Oudflections Concert Duet Performance in Hollywood

Following the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian tradition of oud mastery during the Ottoman period not only survived but thrived in the Eastern United States and Fresno areas during the 20th century. Berberian and Kzirian are members of a sacred network of passionate musicians committed to staving off further endangerment of Armenian oud playing. Their lifelong objective has been to continue to breathe new life into the instrument and further its horizons.

“I think that John and I share a similar vigor for innovation and experimentation,” noted Kzirian. “That way, the instrument continues to expand its boundaries — although we are simply expressing the notes and melodies which are already there in the musical ether, we are, quite importantly, adding our voices and emotion and thus recreating and reimaging the music in new ways — and this is critical to the growth of Armenian oud playing into the future.”

Though over a generation apart, Berberian and Kzirian locked in unison for an exciting and educational journey of Armenian oud which left attendees chanting for repeated encores. As fate would have it, the date of the concert was on 10/8, which happens to be one of the unique time signatures as a rhythm of traditional Armenian music, and the performers fittingly included a composition in 10/8 meter to mark the occasion.

The visual of the stage was enhanced by noted rug collector and enthusiast Hrach Kozibeyokian, featuring majestic rugs dating back to 1890 (Marash) and 1909 (Artsakh). The mood and atmosphere of the visual perfectly matched the tone and sonic sensory experience provided by the master oud players. Guests were also treated to thoroughly detailed program descriptions explaining composer and song histories and narratives, which helped inform the audience of the important contributions of Armenian composers of the Ottoman era. The program uniquely included the epochal contributions of music titans Kemani Tatyos Ekserciyan and Kemani Sebuh Simonyan, among various others, and also demonstrated the cultural complexity of the Armenian oud school.

Berberian is acclaimed as one of this generation’s most treasured Armenian folk musicians. His inimitable style has brought him fame and popularity and a well-deserved title of legendary oud master. He exploded into the ethnic music world in his early 20s as the featured artist in a series of highly successful recordings, with such major companies as MGM, RCA Roulette, Verve and Mainstream records. John, a graduate of Columbia University, has been awarded several prestigious Master/Apprentice grants to teach and mentor aspiring Armenian oud students.

Kzirian is a foremost practitioner of the ancient instrument which has been critical to the development and identity of Armenian music. As a versatile performer interpreting and creating music in various styles, Antranig blends rock, classical, jazz, and folk idioms for breathtaking reimaginations of vintage works, while providing unique and extravagant soundscapes as a songwriter, featured in his projects VI×ZA, String Harmonies and Kef Time LA. Antranig studied oud with distinguished musicians Ara DerMarderosian, Ara Dinkjian, John Bilezikjian and John Berberian. Antranig’s performance and recording credits extend to Rosa Linn, Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Capital Cities and numerous others, including working directly with producers/songwriters Warren Huart and Rick Nowels.