On Tuesday the 17th of October, 2023, during an auspicious event, the book signing ceremony of “The Art of the Lebanese Armenian Choirs (1920-2020)”, by author Roubina Alahaydoyan – Artinian took place, at the First Armenian Evangelical Church, Beirut – Lebanon. In attendance were a significant crowd of community intellectuals, musicians, representatives of cultural associations, friends and family of the author.
“The Art of the Lebanese Armenian Choirs (1920-2020)”, is the 51st publication of the Haigazian University Press since its establishment in 2011. The 575-page volume, which encompasses the 100 year history of Lebanese-Armenian choirs, came to fruition after long years of research, archival studies, interviews and testimonials, meticulously conducted by the author, hence, rendering it a cultural reference in its field. The unique volume also pays tribute to all the Lebanese-Armenian choirs, choir masters and members, as well as to all the organizations that stood behind them.
Several people took part at the inauguration: the program opened with the special remarks of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center Director at Haigazian University, Dr. Antranig Dakessian; a letter of appreciation from the Honorary President of the Music Society of Armenia and Head of the Conducting Department of the Gomidas State Conservatory, Dr. Tavit Kasparian, was read by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Maestro Garo Avessian; the book was presented by Lebanese-Armenian renowned musicologist Dr. Yetvart (Eddy) Toriguian; a concluding word of gratitude and acknowledgement was delivered by University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian; Several songs were graciously performed by the Armenian Evangelical ARMISS and the Hamazkaine Cultural Association’s Kousan choirs; and a heartfelt word of thanks was expressed by the author.
The official ceremony ended with a line up for book signing.
Roubina Alahaydoyan-Artinian is a pianist, graduate of the Lebanese National Conservatory. She holds a B.A. degree from Haigazian University in Armenian Studies and English Literature, and an M.A. from the American University of Beirut in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Artinian has served as the Registrar of the University from 2001 to 2009. She has also had her significant input in the Lebanese-Armenian cultural life, serving in various cultural associations.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director