Author Archives: aratopouzian
The Return
It seems that, at least in the United States, we are slowly seeing that “light at the end of the tunnel” that we keep hearing about as we hopefully put the pandemic behind us and return to some form of … Continue reading
Posted in art, covid19, culture, film, Gigs, music, Reflections
Leave a comment
The Genocide defines who I am as an Armenian
Those that follow my articles know that the focus has always been on arts and culture. I don’t debate politics or engage in those thoughts, unless it is about my ethnic background, being an Armenian. To me, that’s a different … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide
Tagged 106 Years Genocide, Armenian, armenian genocide, art, Genocide, music
Leave a comment
Guy Chookoorian, Iconic Armenian Musician and Entertainer (1923 – 2021)
Unique. Pioneer. When I think of the Armenian icon Guy Chookoorian, I immediately think of these words which describe this Armenian singer, musician and actor. Sadly, he passed away on January 31st at the age of 97. “He had an … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, Middle Eastern music, music, oud, Uncategorized, world music
Leave a comment
Our Home to Artsakh – Virtual Concert Fundraiser, March 25
On September 27, 2020, Armenians in Artsakh were attacked by Azerbaijani military forces. With the support of Turkey which provided weaponry and mercenary soldiers, Azerbaijan ignored international appeals to stop the aggression and to conduct peaceful negotiations. After Azerbaijan violated … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, Artsakh, detroit, music
Tagged A Year of Artsakh, Armenian, Artsakh, Ben Sharkey, Cilicia, CutTime Simfonica, Dave Bennett, detroit, Djangophonique, Genocide, GLPAA, Joshua Davis, MI, michigan, music, refugees, Rick Robinson, Saint Sarkis, War, Westbound Situation, Xiao Dong Wei
Leave a comment
Songs of Solomon, Armenia’s Entry for Academy Awards
“The boy would grow up to be known as Komitas. He would rise above his humble beginnings to eventually be known as the savior of Armenian music” Recently I had the opportunity to screen Armenia’s official entry for the upcoming … Continue reading
Chaplin and his century of legacies
Those of you that know me well are aware of the admiration I have for the art of silent movie icon, Charlie Chaplin. I have been watching his movies ever since I was a “kid”. A wonderful childhood memory I … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Did music save us during COVID?
Music has always been considered to have the ability to sooth ones nerves, a useful tool for practicing meditation and exercise. Whenever I am working in my office, I do enjoy having some light music playing in the background. It … Continue reading
Posted in covid19, detroit, Gigs, music
2 Comments
What would go in your 2020 time capsule?
Creating a time capsule that captures a period of time with items that would go into a container and buried in a location only to be discovered many years later is an age-old tradition. While I was researching the origin … Continue reading
Posted in covid19, Reflections
2 Comments
Where do we go from here?
Undoubtedly this has been the most difficult year in all of our lives. It is historical, well documented and generations will talk about it. We will never forget 2020…no matter how hard we try. Reflecting on a year can be … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Artsakh-Armenia Relief Concert on Dec. 12th
Over the past several months we have experienced many groups throughout the diaspora helping both raise awareness and funds due to the war in Artsakh. These groups have been innovative in putting together products or offering their talents to help … Continue reading
