by Karine Armen
PASADENA — On Friday, October 10, the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) Los Angeles Chapter, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Special Events Committee hosted an art exhibition of artist Mike Agopian at the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Center’s Boyadjian Hall. The art event included poetry reading and musical performances.
The Beirut-born Agopian is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. He has created paintings, written lyrics for songs and poems, and composed music. He has also acted in two plays.
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As a painter, he said, he has been influenced by the styles of Kandinsky, Gauguin and Matisse.
Mike Agopian with Asdghig Dadourian, AGBU Special Events Committee Chairperson (Karine Armen photo)
The master of ceremonies was Asdghig Dadourian, who also read two poems by Agopian. Dadourian is the Special Events Committee Chairperson of AGBU. She said, “Mike Agopian’s art is unique and creates a positive mood with the use of colors. He is a multitalented and great human being.”
Tenor Berj Karazian performed songs written and composed by Agopian accompanied by pianist Ripsime Rshtuni.
International flutist Salpy Kerkonian performed four pieces composed by Agopian. Kerkonian has performed as the solo/principal flutist with Greg Hosharian’s Armenian Pops Ensemble, Iranian singer Moein, the Los Angeles Korean Musicians Association, Santa Cecilia Orchestra and the Burbank Philharmonic. In addition, she has recorded with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Agopian said, “Salpy, your musical knowledge, experience, and virtuosity touched me. I am thankful.”
Later, Ellen Vartanyan recited a poem by Agopian. The event continued with more song and flute performances.
Agopian thanked each performer and the organizers. He spoke about his work, noting that many people had told him his paintings resembled those of Martiros Saryan because of the bright colors.
He added, “I have not studied art in college. I enjoy the creativity process.” He continued, “I want to inspire the young generation to love the Armenian music and language.”
TCA West Coast Executive Secretary Mayda Kuredjian made the closing remarks. She said, “Mike Agopian’s emotions inspire him to create art in a variety of ways. His Armenian teachers had a special influence on him.”
The event concluded with an elegant reception.
