There are moments when music transcends entertainment and becomes something sacred—a bridge between memory and hope, loss and light. On the evening of February 27, 2026, the Armenian community of Lebanon will gather for just such a moment.
The Assembly Hall of the American University of Beirut will host "With Light, Toward the Light," a memorial concert honoring Mrs. Ani Bezikian, organized by the Hamazkayin Regional Committee of Lebanon with the blessing of all three Lebanese Armenian denominational leaders and the support of the Bezikian family.
A Concert Born from Love and Memory
The title itself—"With Light, Toward the Light"—speaks to the spirit of the evening. It's not a concert of mourning, but rather a celebration of a life that brought illumination to those around it. Mrs. Ani Bezikian's legacy within the Armenian community clearly touched many hearts, prompting this extraordinary musical tribute that brings together some of the finest talents from Armenia and Lebanon.
An Exceptional Musical Ensemble
The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia will anchor the evening's performance, bringing the rich orchestral traditions of the homeland to Beirut's stage. Leading this distinguished ensemble is Sipan Olah, who serves the dual role of conductor and tenor—a testament to his versatile artistry and deep musical knowledge.
Joining Olah is soprano Shoghig Torossian, whose voice has graced concert halls across the Armenian world. The combination of tenor and soprano promises moments of soaring beauty, particularly in the sacred and classical repertoire that typically marks memorial concerts of this nature.
Completing the evening's roster of performers is pianist Maria Palazian, whose accompaniment will provide the delicate foundation upon which the vocal and orchestral performances will build. The piano has always held a special place in Armenian musical culture, serving as both a solo instrument and a bridge between voice and orchestra.
A Community United in Remembrance
What makes this concert particularly significant is the unity it represents. The blessing of all three Lebanese Armenian denominational leaders—Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical—underscores how Mrs. Bezikian's impact transcended sectarian boundaries. In a region where community cohesion is precious, this unified support speaks volumes about the woman being honored and the importance of the event itself.
The Hamazkayin organization, with its century-long commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, provides the perfect institutional framework for such a tribute. Their Regional Committee in Lebanon has long been a pillar of cultural life for the Armenian diaspora, organizing concerts, theatrical performances, and educational programs that keep the flame of Armenian identity burning bright.
An Evening at AUB's Historic Assembly Hall
The choice of venue adds another layer of significance to the evening. The Assembly Hall at the American University of Beirut has hosted countless important cultural events over the decades, serving as a meeting point where Lebanese and international communities come together. Its acoustics and atmosphere make it ideal for chamber orchestra performances, ensuring that every note will reach the audience with clarity and emotional impact.
The concert begins at 8:00 p.m., a time when the Mediterranean evening settles over Beirut, creating the perfect ambiance for an evening of reflection and musical beauty. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to reserve their seats by contacting +961 70 580 167, as events of this caliber typically draw significant interest from the community.
Music as Memorial, Light as Legacy
Memorial concerts occupy a unique space in Armenian cultural tradition. They're not simply performances but acts of collective remembrance, ways of saying that a life mattered, that its light continues to shine through the beauty it inspired. When the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia takes the stage that February evening, they won't just be playing notes on a page—they'll be giving voice to a community's gratitude, love, and ongoing connection to someone who made a difference.
For those who knew Mrs. Ani Bezikian, the concert will offer a chance to honor her memory through the art form that has sustained Armenian culture through centuries of challenge and change. For those who didn't know her personally, it's an opportunity to witness how a community celebrates its own, how music becomes the language we use when ordinary words fall short.
As the title promises, this will be an evening that moves "with light, toward the light"—a journey from remembrance to hope, from loss to celebration, carried on the wings of some of the most beautiful music the Armenian tradition has to offer.
