From September 22 to 24, Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge, MA, was filled with the resplendent sound of sacred music, as the Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America presented its latest Sacred Music Festival, under the title “Shnorhali: Singer of Light.” The 5th annual festival gathering was a tribute to the 850th anniversary of St. Nersess Shnorhali’s death—but also an occasion to bring together church musicians from New England churches, to celebrate the rich spiritual heritage of Armenian sacred music.
The festival opened with a captivating lecture-recital titled “Nersess Shnorhali: Musician,” presented by Dn. Hovannes Khosdeghian. With a focus on the innovative rhythmic structure of Shnorhali’s hymns, Dn. Hovhannes provided profound insights into the musical genius of this esteemed figure. An accomplished vocalist, he brought the music to life with enchanting performances of sharagans, setting the stage for a weekend filled with enlightenment and inspiration.
The highlight of Saturday’s program was a keynote presentation by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, titled “Shnorhali: Singer of Light”—mirroring the festival’s theme. Bishop Mesrop eloquently delved into the theme of light in Shnorhali’s compositions, which are found in his hymns, poetry, and writings. The audience was treated to an illuminating discourse on the profound spiritual symbolism associated with light in Armenian Christian tradition.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend workshops tailored to their interests. Dn. Rubik Mailian, Music Director of St. John Church in Southfield, MI, led workshops for choir directors, sharing his expertise in choral music. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, the Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music, held a workshop for organists, focusing on the art of organ playing within the context of sacred music. Dn. Asatur Baljian, Music Director of St. James Church in Watertown, MA, led a vocal workshop to help attendees hone their singing abilities.
Spiritual Experience Through Song
A presentation by Dr. Rubik Mailian addressed the topic of the “Aging Voice,” discussing the challenges singers face as they grow older, and providing valuable techniques to address these challenges. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James of Nisibis Church in Evanston, IL, introduced an array of digital resources developed by the Sacred Music Council, to highlight the integration of technology into the propagation of sacred music.
Throughout the day, participants learned hymns from various daily hours of the church. These hymns—composed by St. Nersess Shnorhali—are an integral part of the Armenian Christian liturgical tradition, marking the passage of time with melodious devotion. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian showed how these hymns were not just sung, but experienced on a spiritual level by the clergy and faithful of earlier times.
The shared experience of learning and singing these hymns fostered a deep sense of community among the festival attendees. It was a moment of communion, both with the spiritual legacy of St. Nersess Shnorhali and with fellow participants who shared a love for sacred music.
The weekend of the Sacred Music Festival coincided with a special 100th anniversary celebration of the host parish, and festival participants returned to Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning to worship and honor the Cambridge parish’s centennial anniversary.
“Shnorhali: Singer of Light” was the result of months of planning by the Sacred Music Council and the dedicated local planning committee consisting of Arpie Kouzouian, Robert Dulgarian, and Dn. Gregory Krikorian, under the pastoral guidance of Cambridge pastor Fr. Vasken Kouzouian. Their efforts ensured that this celebration of Armenian sacred music and spirituality was a glorious testament to the enduring power of sacred music to illuminate the heart and soul.
Click here to view photos of the festival.