12:50, 20 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 20, ARMENPRESS: After learning about the Armenian Genocide for the very first time, Francis Norton decided to vent his anger over the tragedy. As reports Armenpress referring to The Armenian Weekly,  inspired by  genocide studies classes the Wilmington High senior sat behind a computer and composed an Armenian symphony he so aptly calls “Hellfire.” He debuted it inside a genocide studies class called “Facing History and Ourselves,” being taught by Lisa Joy Desberg and Maura Tucker.

The two-minute piece is full of ritualistic movement done with cello, violin, piano, and brass with multiple key and tempo changes, much like an early Alan Hovhaness work.

“It’s a dark theme that inspired the Armenian Genocide,” says Norton. “I thought of the mood and subject matter. In some instances, I had to stop writing when I thought about the torment and depression this nation faced. I felt the pain of the victims.”

Members of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack Valley have been making repeated visits to the school for each semester, as well as other communities throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley.

While student essays on the subject of the Armenian Genocide are nothing unusual, the fact that it comes from a totally non-Armenian classroom setting taught by sympathetic instructors remains tantamount to our cause.

“They have a sincere desire to learn from outsiders who’ve approached our school with such motivation as the Armenians,” Desberg pointed out. “They want to be students who make a big difference in the world.”

Tucker’s symphony will be performed during a Merrimack Valley genocide presentation at local churches.

“I told them to pick their means of expression,” said Tucker. “Never did I expect a musical interlude on genocide.”

The results were vast and varied. Out of the assignment came an eclectic poem over an Armenian khatchkar done by Michelle Soel and Katie Finn.”

Another class at Melrose Middle School reciprocated by making a generous donation to the Armenian National Committee of America.