Fragment Festival presented CreaTeME concert production at the 27th of September!
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Venue: Kammersalen, KNUDEN
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
The RE-CREATION concert, held at Kammersalen as part of the 2024 Fragment Festival, offered a compelling reimagining of Armenian folk and medieval music. Introduced by Eric Peterson and students from the electronic music program, the event began with an insightful discussion on the fusion of tradition and contemporary influences in music. The stage was then set for the main performance, where pianist Mariam Kharatyan, folk musician Vigen Balasanyan, and live electronics artist Alessandra Bossa took the audience on a journey of sonic exploration.
The performance opened with Anania Shirakaci’s 7th-century hymn Vasn Meroy Prkutean (For Our Salvation), featuring Kharatyan on piano and Balasanyan on the duduk. The combination of the ancient Armenian woodwind with classical piano set the tone for an evening of boundary-pushing creativity. Bossa’s subtle use of live electronics added an otherworldly dimension, transforming the space into a meeting point between past and present.
Medieval hymns like Havun, Havun (Bird, Bird) by Grigor Narekatsi (10th century) and Nor tsaghik (New Flower) by Nerses Shnorhali (12th century) were seamlessly blended with improvisations, allowing the audience to experience these spiritual works in a fresh, modern context. Balasanyan’s mastery of the blul brought the haunting, ancient melodies to life, while Bossa’s live remixing techniques wove contemporary textures into the traditional framework.
The performance also featured a selection of folk songs documented by Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935), including Matniqy Matovs Cher (The Ring Misfit My Finger), Tun Ari (Come Home), and Kanche Krunk (Call, Crane). These lyrical love songs, performed with a deep reverence for their origins, were transformed through live electronics and piano into complex, layered compositions. Kharatyan’s emotive playing breathed life into Komitas’ works, while Bossa’s remixing and vocal effects introduced an unexpected yet harmonious element to the traditional melodies.
The RE-CREATION project’s emphasis on improvisation and live remixing gave the concert a dynamic, spontaneous energy. The fusion of classical piano, Armenian folk instruments, and live electronics created a unique soundscape that felt both ancient and futuristic. Bossa’s live electronic manipulations were particularly innovative, adding depth and texture without overshadowing the traditional instruments.
Vigen Balasanyan’s performances on duduk and blul provided a strong connection to Armenian cultural heritage, while Kharatyan’s virtuosic piano playing anchored the performance in classical music traditions. The interplay between these elements, guided by each performer’s artistry and improvisational instincts, allowed for a fresh reinterpretation of Armenian music.
The RE-CREATION concert was a masterclass in blending tradition with modernity, offering a captivating glimpse into the future of Armenian music. The fusion of classical, folk, and electronic sounds was executed with precision and creativity, creating a truly immersive experience. For those in attendance, the concert provided not only an appreciation of Armenia’s rich musical heritage but also a new lens through which to view it. The spontaneous nature of the performance, driven by live improvisation, made each moment unique, ensuring that the audience left with a deep sense of connection to the evolving world of music.
This concert was a testament to the power of collaboration across genres and eras, with Kharatyan, Balasanyan, and Bossa delivering a performance that will resonate for a long time. The RE-CREATION project continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic possibilities, and this evening’s performance was a brilliant showcase of their vision.