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On Sunday, December 14, St. Sarkis Armenian Church held our beloved, annual Simply Christmas concert. This concert is presented free of charge as an expression of appreciation for our community’s unwavering support of our St. Sarkis church throughout the year. This year’s concert featured an enchanting performance by Ms. Alvard Mayilyan and Mr. Joel A. Martin, two exceptionally talented artists who delighted the audience with holiday classics sung in Armenian, English, French, and Italian languages.
Ms. Mayiliyan, an operatic mezzo-soprano, has been praised as "having a voice that rings like the Duduk." An expert in medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, she has performed in early music concerts in Europe and in the United States. She is dedicated to the music of her native Armenia, and is noted for her performances of both sacred and secular selections from our rich cultural heritage. Her oft-praised beautiful voice and artistic versatility captivated the audience, ranging from "haunting" to "light-hearted and teasing."
Mr. Martin is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger and producer celebrated for seamlessly blending the worlds of classical music and jazz. He is the creator and registered trademark owner of JAZZICAL®. In 2019, Mr. Martin was introduced to the music of Komitas and Armenia - an experience that profoundly changed his artistic direction and life. Out of that inspiration came Jazzical Komitas, a powerful fusion of Armenian folk, soul, jazz improvisation and classical integrity. His albums Jazzical: Komitas - Passion of Fire (2022) and Jazzical Komitas - Intimate Healing (2024) pay tribute to Komitas Vartabed. Mr. Martin has a must-see upcoming performance, Jazzical Komitas: Passion of Fireat Carnegie Hall on January 13, 2026. Get your tickets now - it's not to be missed!
Following the concert, attendees entered the beautifully decorated, sparkling Banquet Hall downstairs to enjoy a delicious luncheon of savory and sweet delights prepared by our talented organizing committee. We appreciate all those that braved the snowy weather to join us for this lovely and special musical celebration of the Christmas season.
Many Thanks to Ms. Mayilyan and Mr. Martin for sharing their incredible talent, as well as our generous sponsors and dedicated organizing committee, including Yeretzgin Annie Terterian, Mrs. Zepiur Ardzivian, Mrs. Diane Boyadjian, Mrs. Yvette Feisel, Mrs. Lena Felice, Mrs. Madlen Hazarian, Mrs. Alina Kochoumian, Mrs. Salpie Megerian, Mrs. Arev Mouradian, Mrs. Sonya Nenejian, Dr. Annita Nerses, Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian, and Mrs. Meline Yazicyian.