Lark Musical Society to stage opera Anoush

Lark Musical Society continues its 100 commemorative events for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In April, UCLA and Lark premiered Ian Krouse’s Armenian Requiem at UCLA’s Royce Hall to a sold out audience, Asbarez.com reports.

The Lark Musical Society announced that it will stage the Anoush opera, based on Hovhannes Tumanyan’s immortal ballad and set to beautiful music by Armen Tigranian.

The production, led by Hasmik Papian and Shoushik Barsoumian will be staged on May 23, 24, 30 and 31 at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.

This opera is rightfully known as “the Armenian Romeo & Juliet”. It’s a tale of Armenian lovers caught up in the tumult of human impulses and social mores. Anoush falls in love with her brother’s friend Saro, a shepherd. Mossi and Saro are at a wedding celebration and they are encouraged to have a friendly wrestle together. Mossi becomes enraged when Saro tries to impress Anoush by pinning Mossi during the match – violating the local code of honor and humiliating his friend. Mossi’s boundless rage ends when he shoots Saro. The heartbroken Anoush cannot live without her love, Saro. Her pain ends when she throws herself into the rivers which flow from the mountains where she met Saro.

Directed by Hovhannes Hovhannessian with Vatsche Barsoumian conducting, the role of Anoush will be played by Hasmik Papyan on the May 23 and 31 productions, with Shoushik Barsoumian assuming the role in the May 24 and 30 productions. Yeghishe Manucharian will play the role of Saro on May 23 and 31 with Berj Karazian taking over the role on May 24 and 30. The role of Mossi will be played by Boghos Biazbekian on May 23 and 31, with Arshak Kuzikyan assuming the role on May 24 and 30.

On this commemorative centennial year, Lark brings Anoush Opera to help fuel our unbroken spirit to live, thrive, and create through the arts in Los Angeles.

The Lark Musical Society expressed its gratitude its Honorary Board for supporting the group’s efforts to bring to the community 100 Events to mark the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.
Honorary Board Members include, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Archbishop Mushegh Martirosyan, Bishop Michael Mouradian, Reverend Ron & Renee Tovmassian, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry & Patricia Turpanjian, Mrs. Joe & Joyce Stein, Drs. Nazareth & Ani Darakjian, Mr. & Mrs. Ken & Meredith Khachigian and Mr. & Mrs. Carl & Joan Terzian.