St. John Church of Detroit Marks 80th Anniversary
14 November 2011
By Gloria Korkoian
Kef Time Detroit was a musical evening to honor the past and to celebrate the future. Held on Saturday, October 22, the event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the establishment of St. John Church of Greater Detroit.
Renowned clarinetist Hachig Kazarian and oud player Richard Hagopian were the keynote performers.
Kazarian, a native Detroiter, now lives in Las Vegas. He has been associated with Armenian music most of his life and has performed on more than 17 recordings.
Hagopian has become one of the most renowned Armenian musicians preserving both folk and classical repertoire of Armenians from the Ottoman Empire. The New York Times has described him as "one of America's most accomplished folk musicians."
Uniting these two outstanding musicians, Kazarian and Hagopian, with Harold Hagopian, Bruce Gigarjian, and Michael Kazarian made for a musical evening that will long be remembered. Harold and Michael are the sons of Richard Hagopian and Hachig Kazarian and are continuing the Armenian musical traditions of their fathers.
The event was sponsored by the Women's Guild and Men's Society of St. John Church and the Men's Society.
The evening opened with a brief program. Edward Korkoian, master of ceremonies, welcomed everyone and introduced the Honorable Brenda Lawrence, Mayor of Southfield, who read a proclamation.
Greg Jamian relayed greetings from Michigan Governor John Snyder. St. John's pastor, the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, offered words of congratulations and launched the evening with a blessing. Close to 600 people attended the evening.
The event was co-chaired by Greg Baise, Anna Baylerian, Daniel Cristiano, and Yvonne Korkoian. Committee members include Sara Andonian, Judy Cristiano, Ardis Gregory, Linda Lutz, Gloria Korkoian, Kathy Mekjian, Carol Ohanesian, Shirley Sarkisian, Isabelle Vahratian, and Paul Yousoufian. Advisors include Dr. Vincent Baylerian, Joyce Obenhoff, Dr. David Aprahamian, and Edward H. Korkoian.
