By Ted AYALA

The atrocities of the Armenian Genocide perpetuated by the Ottoman Turks continue to resonate powerfully nearly a century after the fact. Systematically targeted for annihilation by the Ottoman Empire, the Genocide was the single keystone event in modern Armenian history, triggering the Armenian diaspora that led the community to flee to various nations across the world including the United States, France, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela.

Burning still in the minds of the modern Armenian community are not only the smoldering embers of the destruction that met their forefathers, but also that future generations of people – not only Armenians – should never forget the horrors of the Genocide and to remain ever vigilant against new waves of hatred.

It is that spirit of remembrance and vigilance that illuminates the Glendale Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO’s) next concert on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Alex Theatre on Brand Boulevard.

“Our goal is not only to expand recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but all the atrocities that man has ravaged against man, through this concert,” said Ruslan Biryukov, music director for the GPO. “Ever since we were first asked to commemorate the victims of the Genocide last year, these memorial concerts have become a tradition for us – one we gladly partake in.”

The GPO’s program that night will, as ever, be an imaginative and eclectic program, which will include works by Arvo Pärt, Komitas, Grigor Narekatsi, César Franck, and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Joining the GPO in this concert will be the Glendale Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) and the International School of Music Choir (ISMC).

“At the end of the concert, the GYSO and ISMC will join the GPO in the music of Pergolesi,” said Biryukov. “Altogether the audience will see over 60 musicians on stage. It’s going to be a climactic moment; deeply moving.”

Complimentary tickets are available now from the GPO and Alex Theatre box office. The event will also be transmitted via public access on GTV6. Tickets and information can be had by calling the GPO at (323) 663-3601, the Alex Theatre at (818) 243-2539, or by emailing the GPO at manager@glendalephilharmonic.org.

  armenian genocide, GPO Concert, ISMC