Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of Armenia
Produced and premiered by PCE March 4, 2020, at the National Cathedral, “Armenian Odyssey” is a unique concert work featuring live animation by Kevork Mourad and music by Vache Sharafyan. The cellist was Narek Hakhnazarian, and Angel Gil-Ordóñez conducted PostClassical Ensemble. It tells a story of diaspora and redemption.
“A pinnacle . . . spectacular” — Charles Downey, Washington Classical Review
“PostClassical’s The Gamelan Experience, in which two gamelan orchestras participated — demonstrating the influence of the Indonesian genre on European and American composers — was named the best classical music event of 2019 by Washington Classical Review. Though that performance was truly a unique spectacle, An Armenian Odyssey matched it as an audience-pleasing expression of the ensemble’s commitment to its brainy, innovative and labor-intensive path.” — Richard Selden, The Georgetowner
To read the reviews in full:
PostClassical Ensemble Fetes Armenian Music and History at National Cathedral
Armenian Odyssey (world premiere)
Kevork Mourad creates a multi-media meditation that ponders how crossing cultural boundaries can inspire tolerance and understanding. With legendary duduk master Jivan Gasparyan and Jivan Gasparyan, Jr.; cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan; and composer Vache Sharafyan.
PostClassical Ensemble conducted by Angel Gil-Ordóñez
Armenian Film Festival
In association with the National Cinema Center of Armenia.
Free admission
Saturday afternoon, Feb. 29 — 1 pm (Freer Gallery)
-Including a restoration of his masterpiece, The Color of Pomegranates (1969), plus the US premiere of a new restoration of Parajanov Triptych (Hakob Hovantanyan, Kiev Frescoes, Arabesques on the Pirosmani Theme)
Also: Kevork Mourad’s Four Acts for Syria (US premiere)
Commentary by: Levon Abrahamian, Daniel Bird, Kevork Mourad
Sunday afternoon, March 1 — 2 pm (Freer Gallery)
–Including Zangezur (1938), Khachaturian clips, and cartoons.
Commentary: Peter Rollberg, Joseph Horowitz
Saturday afternoon, March 14 — 2 pm (National Gallery of Art)
—Including Love Me Tonight (1932), Porgy and Bess (excerpts), and archival clips.
Commentary: Joseph Horowitz, Kurt Jensen, and Milena Oganesyan
FURTHER INFORMATION ON FILM EVENTS: https://www.nga.gov/calendar/film-programs/armenian-odyssey.html
Saturday, March 7, 2020 – The Museum of the Bible 400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Reception: 6:30 pm / Concert: 7:30 pm
Vache Sharafyan: composer/pianist/commentator
Hoorig Poochikian: Violinist
“Every nuance of this subtle work was lovingly observed, and when he did let rip it was with blazing virtuosity. . .
He could certainly give Yo-Yo Ma a run for his money.”
— The Independent (UK)
To hear Narek Hakhnazaryan perform Giovanni Sollima’s “Lamentatio”: