Komitas Vartabed, an Armenian Orthodox priest, applied his Western classical music education to notate and arrange ancient Armenian folk songs, introducing lush modern harmonies to a traditionally melodic art form.
Performer Biography
The Aznavoorian Duo consists of Armenian American siblings Ani Aznavoorian (cellist) and Marta Aznavoorian (pianist), who are renowned for their passion, artistry, and energy.
Performer Biography
The Aznavoorian Duo won first prize in the Illinois Bell Young Performers Competition, leading to a televised performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Historical Context
Mount Ararat, a cloud-veiled mountain where Noah's Ark is said to have rested, is an iconic symbol of Armenia, the first Christian nation, despite being behind a hostile armed border.
Composition History
Peter Boyer composed "Mount Ararat" specifically for the Aznavoorian Duo for this project, reflecting Armenia's biblical heritage and tragic history.
Performer Biography
Ani Aznavoorian, the cellist, performs on a cello made in Chicago by her father, Peter Aznavoorian.
Album & Artwork
The album "Gems from Armenia" was conceived out of gratitude to the people of Armenia after the Aznavoorian Duo's debut recital in Yerevan in 2017.
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