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Lara Sarkissian Presents: Armenian Diaspora in the U.S

Earth, 16.12.24

This program is created by LA based electronic musician and NTS resident Lara Sarkissian — from the artist's personal collection, family CDs and cassettes, and digs from the Rocky Hill Records archive.

"Music from Armenians in the U.S. diaspora reflect a rich blend of tradition and adaptation, shaped by both the preservation of cultural identity and the influence of the diverse American musical landscape. For over a century, Armenian Americans have maintained a deep connection to their roots while also embracing the cultural and musical dynamism of the United States.

The music often carries the weight of history, with a focus on themes of survival, displacement, and resilience, particularly due to the traumatic impacts of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Traditional music, such as the haunting sounds of the duduk and the rhythmic patterns of Armenian folk songs, remains a cornerstone of Armenian American cultural expression. Armenian dance music, one of its popular genres, has been shaped by a variety of traditional dances that reflect the country's deep connection to its land, people, and heritage. Each of these dances — whether energetic or graceful, celebratory or solemn — encapsulate the cultural spirit that spans millennia, from ancient pagan traditions to the Christian era, and the complex regional histories that have shaped the Armenian people. The dances themselves often reflect different aspects of Armenian life, from the celebratory to the ritualistic."

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Tracklist

  • 0:00:40
    Onnik Dinkjian
    America (New York, Boston, California) [With Orchestra Arax]
  • 0:03:43
    Adiss Harmandian
    Hantibum
  • 0:06:15
    Maxim Panossian
    Anoush Yar
  • Paul Baghdadlian
    Odaroutiun
  • Joe Maneri, Udi Hrant 
    Oud Taxim
  • Alex Menakian
    Djeyrani Bes
  • Armine Mardirosian
    Mayrikin (Parérg Shiraki)
  • Andre Danik
    Teh Ari Anush Yar
  • Helen Matevosian
    Merik
  • Harout Pamboukjian
    Kousan Pakrad
  • Robert Chilingirian
    Msho Aghchig
  • Paul Baghdadlian
    Chkides
  • Jozeph Sefian
    Karoun E Yegel (Spring Has Come) [Darone Sassounian Edit]
  • Richard Hagopian, Hachig Kazarian, Buddy Sarkissian, Jack Chalikian, Manny Petro 
    Armenian Folk Dance Medley
  • Ara Dinkjian 
    Anna Tol' Ya
  • Lara Sarkissian
    Our Dead Can't Rest (Old Jugha Flute Dance)