St. Apkar Armenian Church Hosts Alan Hovhaness Concert: Celebration Of Armenian-American Heritage Through Songs And Stories

St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church of Arizona hosted a special evening of music and storytelling on Saturday, September 19, celebrating the church’s 17-year history and honoring the enduring musical legacy of renowned Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness. 

Held at Melikian Hall in Scottsdale under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and performed by the eight members of Phoenix Symphony Orchestra (Lawrence Loeber (Piano), Sarah Smith (Soprano), Hayato Tanaka (Trumpet), Jarrett May (Flute), Levon Zarasian (Violin), Lan Qiu (Violin), Dumitru Lazarescu, (Violin/Viola), Jan Simiz (Cello)) “Armenian American Songs & Stories” brought together members of the Armenian community, music enthusiasts, and friends of the church for an evening dedicated to Armenian-American culture, heritage, and music.

A central focus of the evening was the life and work of Alan Hovhaness, whose Armenian heritage profoundly influenced his musical journey. Born in Massachusetts to an Armenian father and an American mother of Scottish ancestry, Hovhaness became one of America’s most prolific composers. His compositions drew inspiration from his Armenian roots while also reflecting his deep interest in the musical and spiritual traditions of cultures throughout Asia.

Hovhaness’s lifelong exploration of diverse cultural traditions shaped a distinctive musical language that could be Armenian in spirit while reaching across national and cultural boundaries. His legacy offered a fitting theme for an evening celebrating the Armenian-American experience and the enduring ability of music to preserve heritage while building bridges between cultures.

Through “Armenian American Songs & Stories,” St. Apkar Church marked another chapter in its 17-year history of serving as a spiritual, cultural, and community center for Arizona’s Armenian-American community.