Domenico Boyagian conducts the Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra holiday concert
The surroundings of the coffee shop quickly fade away as Boyagian considers the answer to my question: “My dad, Garbis Boyagian is my hero. He sang on the stages of the biggest opera houses in the world—the Met, the Wiener Staatsoper, Covent Garden and La Fenice to name a few . . . ”
He pauses for a moment to consider our surroundings, as if he was a child again in an adult world, possibly remembering a spectacular opera house in London or Rome—maybe hearing the thunder of applause or the hush of the crowd at a moment of wonder at his father’s voice or expression.
“Growing up I was a spectator, sitting in on rehearsals. I would stay up late for dinner after performances,” he said. Blushing, he admits “It is true that I was falling asleep during performances of Aida. But I was also a child and children do fall asleep. I was a spectator . . . then.”
He’s whispering now, but I can hear him clearly.
“But now, I am a character in this unpredictable play called ‘career,’ and I would never give up my history for anything”
It was amazing listening to Boyagian talk about his father and growing up in what I can only imagine as an intense musical adventure of opera and Italy. I can understand his love and feelings for his father for I, too, have grown up with an artistic father.
In today’s world, often fathers don’t get their fair share of press or attention. To hear Boyagian talk of his father with such respect and love I feel it’s overdue in society that we need to recognize and embrace our family as our heroes—our fathers as our heroes.
How many people have said to you recently, “My dad is my hero?” Can we have more than one hero? Of course we can. I believe there are opportunities for many heroes to show themselves in our lives. It’s natural and fortunate if we can embrace our fathers, mothers, siblings and children as heroes. Try it; look around next time at the dinner table or during your Skype call across the country. See if maybe one of your heroes is sitting in front of you. Or possibly, your real hero was with you all along while you were growing up.
Domenico Boyagian is leading the Ohio Philharmonic Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m., in a celebration of classical and holiday music. The first concert will include “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi and “Mother Goose Suite” by Ravel. A second program will include selections by Leroy Anderson: “Bugler’s Holiday,” “Babes in Toyland,” “A Christmas Festival,” “The Festive Sounds of Hanukah,” and others.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place at First Baptist Church on Fairmount Boulevard. A free will offering will be taken, followed by a reception in the Spahr Center. Visit www.ohiophilharmonic.org for further information.
Tiffany Laufer
Tiffany Laufer is the creative director for the Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a filmmaker and author. Her father, William C. Laufer, artistic director of the OPO, is also her hero.