A female vocal ensemble, a saxophonist and a tenor soloist from Paris are on the program for the ninth annual Christmas Spectacular concert at St. Mark Armenian Church Dec. 23.
“Being an Armenian Orthodox Christian Church, Christmas is one of our most significant holidays,” said Brenda M. Jermakian, a member of St. Mark Parish and concert coordinator. “We’re so happy to open our church to celebrate this joyous season.”
The event, which begins at 4 p.m., will feature Christmas music from female vocal ensemble The September Girls (Jermakian is a member), tenor saxophonist David Jermakian and special guest tenor soloist Philip DerMargosian.
The pastor, Rev. Sevak Gabrielyan, will perform in Armenian, as he has in the past.
The music for the concert is both traditional and new. The September Girls will be singing traditional songs with new arrangements such as Pentatonix‘s “Silent Night” and “Mary Did You Know” as well as “My Grown-Up Christmas List” and “Believe” from the movie “The Polar Express.”
They try to find music that will spark their audience’s interest such as an arrangement by Michael Clawson of “The First Noel/Pachelbel’s Canon,” a traditional song blended with a classic. “Do You Hear What I Hear” arranged by Craig Courtney brings a bit of jazz to the holiday classic and lovely harmonic cords. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” are among the classics for the holiday season.
The September Girls is a four-woman ensemble comprised of Karen Drumheller, Jane Garabedian, Ellen Harris and Brenda Jermakian, all of Wilbraham. In addition to the Christmas repertoire they perform throughout the holiday season, the group performs a variety of music genres from Motown to Broadway, classical and a cappella. They are musicians, music teachers, choir directors, soloists and members of the Springfield Symphony Chorus.
David Jermakian, also a member of St. Mark’s, has been playing saxophone most of his life, beginning as the lead saxophonist with the Tech Tantrums of Springfield Technical High School. He has enjoyed performing various genres of music, such as Glenn Miller-style, pop, blues and funk, and he has been a member of several local bands.
“I want to do a tribute to the late Charles Aznavour, an Armenian legend,” he said.
Special guest Philip DerMargosian is a trained tenor soloist. He first attended California State University in Los Angeles, followed by studies at the Julliard School. He has sung in concerts and regional opera, including the Aspen Music Festival. In 1998 he moved to Paris where he runs his own leadership development company.
“Philip will bring classical pieces to our program and will also sing in French. O Holy Night is a staple to our program when he is here,” Brenda Jermakian said.
The Christmas Spectacular concert is open to the public; tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children 12 and under.
A reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will follow the concert.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the ministries of St. Mark Armenian Church.
“This concert is the event for many families that they attend to really start celebrating Christmas,” Jermakian said. “Our audiences have loved this event and come back year after year because I believe they are experiencing a true Christmas spirit, and feeling the love with their families and friends. I’m so happy that we are able to share our talents and make this happen.”
For more information, call 413-537-4371 or email talenej@gmail.com
https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/12/christmas_spectacular_concert.html
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