Lara Sarkissian

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."