On Thursday, May 5, 2016, to express solidarity with Artsakh, the Masis Hall of Raffi Armenian Sport and Cultural Complex of Tehran hosted a classical songs event that featured performances by Berlin-based Tenor and musician Masis Arakelian, who had been invited by Ararat Armenian Sport and Cultural Union, as reported Arax Weekly to Hayern Aysor.

With the accompaniment of Rana Haidarian, Masis Arakelian mainly performed his songs and the songs of Komitas Vardapet, Sayat Nova, Charles Aznavour, Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babajanyan, Grigor Talyan and Shahen Sargsyan, and the audience gave rounds of applause for each performance.

Before each performance, the singer strengthened the already strong bond between him and the audience even more by explaining about the song, its composer, music and meaning. He also explained how great Armenians would be in dialogue with nature and the homeland and how they would show their feelings and emotions.

The performances ended with a performance of the Armenian version of Charles Aznavour’s song “Mama” and a long standing ovation.

At the end, on behalf of Raffi Armenian Sport and Cultural Complex, Raffi Melik-Setian and member of the board Rima Zeynalvand presented flower bouquets to Masis Arakelian and Rana Haydariani and thanked them for their pro-national activities. Vice-President of the Armenian Sport and Cultural Union Joseph Amirian expressed gratitude to all those who had helped make the event a success and gave special thanks to Masis Arakelian, who had accepted the invitation of the Union and participated in the programs organized on the occasion of the 101^st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and especially the last event hosted at Raffi Armenian Sport and Cultural Complex to express solidarity with Artsakh.

In his turn, the musician expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the Union and voiced hope that Iranian-Armenian art lovers would always support Artsakh and the Homeland.

After the event, the modest reception hosted by the Union gave the members of the Union a chance to talk to the artist and ask their questions of concern.

Proceeds from the sales of Masis Arakelian’s albums and tickets to this event will go to Artsakh.

Photos by Herbert Grigorian