Author Archives: aratopouzian
Kresge Arts in Detroit announces 2021 Fellows
I have often said that receiving the Kresge Artist Fellowship over nine years ago was a musical game changer for me. The doors it opened for me as a musician allowed me to create and afforded me unique opportunities to … Continue reading
Posted in art, detroit, Uncategorized
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The Great Duduk Master Has Passed
The entire world music community has lost a true living legend, Armenian duduk master Djivan Gasparyan has died at the age of 92. The duduk is exclusively and internationally known as the instrument of Armenia. Made out of apricot wood with … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, art, Duduk, film, music, world music
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Sweet Partridge; Performing with my daughter
We performed together for the first time a few days ago. My daughter and I played an Armenian folk song and I wanted to share the experience with you. My twelve-year old daughter, Aline is in the 6th grade and … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, detroit, music, Reflections
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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HYE Times 