Author Archives: aratopouzian
TheOudPlayer Releases Album – nOUD
Antranig Kzirian has always loved music and so it was no surprise that he gravitated to the oud (Middle Eastern lute) as a young Armenian musician from Philadelphia. “The oud cast a spell over me from a young age. The … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, art, music
Tagged Armenian, Bilezikjian, mgrdichian, music, nOUD, oud, solo
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Giving back, providing a difference to Detroit children
The other day I was given a unique opportunity to “pay it forward” within the Detroit community by providing music and education to area children. The Detroit Institute for Children provides a passionate, integrated approach to services for Michigan’s children … Continue reading
Mimi’s kanun gets a new life
Over twenty years ago, I purchased a kanun from an artist named Mimi Spencer. She was a fantastic person, very giving of her talent and time to musicians. I dont remember when or how I met her, but it was before … Continue reading
Posted in music, Uncategorized
Tagged dupont, kanun, Middle Eastern music, mimi spencer, pvf, strings
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Kresge Artists in Detroit – 2017 Class
Always an exciting time of the year for me when the Kresge Artist Fellows are announced and I can look to see if a friend of mine has won. It is equally enjoyable for me to meet new Fellows and … Continue reading
Posted in art, detroit, Journalism, Uncategorized
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An Armenian Trilogy – World Premiere this October, 2017
As a proud Armenian, I have always been conscience of the Armenian Genocide and as a rule, made sure to try and educate non-Armenians about the Genocide. When the 100th anniversary of the Genocide was upon us, this sense of … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, detroit, music, Uncategorized
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Armenian musician, Set Proodian passes at 97
On May 25, 2017, the Armenian music world lost another one of its members; Set Proodian passed away at the age of 97. I did not personally know Set, but I was certainly familiar with who he was as a musician along … Continue reading
An Open Letter to Film Critics about The Promise
Dear film critics, Since its release on April 21st, much has been written and commented about the major motion picture, The Promise. Articles describing the making of the film and its importance have been well documented and favorable, however my disappointment and … Continue reading
Posted in armenian genocide, Journalism, Uncategorized
Tagged armenian genocide, Box Office, Christian Bale, film, Kirk Kerkorian, Oscar Isaac, The Promise
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The Promise – Detroit Premiere
In many ways, this is a difficult blog for me to put together. So many thoughts and directions I want to take and talk about surrounding the major motion picture, The Promise especially as today marks the 102nd anniversary of … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, music, Uncategorized
Tagged Christian Bale, detroit, Eric Esrailian, film premiere, kanun, Kirk Kerkorian, Livonia, michigan, music, Oscar Isaac, oud, Phoenix Theatres, Terry George, The Promise
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Creative Class: Bruce Giffin
Being painfully self taught after 30 years of beating my head against the wall, I stopped long enough in 2011 to receive a Kresge Artist Fellowship for a project called “The Face Of Detroit”. I am humbled beyond words and … Continue reading
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Creative Class: Michael Zadoorian
Michael Zadoorian is the author of two novels, THE LEISURE SEEKER (William Morrow) and SECOND HAND (W.W. Norton) and a story collection, THE LOST TIKI PALACES OF DETROIT (Wayne State University Press). A motion picture of THE LEISURE SEEKER starring … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, Journalism
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HYE Times 