RE-CREATION Concert featuring Mariam Kharatyan, Alessandra Bossa, and Vigen Balasanyan

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time:

18:30: Introduction by Eric Peterson with students from the electronic music program.

19:00: Main performance by Mariam Kharatyan, Alessandra Bossa, and Vigen Balasanyan.

Venue: Kammersalen, KNUDEN
Admission: Free

Link to the concert here:

https://www.fragmentfestival.no/program2024/re-creation

Link to the event:
https://fb.me/e/6XK1bgZb1

About the Project: RE-CREATION

RE-CREATION is a unique and experimental music project that aims to reinterpret Armenian folk and medieval music by blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences. The performance features a mix of classical piano, traditional Armenian instruments, and live electronics, creating an innovative fusion that reimagines the rich heritage of Armenian music.

Instruments and Artists:
Mariam Kharatyan: Piano
Vigen Balasanyan: Duduk and blul (Armenian folk instruments)
Alessandra Bossa: Live electronics and voice

Through the interplay of these diverse sound worlds, the artists will explore new musical dimensions, offering a fresh perspective on traditional melodies.The project emphasizes improvisation and live remixing, resulting in a dynamic and spontaneous musical experience.

Musical Selections

The concert will feature a selection of Armenian folk and spiritual songs from different centuries, aiming to guide the audience through a journey of musical reimagination and reinterpretation.

Highlights include: Medieval Sacred Hymns:

Vasn Meroy Prkutean (For Our Salvation) by Anania Shirakaci, 7th century
Havun, Havun (Bird, Bird) by Grigor Narekatsi, 10th century
Nor tsaghik (New Flower) by Nerses Shnorhali, 12th century
Folk Songs Documented by Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935):

Matniqy Matovs Cher (The Ring Misfit My Finger)
Tun Ari (Come Home)
Qeler, Tsoler (He Walked Shining)
Kanche Krunk (Call, Crane)
Akna Oror (Lullaby from Akn)

Artists’ Biographies

Alessandra Bossa: A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Agder, Bossa is a versatile artist combining classical roots with contemporary electronic music. Her work spans avant-garde, jazz, and remixing, and she has performed at numerous international festivals. Bossa has gained recognition with her electro-acoustic duo O-Janà and other collaborative projects.

Vigen Balasanyan: An Armenian folk musician proficient in traditional instruments like the duduk and blul, Balasanyan’s career spans solo performances and collaborations with ensembles and jazz bands. He has performed internationally and contributed to the album Komitas, Shoror, highlighting the intersection of Armenian folk traditions with modern interpretations.

Mariam Kharatyan: An accomplished Armenian-Norwegian pianist and Associate Professor of Arts at the University of Agder, Kharatyan specializes in integrating Armenian folk music with classical and contemporary styles. Her artistic research, performances, and recordings have been celebrated for their innovation and depth, bridging cultural and musical divides.

This concert promises a unique and enriching experience, showcasing the beauty of Armenian music through a modern lens.