A.G.B.U. and Lark

After "Zvart" and "Leblebiji", "Zemire" Knocks at the Door
www.zemire.com

The world of classical fairytales has universal appeal. It is popular and beloved, not only for children, but for the young at heart.

The Armenian people are blessed with their illustrious native son, composer Dikran Tchouhajian, who appeared in the mid-eighteenth century to animate these tales of magic and mystery, with vivid imagination, picturesque staging, and sprightly music. Unfortunately, Tchouhajian's musical legacy and its immense contribution to the Armenian musical and cultural tradition remained overlooked for many years.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union's Ardavazt Theater Company and the Lark Musical Society are once again collaborating to arouse public awareness regarding this remarkable composer and his works. Through their tireless joint efforts, the Armenian productions of Tchouhajian's two operettas, "Zvart" and "Leblebiji Hor-Hor Agha" were introduced to the music-loving public of Southern California in 2005 and 2006.

As a result of the joint vision and talent of Vatsche Barsoumian and Krikor Satamian, the third production will be the revival of a comic operetta which has never been spotlighted abroad since its inaugural performance in Constantinople in 1893. Thus, it is with pride and pleasure that AGBU and Lark announce the first modern production of Tchouhajian's "Zemire" in a completely new Armenian translation, more than one century after its first performance.

"Zemire" will be performed only three times, on May 30 and 31, and June 1, 2008, in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Participating in the operetta will be renowned and talented Armenian artists, as well as members of the Ardavazt Theater Company and the Lark Musical Society.

The revival of Tchouhajian's musical legacy and the unveiling of his compositions from the dust of their historic past does not completely fulfill the organizers' aims. With proceeds from the production they anticipate publishing Tchouhajian's complete works in order to save them from extinction and return them to the treasury of Armenian cultural patrimony. This will also render them accessible to the footlights of international artistry.

We are convinced that the Armenian public, having enjoyed the unprecedented enthusiasm for the previous two productions, will also ensure the success of "Zemire" with financial and moral support and that the music-loving public of Southern California will once again delight in a wonderful and unforgettable performance.