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ARMENIAN MUSICIANS SHOWCASE THEIR EVOLUTION OF STYLES, FROM TRADITIONAL TO ROCK TO JAZZ, DURING ALEX THEATRE CONCERT
By Ani Amirkhanian
Glendale News Press
Jan 24 2008
CA
A musical mosaic
An upcoming concert will showcase the evolution of Armenian music by
combining traditional with contemporary sounds and provide a platform
for up-and-coming young musicians, organizers said.
This year, the lineup for Mosaic II Concert ranges from rock and jazz
to Armenian folk music, said Lori Tatoulian, artistic coordinator of
the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society. "Basically,
we are bringing different styles of music to form the current picture
of young Armenian musicians in Los Angeles and the United States,"
she said. "It brings in music that is not just one style. It shows
the evolution of Armenian music, infused with current trends and
current interpretations of melodies."
After last year's sold-out show in January, the Hamazkayin Mosaic
planning committee decided to have the concert again, with new
performers joining veteran musicians.
One of the returning groups to hit the stage Saturday is Visa,
a nine-piece ensemble that combines Armenian, Greek and Latin rhythms.
The ensemble has been around for about seven years, and members
are all from different ethnic backgrounds, said K'noup Tomopoulos,
vocalist and guitarist.
"Visa is the audio passport for music for the simple reason that we
are all from different corners of the world," he said.
Tomopoulos, a native of Greece and a Glendale resident, grew up
listening to Greek music, but the music of Visa reflects themes that
span across cultures.
"Our songs are about life, romance, heartache, joy, tragedy, things
that every person goes through in life," he said. advertisement
Visa's musicians play the drums, guitar, congas, duduk, a traditional
Armenian woodwind instrument, and the Middle Eastern dombag, or drum.
"We are a mix from all over the world," Tomopoulos said. "It pushes
the envelope to be able to experiment with a mix of styles."
The concert will showcase performers who are making their debut in
the community, Tatoulian said, adding that the goal is to present a
platform to encourage the musicians to continue what they are doing.
Cantus Capella, a progressive rock band, is set to perform for the
first time at the Alex Theatre.
The band has been together since February, bassist Armen Hovsepian
said.
"We are very melodic and heavy at the same time," he said. "I can't
say it's for an older crowd."
Cantus Capella fans range in ages from 16 to 26, Hovsepian said.
Their music is a fusion of rock and ethnic blends and is open to
interpretation.
"It's mainly mainstream rock, but we haven't worked Armenian song
angles into it yet," Hovsepian said. "One of the most characteristic
qualities is the vocal range. It's a high register for the male voice,
which makes the melody stand out. The music is very bass-driven."
Cantus Capella is the only rock band scheduled to play Saturday.
"We feel very proud to be able to play in an Armenian cultural event,"
Hovsepian said.
"We have such a diverse sound that it might push some buttons or
raise some eyebrows."
For Glendale resident Sonya Varoujian, Saturday's concert is also
the first time she will take the stage at the Alex Theatre.
Varoujian will perform a selection of her original songs. She will
sing five songs in Armenian and one in English.
"I would say the songs are more in the line of traditional,"
Varoujian said.
"It's not the same songs regurgitated in a different style. It's
new lyrics."
Varoujian's songs are a reflection of herself, she said.
"I would say it's exactly a product of who I am," she said. "I am
an Armenian who grew up in England and New York with a traditional
Armenian upbringing. The songs are about love and in all its forms.
They are very personal."
The concert will also showcase the music of Zulal, an Armenian a
cappella folk trio, and Ochion and Areni, a duo who will perform
contemporary classical music, jazz, free jazz and Armenian music.
By Ani Amirkhanian
Glendale News Press
Jan 24 2008
CA
A musical mosaic
An upcoming concert will showcase the evolution of Armenian music by
combining traditional with contemporary sounds and provide a platform
for up-and-coming young musicians, organizers said.
This year, the lineup for Mosaic II Concert ranges from rock and jazz
to Armenian folk music, said Lori Tatoulian, artistic coordinator of
the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society. "Basically,
we are bringing different styles of music to form the current picture
of young Armenian musicians in Los Angeles and the United States,"
she said. "It brings in music that is not just one style. It shows
the evolution of Armenian music, infused with current trends and
current interpretations of melodies."
After last year's sold-out show in January, the Hamazkayin Mosaic
planning committee decided to have the concert again, with new
performers joining veteran musicians.
One of the returning groups to hit the stage Saturday is Visa,
a nine-piece ensemble that combines Armenian, Greek and Latin rhythms.
The ensemble has been around for about seven years, and members
are all from different ethnic backgrounds, said K'noup Tomopoulos,
vocalist and guitarist.
"Visa is the audio passport for music for the simple reason that we
are all from different corners of the world," he said.
Tomopoulos, a native of Greece and a Glendale resident, grew up
listening to Greek music, but the music of Visa reflects themes that
span across cultures.
"Our songs are about life, romance, heartache, joy, tragedy, things
that every person goes through in life," he said. advertisement
Visa's musicians play the drums, guitar, congas, duduk, a traditional
Armenian woodwind instrument, and the Middle Eastern dombag, or drum.
"We are a mix from all over the world," Tomopoulos said. "It pushes
the envelope to be able to experiment with a mix of styles."
The concert will showcase performers who are making their debut in
the community, Tatoulian said, adding that the goal is to present a
platform to encourage the musicians to continue what they are doing.
Cantus Capella, a progressive rock band, is set to perform for the
first time at the Alex Theatre.
The band has been together since February, bassist Armen Hovsepian
said.
"We are very melodic and heavy at the same time," he said. "I can't
say it's for an older crowd."
Cantus Capella fans range in ages from 16 to 26, Hovsepian said.
Their music is a fusion of rock and ethnic blends and is open to
interpretation.
"It's mainly mainstream rock, but we haven't worked Armenian song
angles into it yet," Hovsepian said. "One of the most characteristic
qualities is the vocal range. It's a high register for the male voice,
which makes the melody stand out. The music is very bass-driven."
Cantus Capella is the only rock band scheduled to play Saturday.
"We feel very proud to be able to play in an Armenian cultural event,"
Hovsepian said.
"We have such a diverse sound that it might push some buttons or
raise some eyebrows."
For Glendale resident Sonya Varoujian, Saturday's concert is also
the first time she will take the stage at the Alex Theatre.
Varoujian will perform a selection of her original songs. She will
sing five songs in Armenian and one in English.
"I would say the songs are more in the line of traditional,"
Varoujian said.
"It's not the same songs regurgitated in a different style. It's
new lyrics."
Varoujian's songs are a reflection of herself, she said.
"I would say it's exactly a product of who I am," she said. "I am
an Armenian who grew up in England and New York with a traditional
Armenian upbringing. The songs are about love and in all its forms.
They are very personal."
The concert will also showcase the music of Zulal, an Armenian a
cappella folk trio, and Ochion and Areni, a duo who will perform
contemporary classical music, jazz, free jazz and Armenian music.