows, the AC runs full
    blast and several fans work at full speed to keep a room full of
    beautiful voices semi-ventilated.

    None but one of the choir members are professional singers; most began
    singing when they first joined the choir. Realtors, accountants,
    attorneys, business owners, teachers, therapists, designers and
    government workers - who otherwise don't have much in common; seem
    like lifelong friends when they come together at practice sessions.

    They all put in several hours each time to perfect some fifteen songs
    they will perform at their next performance on October 13th.

    "While some of the pieces are traditional Armenian songs, most are
    unique interpretations of popular pieces including English, Arabic,
    French and even Russian songs, which I have arranged for choir,
    " explains  Nora. "Our aim is to please the audience with exciting
    selections and a unique flavor."

    "From the Middle East, to Europe, to the United States and Russia;
    Armenian's have lived in and contributed to various societies, while
    acquiring hints of cultural influence. Our selection of pieces is
    a reflection of the evolutionary Armenian culture, which in turn
    is a direct result of a people who were forced from their homeland
    during genocide."

    While attending a performance is quite an experience, witnessing a
    practice session is uplifting to say the least. The fact that average
    people dedicate several hours a week for the pleasure and enjoyment
    of their audience; is impressive in of itself. The choreographic
    exchange of versus and lines between various voice types within the
    choir and the pursuit of perfecting a single verse through multiple
    repetitions is just a couple testaments to what it takes to prepare
    for a major performance.

    However, most impressive of all is the passion and emotion that is
    spurned out in the voices of each choir member. Team work is defined
    here and it is here that you see the peace in Nora's eyes and you
    feel the smile in Stepan's soul.

    The choir members are passionate and dedicated people. Stepan was an
    exemplary human being. Nora is a strong and committed Armenian woman,
    whom I am proud to call my aunt.

    I look forward to seeing it all come together at the upcoming
    performance where destiny will dance to the beautiful sounds it so
    quietly composed many years ago.

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