Anniversary Celebration of Armenian Music Set to Showcase Renowned Armenian Composer, Artur Avanesov
The UCLA Armenian Music Program, an integral part of the broader activities of the Promise Armenian Institute, is set to host a series of events celebrating Armenian music and arts. The program, which focuses on promoting Armenian musical heritage within the academic and local community, has been an active part of UCLA’s Armenian cultural offerings since its launch in 2013.
On May 26, the day's special guest, pianist and composer Artur Avanesov, will perform in a concert at 5:00 p.m. at Schoenberg and Lani Hall. Avanesov, trained in composition at the Yerevan State Conservatory in Armenia, is known for his work on the Deutsche Grammophon label, Albany Records, and others. The concert will be preceded by a "meet the artist" session, featuring Avanesov and UCLA composer Ian Krouse.
The concert will showcase the 2022-23 recipients of the VEM Fellowship for the Study and Performance of Armenian Music, Adam Frary and Max Ary. The program will also feature premiers of work by Avanesov and Jahan Raymond, who was the winner of the 2023 Tigran Mansurian Competition.
Local Armenian school students can participate in a dance workshop, while the event is looking forward to sharing music and dance with its audience of all ages. The VEM Ensemble, with special guest Varty Manouelian, violinist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will perform the concert. The program, which performs, records, and tours regularly across the United States and the world, will also present a concert in Schoenberg Hall performed by the Armenian Music Program's resident Lernazang Ensemble, featuring Hasmik Harutyunyan.
As of now, the program has two ensembles-in-residence. The Armenian Music Program has a rich history, having hosted events including talks and concerts dedicated to significant Armenian composers and conductors, reflecting its role in promoting Armenian musical heritage within the academic and local community. The program is co-sponsored by the Promise Armenian Institute, which coordinates various Armenian cultural events and scholarly conferences at UCLA.
For precise details on upcoming concerts or featured artists, checking the Promise Armenian Institute’s event calendar or contacting the institute directly would provide the most current information. The UCLA Armenian Music Program continues to be an important cultural initiative linked to the broader activities of the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA, which focuses on Armenian cultural heritage and scholarship.
The concert on May 26, featuring Artur Avanesov, will include performances by the recipients of the VEM Fellowship for the Study and Performance of Armenian Music, Adam Frary and Max Ary. Additionally, the event will feature premiere works by Avanesov and Jahan Raymond, who won the 2023 Tigran Mansurian Competition.
