I’m on stage performing for the first time in the United States

in the amazing city of Boston, no less

I am surrounded by such talented musicians

And I am lost in the beauty of this moment as the music swells and the audience claps and each time, every single time I perform, it is like the very first time: the pure joy of sharing my passion for this music, for my language, Armenian, with everyone

The energy in the hall is palpable. The atmosphere is breathtaking: we are performing in the Armenian Library and Museum of America and we are surrounded by precious Armenian artifacts in the main exhibition hall. These artifacts hold the history of my ancestors…

I glance over and watch with deep admiration as John Berberian plays for me

His skillful fingers dance upon the strings of the oud – that ancient instrument of our ancestors, replete with stories

I cannot quite believe I am sharing this stage with him – with this incredible musician – who has now become a good friend: John and I discover that we share a passion not only for music but also for our faith and this makes the connection on stage even more meaningful

We bring new life to each of my songs

We add new colours, new textures to each note

We perform the song I wrote for a lost child, for a family in agony; I have called the song Narineh

John dazzles the audience with his soulful solos and I try to capture the emotion of the mother longing for her child as I sing… I notice audience members, tears streaming down their faces, as together, we all mourn for this child, for her mother, for all victims of war…

Karen Kocharyan, my energetic drummer, keeps us all in rhythm; Martin Haroutunian, on the duduk, moves us deeply; and Arvin Zaroukian, on bass, captivates us…

I love this city. The audience has been so enthusiastic, so appreciative, so engaged in every note I have sung… it is a joy, once again, to perform for them…

Always a joy…