LODI, N.J.—On Sun., March 1, the New Jersey chapter of the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Society hosted a cultural evening titled, “One Nation, One Culture,” featuring musical and dance performances in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. The event, held at Felician College in New Jersey, drew a capacity crowd and showcased the talents of several performers from various organizations. “One Nation, One Culture” also served as a tribute to the victims of the genocide and as a platform to maintain the culture that was on the brink of extinction just 100 years ago.
A scene from the event
The event was co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union “Ararat” Chapter in New York, the Homenetmen Regional Executive, the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York.
Performers included the Hamazkayin “Meghri” (Philadelphia) and “Nayiri” (New Jersey) dance ensembles, the AGBU “Antranig” dance ensemble, the “Akhtamar” dance ensemble of Hye Doon New Jersey, the Vanoush Khanamerian Dance Academy of New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as the Hamazkayin “Arekag” Children’s Choir, Huyser Ensemble, and New York-based singer-songwriter Hooshere.
The commemoration opened with the Homenetmen Scouts parading onto the stage with torches, which they laid at the model Dzidzernagapert Memorial prepared for the event. The Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Mher Megerdichian Theatrical Group presented short sketches about the history of the Armenian people in between the dance and musical performances. Highlights of the sketches included the self-defense battles during the genocide, the Battle of Sardarabad, and the declaration of the independence of Armenia. Nearly 200 children and youth joined in dance on stage in the event’s electrifying finale.
The performances were masterfully directed and choreographed by renowned Armenian artist Gagik Karapetyan, who is the choreographer for the Yerevan State Dance Ensemble.
The special committee assembled for the organization of the commemorative event did not spare any effort in ensuring a memorable evening.
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