July 16 (Tuesday), 19:00
 Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall

GURDJIEFF ENSEMBLE
Artistic Director: Levon Eskenian

The internationally acclaimed Gurdjieff Ensemble, led by founder Levon Eskenian and comprised of Armenia’s leading musicians performing traditional Armenian instruments, recently released their highly anticipated third album, “Zartir”, on the prestigious German label ECM Records.
This album reimagines G.I. Gurdjieff’s music with folk instrumentation and delves into the rich tradition of Armenian ashughs and poets, featuring Jivani, Baghdasar Dpir, and Sayat-Nova, with an emphasis on vocals.

Their illustrious history includes celebrated albums “Music of Georges I. Gurdjieff” and “Komitas” on ECM Records, earning prestigious awards such as the Edison Awards in the Netherlands. With a remarkable track record of performances in nearly 150 cities across 30 countries and consistently sold-out concerts at major venues and festivals worldwide, the Armenian Gurdjieff Ensemble transcends boundaries, seamlessly connecting ancient and contemporary traditions from East and West through the soulful essence of Armenian music.
The New York Times lauds their music as “powerfully hypnotic”, delivering a culturally specific and vivid musical experience.

“Powerfully hypnotic. The Gurdjieff Ensemble offers listeners a chance to hear the music in a way that is ethnically specific, and in jolting bright color.” – New York Times
“Hunting and atmospheric.” – The Guardian
“The duduk permeates everything with its mournful grace, with the oud and tar lute, the kanun zither, and the daf frame drum adding to their evocative sound.” – BBC
“This is a substantial piece of musical archaeology and resuscitation.” – Songlines
“The combination of instrumental voices, and the otherness of the voices themselves creates deep and mysterious.” – The Independent

The Gurdjieff Ensemble
Levon Eskenian – artistic director; arranger
Norayr Gapoyan – duduk, zurna, pku
Gagik Hakobyan – bass duduk, pku
Avag Margaryan – blul, zurna
Armen Ayvazyan – kamancha
Aram Nikoghosyan – oud, bells
Tatev Hakobyan– kanon
Vladimir Papikyan – santur, voice, burvar
Davit Avagyan – tar, saz
Mesrop Khalatyan – dap, tmbuk