Category Archives: Uncategorized
Jim Stoynoff, Greek/Macedonian Klarino
In a recent blog about Yiannis Roussos, I mentioned my friend Jim (Dimitri) Stoynoff. He is another phenomenal musician that is a bit of a walking encyclopedia of history about Middle Eastern music and more importantly, the scales (makams) which … Continue reading
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Fred Elias (1922-2018) – Legendary Violinist
Fred Elias was a legendary musician. An Arab violinist, living to an impressive age of 95 years old, passed away only a few hours ago from the publishing of this blog. He was well regarded throughout the country, especially in … Continue reading
Posted in music, Uncategorized
Tagged arab, Armenian, Fred Elias, Middle Eastern, music arabic, violin
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Greek Santouri player Yiannis Roussos
Several years ago, I met Jim Stoynoff, a Greek/Macedonian clarinet player from Chicago. We met at a Chicago music/folk dance festival that I attended because I knew oudist Joe Zeytoonian was coming in to play the gig and we had … Continue reading
2018 Musical Resolutions … or Goals?
As the new year turns, we all have aspirational resolutions that we want to accomplish. We have all done it whether we write them down or keep them tucked in our minds. How many of those really get realized?! I … Continue reading
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Interview with Armenian Kanonist Jack Chalikian by Paul Maranian, Antranig Kzirian, Harry Kezelian
This is a in-depth personal interview with one of my Armenian musical mentors, Jack Chalikian. I wrote a short blog about Jack in 2014 but this interview gives a great insight to Jack’s background, his influences and music. Paul Maranian (Scottsdale, … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, music, Uncategorized
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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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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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HYE Times 