Cultural Committee

Café Night: A Resounding Success

On Friday, June 23, 2006, the Cultural Committee of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church held Café Night in the Egavian Cultural Center. This popular event was sold-out once again, and it featured a diverse and awe-inspiring program, which was orchestrated by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian. Additionally, Maestro Petrossian accompanied the vocalists on the keyboard.

Very Reverend Father Simeon Odabashian was in attendance, and he delivered greetings and high praise for this creative and innovative program.

The Garni Dance Group, established three years ago as part of the Cultural Committee’s Arts Education Program, opened the program with a graceful Waltz. From the Rumba to the Salsa, from the Cha-Cha to the Samba, the Garni Dance Group delighted the audience with their outstanding skills. They performed under the direction of Narine O. Lemme.

Popular selections were sung by baritone Rene de la Garza, who is highly regarded for his strong dramatic delivery and has performed with Opera Providence, also in recital at the Kennedy Center, and has appeared at the Bank of America Concert Series in Boston to name just a few. Rene de la Garza performed five, well-received selections including Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” “Luck Be a Lady” and a stirring, uplifting rendition of “That’s Amore” which encouraged many audience members to sing along with him.

Debbie Takian Pjojian, who has had roles in a host of productions including West Side Story at New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theatre and recently performed with Clay Aiken at the Providence Performing Arts Center, captivated the audience with her beautiful voice and style. Whether it was “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Can’t Help Loving’ Dat Man,” or “Might As Well Be Spring,” Debbie Takian Pjojian exhibited her artistic genius.

Additionally, Todor Stavrev and Gayane Ovanesyan, who have competed successfully in many Latin dance competitions and are currently preparing for the United States Championships, danced with great skill, grace and passion. They danced the Cha-Cha, Jive, and the Paso Doble to name just a few. Their rhythmic, fluid movements were breathtaking and full of intensity.

Café Night also featured George Hamamjian who ably played the Flamenco guitar.

The program was a perfect way to showcase local talent. It truly offered something for everyone to enjoy, and it was certainly a memorable evening for all who attended Café Night.

Chairpersons for the evening were Agnes Killabian and Jean Farmanian Ricci. Agnes Killabian also served as emcee. Additionally, the members of the Cultural Committee prepared and served the menu.

Click here for photos.