Cultural Heritage Through Music & Art
Glendale Community College Commemorates Armenian Genocide and Celebrates Cultural Heritage Through Music and Art
Glendale Community College (GCC), a longstanding pillar of academic excellence in the city of Glendale, designated April as Armenian Genocide Commemoration and Heritage Month. Through a series of meaningful events, the college honored the memory of the genocide's victims while celebrating the rich culture and resilience of the Armenian people.
The commemorative events included a dance program, a film screening, a community discussion, and a candlelight ceremony—organized by GCC's Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee in collaboration with local community organizations.
The crescendo of these tributes was The Armenian Musical Legacy, a concert held on April 29 in partnership with the Armenian Kids Festival. Inside GCC's Auditorium, the air hummed with history as melodies became time machines—carrying echoes of ancient land, whispered lullabies of survival, and the defiant joy of a culture that refused to be erased.
"This event is a special collaboration where one can experience the beauty of Armenian melodies — sounds that carry the stories, struggles, and hopes of a resilient people," said Carla Ruiz, Academic Counselor, Cultural Diversity Coordinator, and representative of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee at GCC, in her opening remarks.
Arpi Amirian, fellow Committee representative, Programs and Services Specialist, and Classified Professional Development Coordinator at GCC, emphasized the dual purpose of the gathering: honoring the past and inspiring the future.
"Today, we remember the more than 1.5 million lives lost in the Armenian Genocide. But we also celebrate the enduring spirit of a people who have not only survived but have flourished, contributing meaningfully to cultures and communities around the globe," she said. "The genocide is not just a historical chapter—it remains a living wound that continues to bleed. Even 110 years later, Armenians continue to face displacement and persecution—from the 2020 attacks on Artsakh to the 2023 forced displacement of over 120,000 people, and the ongoing illegal detention of Armenian POWs. These are not distant stories; they are urgent reminders that the fight for justice is far from over."
Amirian, herself a granddaughter of genocide survivors, reflected on the legacy they passed down: resilience, a love for education, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Arpi Amirian praised GCC's continued partnership with the Armenian Kids Festival—now in its second year—which has brought the community together in a vibrant celebration of Armenian culture, heritage, and identity.
Nane Avagyan, co-founder of the Armenian Kids Festival, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Armenian culture and music as powerful means of preserving identity after the Genocide:
"After the loss of 1.5 million lives and historic lands, it was Armenian culture that became the lifeline of survival. Through the horrors of genocide, our culture empowered generations not only to survive but to create, to thrive, and to evolve. Tonight's concert is a tribute to one of the pillars of that culture: Armenian music, which weaves together our history, language, and traditions."
"The Armenian Musical Legacy concert offers a unique journey through Armenian folk, classical, and contemporary compositions. These works highlight various periods and styles of Armenian music, providing a deeper understanding of its evolution and its contributions to world culture, while fostering cross-cultural connection and understanding," Avagyan said.
The concert featured a range of performances by acclaimed artists from Armenia and the diaspora, illustrating key stages in the evolution of Armenian music. Beloved folk singer Gohar Hovhannisyan opened with the Western Armenian dance song "Hanina." Duduk master Ruben Harutyunyan honored the gusan-ashugh tradition with pieces by Gusan Sheram. The LAARM String Quartet showcased the work of Komitas Vardapet, the founder of the Armenian National Music School, whose compositions established a uniquely Armenian musical identity.
Celebrated tenor and Honored Artist of Armenia Perch Karazian performed excerpts from the iconic Armenian operas Anush and Almast, accompanied by pianist Ripsime Rshtuni. Contemporary Armenian music was represented by a special orchestra featuring renowned musicians from Armenia and the diaspora—including saxophonist, Artistic Director of the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia and Honored Artist of Armenia Armen Hyusnunts, bassist Vardan Arakelyan, and percussionist Armenak Danielyan—performing works by world-renowned composers Aram Khachaturian and Arno Babajanyan.
Throughout the event, narration voiced by Jess Riley provided historical context for each segment of Armenian musical development.
The concert attracted a diverse audience of college leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community members. GCC Board President Dr. Sevan Benlian closed the evening with words of gratitude and reflection, addressing the organizers and more than 150 attendees:
"Your presence here tonight speaks volumes about the unity of our community and the importance of remembering our shared history. We gather not only to reflect on past atrocities but to reaffirm our collective commitment to justice, truth, and education."
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Alen Andriassian, GCC's Vice President of Student Services, added:
"It is both an honor and a responsibility to help shape an inclusive educational environment—knowing that my presence in a leadership role stands as a powerful and undeniable victory against a history of attempted destruction and denial. The music performed here today speaks to the enduring legacy of our culture, our people. I urge you to continue to honor the legacy of our ancestors not only by looking back in sorrow, but by moving forward with purpose. Let their sacrifices fuel your ambition, your service, and your success. We owe it to them to rise, to lead, and to leave a legacy worthy of their struggle."
Guests were also invited to explore a visual celebration of Armenian heritage through an exhibition of paintings by iconic Armenian artists, including Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisyan, Vardges Surenyants, Yervand Kochar, and Hovhannes Aivazovsky. (Reproductions were provided by the National Gallery of Armenia.)