Music in Color Opens with Cellist Ani Aznavoorian & Pianist Marta Aznavoorian

We proudly present the first Music in Color concert of the season, featuring acclaimed duo Ani and Marta Aznavoorian (cello and piano) on Saturday, March 28, at 7:00 pm in the Museum’s Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries.

The concert will feature Armenian composers alongside classical repertoire. A highlight will be the Boston premiere of Peter Boyer’s “Mount Ararat,” written for the Aznavoorian Sisters. Additionally, the program will include compositions by Komitas, Brahms (Sonata for Cello and Piano in F Major, Opus 99), Avet Terterian (Sonata for Cello and Piano), and Paganini.

The Music in Color program fosters meaningful engagement with the Museum’s exhibitions, inviting audiences to experience the rich tapestry of Armenian music and art. Now in its second year and generously supported by longtime benefactor Nancy R. Kolligian, the series brings intimate performances to the Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries while deepening public connection to Armenian culture through music.

“We are thrilled to kick off this year’s Music in Color program with the extraordinary Aznavoorian Sisters. Their artistry and international acclaim reflect exactly the kind of dynamic and meaningful programming we are proud to present at the Museum. We are honored to host these wonderfully talented musicians and to continue to build a space where music, art, and community intersect in powerful ways", said Nancy R. Kolligian.

The Aznavoorian Sisters began performing together at ages four and eight at their Armenian church in Evanston, Illinois. After winning First Prize in the Illinois Bell Young Performers Competition, they appeared live with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a performance broadcast on PBS. They have since performed internationally across Europe and Armenia, including appearances in Khachaturian and Komitas Halls, and at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. They have performed individually at Armenian Night at the Pops with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. Recent highlights include a winter residency with the Seattle Chamber Music Society and performances at the Ravinia Festival. This season, they embark on a U.S. tour with engagements nationwide and a featured recital at Festival Mozaic.

Aznavoorian Sisters Perform to a Capacity Crowd at Armenian Museum in Boston Debut

Saturday's sold-out concert in our Music in Color series featured the extraordinary Aznavoorian Sisters. This was the Boston debut of pianist Marta Aznavoorian and cellist Ani Aznavoorian performing as a duo. It also included the Boston premiere of Peter Boyer's breathtaking composition, "Mount Ararat."

Held in the Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries and generously sponsored by Nancy R. Kolligian, the evening offered a rich and immersive experience under the backdrop of art by Serj Tankian and Arshile Gorky.

The Aznavoorian Sisters appear by arrangement with Lisa Sapinkopf Artists. Photography by Natalie Nigito.

We heard extraordinary music last night, performed by Ani Aznavoorian (cellist) and Marta Aznavoorian (pianist). The program included Komitas, Brahms, Paganini, and the Boston premiere of a wonderful piece, Mount Ararat, by contemporary composer Peter Boyer. We were surrounded by the visual art of Serj Tankian (best known for System Of A Down). And I finally met Faith, matriarch of Cass Flowers & School of Floral Design. A very special night that I can only imagine happening in Watertown!  - City Councilor Nicole Gardner

Standing ovation from a full house and the program was moving and emotional. Ani and Marta are a must hear and must see whenever you can have the opportunity. Thank you, ladies, for an incredible evening and Ani, thank you for celebrating your birthday by giving us all the gift of you and your sister together in an intimate, artistic venue filled with some amazing pieces of music!   - Barbara Schneider

Thank you for welcoming us into this very powerful space. Performing surrounded by artwork that carries so much history, memories, and identity was deeply moving! The Armenian Museum of America creates a place where these stories can continue to live and breathe. - Ani & Marta Aznavoorian