Dr. Gascia Ouzounian uncovers the auditory legacy of the Armenian Genocide at AGBU Toronto

On the evening of Aug. 16, the AGBU Toronto offices were filled to near capacity for a thought-provoking lecture titled 'Our Voices Reached the Sky: Sonic Memories of the Armenian Genocide,' presented by Dr. Gascia Ouzounian. Dr. Ouzounian, an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Oxford, captivated the audience with her exploration of how sound and auditory experiences have shaped the historical understanding and collective memory of the Armenian Genocide.

The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Araxie Altounian, a prominent Toronto-based pianist and lecturer and an active member of the Armenian community who emphasized the importance of preserving cultural memory. She warmly introduced Dr. Ouzounian, highlighting the significance of her research in expanding the discourse on genocide studies beyond visual evidence to include the often-overlooked dimension of sound.

In her introduction, Dr. Ouzounian expressed her deep connection to the Armenian community, emphasizing the importance of family and community in preserving cultural identity. She also took a moment to acknowledge one of her first Armenian teachers, who was present in the audience and expressed her gratitude to the AGBU Toronto chapter for their continued efforts in organizing events that foster cultural and historical awareness.

Dr. Ouzounian’s lecture drew from her chapter, 'Our Voices Reached the Sky: Sonic Memories of the Armenian Genocide,' in the book 'Soundwalking: Through Time, Space, and Technologies' (Focal Press, 2023). She meticulously examined the auditory experiences of Armenian Genocide survivors, known as earwitness testimonies, revealing how the sounds they remembered—ranging from the harrowing cries of those suffering to the profound silences imposed by fear—provide a richer, more complex understanding of the Genocide’s psychological and emotional impact. By focusing on what survivors heard during the Genocide—such as the distant echo of gunfire, the chilling silence of emptied villages, or the songs sung by perpetrators—Dr. Ouzounian demonstrated how these auditory memories carry a weight that extends beyond the visual, embedding deep within the psyches of the survivors and their descendants.

Dr. Ouzounian emphasized that while visual evidence often dominates genocide studies, the auditory dimension offers unique insights into the lived experiences of survivors, adding layers of understanding to both personal and collective memory. She illustrated how sounds, such as the ominous announcements of town criers demanding either conversion to Islam or exile, the celebratory songs of perpetrators rejoicing in their brutal acts, and the whispered prayers of the desperate, played a crucial role in both the trauma of the Genocide and its remembrance. These sounds, preserved in memory and transmitted through generations, serve not only as a record of suffering but also as a form of resistance and survival, enabling a communal sense of identity and continuity despite attempts at erasure.

Central to her research is the work of the late Armenian ethnographer Verjiné Svazlian, whose courageous efforts to collect and preserve over 700 memoir-testimonies and 315 song-testimonies during the Soviet era provided the foundational material for this study. Dr. Ouzounian paid homage to Svazlian’s act of 'counter listening,' a term she used to describe the act of listening against the official narrative of denial perpetuated by the Turkish state. Svazlian’s work, often conducted in secret and at great personal risk, ensured that the voices of those who lived through the Genocide could continue to resonate through time, allowing future generations to hear and learn from their experiences. Dr. Ouzounian highlighted the importance of these sonic memories as a form of historical documentation that challenges official narratives and offers a visceral connection to the past, enabling listeners to engage with the emotional and psychological realities of the Genocide in a profound and impactful way.

Another fascinating aspect of Dr. Ouzounian’s research, explored in her talk, is the phenomenon of sounds that continue to ‘resound in the ear’ of survivors long after the events have passed. These unwanted, persistent sounds, such as the cries of victims or the taunting songs of perpetrators, are not just memories but enduring auditory experiences that haunt the survivors. Dr. Ouzounian explained how these ‘in the ear’ sounds function as a form of psychological scar, a continuous reminder of the trauma endured. This concept illustrates the deep psychological impact of the Genocide, where even decades later, the auditory memories are so vivid and intense that they continue to affect the survivors’ daily lives. These sounds, she argued, are a testament to the lasting nature of trauma and the importance of acknowledging and understanding these experiences as part of the broader narrative of the Genocide.

The evening concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which attendees engaged Dr. Ouzounian with a range of insightful questions. The discussion further emphasized the importance of her work in ensuring that the voices of Genocide survivors continue to be heard and remembered.

Organized and hosted by AGBU Toronto, the lecture underscored the chapter’s commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian heritage through educational and cultural initiatives. Following the lecture, attendees gathered for a small reception, continuing the conversation sparked by Dr. Ouzounian’s compelling presentation.