Monthly Archives: August 2025

From Song to Autographs: When History Took the Stage

Posted on 08/11/2025 by aratopouzian

There are moments in Armenian music that remind us why we do what we do—why we sing, why we play, why we hold so tightly to the songs of our ancestors. One of those moments happened recently at Camp Haiastan, … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenian, art, culture, Middle Eastern music, oud, Reflections, world music | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When the Clarinet Fell Silent: Remembering Jim Stoynoff

Posted on 08/05/2025 by aratopouzian

I knew this day would come, but I chose to ignore it—or maybe I just wasn’t ready to accept it. Our diverse musical community, spanning Armenia, the Balkans, Greece, and the Middle East, has lost a giant. Jim “Dimitri” Stoynoff … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Middle Eastern music, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Inspiration in Flip-Flops: How Vacation Unlocks the Creative Mind

Posted on 08/04/2025 by aratopouzian

There’s something magical about watching waves crash on a beach or sipping coffee in a quaint café in a city far from home. Suddenly, ideas start bubbling up. You feel lighter, more curious, and somehow, more creative. It’s not a … Continue reading →

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August: The Month That Forgot It Had a Purpose

Posted on 08/04/2025 by aratopouzian

August is the middle child of the calendar—awkward, hot, and constantly trying to prove it matters. It doesn’t. While January is out here reinventing lives and December is hosting year-end galas, August just…exists. It’s like the tambourine of months—technically part … Continue reading →

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