Church Choir

History of Armenian Liturgical Music

Armenian liturgical music originated in the 5th century A.D. The earliest known examples are attributed to St. Mesrob Mashdotz,  Catholicos St. Sahag, and Armenian scholar Movses Khorenatsi. The sharagan, or canonical hymn, is the pinnacle of Armenian sacred music. It was a beloved genre among Armenian monks, which explains the vast number of sharagans composed. The most gifted author of Armenian Church music was the twelfth century Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali, who perfected this religious art form and  contributed several hundred of his own.

It was not until the mid-nineteenth century that Armenian liturgical music underwent significant changes. It was an Italian composer, Pietro Bianchini, who arranged the music for the Armenian Divine Liturgy for four-part mixed choir in a work he published in 1877 in Venice, Italy. In 1915, Komitas Vartabed began a interpretation based on that of Amy Apcar’s of Calcutta, India,  but was unable to complete it due to the onset of the Armenian Genocide. The Komitas liturgy was eventually completed by one of his pupils, and published in 1933.

Mission

The mission of Sts. Vartanantz Church Choir is to bring choral singing to the liturgical services for the Badarak (Divine Liturgy), weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies throughout the year.

The Sts. Vartanantz Church Choir is presently under the musical direction of Arch Deacon Souren Mouradjian.  He is supported by a number of accomplished organists that include Mrs. Alice Simonian-Buratti, Mrs. Sona Tenkarian-Boyajian,  Mrs. Dikranouhi Oundjian-Minassian and organist in-training, Mr. Raffi Rachdouni.   The membership of the choir represents a wide range of ages and voices.

Who May Join?

Any parishioner who enjoys singing or anyone proficient in playing the piano/organ is welcome.

When Does The Choir Rehearse?

Presently, rehearsals are held prior to church holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Vartanantz Day and other major religious observances.   Rehearsals are scheduled based on the availability of the majority of members. 

Who May I Contact In Order To Join? 

Please contact Souren Mouradjian, Director 401-831-6399, for more information.