On a rainy October afternoon, ASA students were mesmerized by a live classical music performance by YerazArt,  a group of young professional musicians from Armenia. While classical music is not usually the students’ first choice, they were entranced watching it performed live by musicians their age or slightly older.

The children gazed in awe as 13-year-old violinist Davit Hakobyan’s flying fingers made his violin dance. Equally talented was saxophonist Eduard Nersisyan (19) whose smooth melodies accompanied Shoghakat Vardanyan (17) on piano. Students were treated to Rasa-Lila Buniatyan (17) playing kamancha along to songs by Sayat Nova; one of which many students recognized from hantes performances. A request for an encore was granted, and the teachers gave these young people a standing ovation.

Arpy Minasian, an ASA parent who helped organize the musicians’ visit, summed it up well: “ In addition to regular school, these musicians practice 4 -5 hours a day. We know if you (ASA students) put your mind to it and aspire to a goal, you can be just as talented.”

YerazArt also performed at the Academy that evening to over 200 attendees from throughout the Philadelphia community. All ages enjoyed the musical treat, and many ASA students returned with their families, confirming that the performance was worth repeating.