EVOCATIONS OF ARMENIA enchants National Arts Club and Puffin Cultural Forum

NEW YORK - April 5, 2013 - PRLog -- New York: Nora Armani (actor) and David Bakamjian (cellist) will perform their duo Evocations of Armenia by special invitation at the National Arts Club on April 15, 2013, at 7:00 pm, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003, and the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, New Jersey, on April 20, 2013 at 8:00 pm, 20 Puffin Way
Teaneck, New Jersey, 07666-4111

The rich tapestry of Armenian life and culture, both past and present, are interwoven by the haunting strings of cellist David Bakamjian with the spoken words of internationally acclaimed actress Nora Armani. The duo weaves legends, folk songs and sacred chants, as well as 20th century music, into one enchanted evening. The texts are selected by Nora and the music arranged by David for a blending both rich and poignant.

The piece was specially commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and premiered in their “Sundays at the Met” series. Subsequently the duo was invited to perform it in Armenia under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, and then again at the New York Society Library. The Premiere at the Metropolitan Museum of Art took place to a sold-out house, and the New York Society Library to a standing room audience.

Evocations of Armenia serves as an Ambassador to World Peace through the essence of Armenian culture, with its sacred and secular stories, legends and music traversing the centuries, in an hour-long Internationally transcendent program. The timing for the April commemorations of the Armenian Genocide is also ideal as the piece evokes the essence of Armenian through literature and music and is an excellent way of sharing with a non-Armenian audience the stories that make up the Armenian identity and spirit.

Gripping and dramatic tales from early pagan times to the modern era to be presented include the "Birth of Vahakn," Armenia's God of Fire and conqueror of dragons; the ancient legend of the doomed lovers of Akhtamar, and the story of the enchanted Dove Abbey. Presented in beautiful English translations by Gerald Papasian, the text is sprinkled with Armenian to give a flavor of the language. The program also includes heart-rending folk songs, beautiful sacred chants from the Middle Ages and evocative music by the 20th century composer Alan Hovhaness.

The New York Society Library wrote,

“The show is really a gem—a perfect balance of beautiful language and music, each advancing, receding, and complementing the focus of attention. It was clear that both those familiar with the material and neophytes could appreciate and feel at home with the prose, poetry, and musical selections. And of course,  [the] terrific talent [of the] performers is no small part of that.”

Nora Armani was born in Egypt of Armenian parents and has lived in 18 cities that give her a broad canvas for her stage and film performances. She has acted in several languages, recently appearing in the CBS TV Series Golden Boy. Her recent film Moving Stories premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is scheduled to be screened in the official selection at the Monaco Film Festival in May. Theatre training includes: RADA, UCLA, Théâtre du Soleil and Complicity Theatre, in addition to a number of noteworthy master classes, including with Ariane Mnouchkine, Yoshi Oyda, Irina Brook and Simon McBurney. Nora is an Honorary Member of the National Theatre of Armenia. www.noraarmani.com

David Bakamjian, who holds a doctorate from SUNY Stony Brook, has soloed with the Beijing Symphony, among others. He performs regularly as a recitalist, chamber player, and recording artist in and around New York City. In addition to appearances in New York's premiere concert halls, he has appeared several times on National Public Radio and WQXR, and was a winner or finalist in four international chamber music competitions. As a member of the Casa Verde Trio, he completed six critically acclaimed national tours and a month-long tour of China.

The performance at the National Arts Club is free and open to the public but reservations are strictly recommended. RSVP to TheatreArts@thenationalartsclub.org

video clip: http://youtu.be/bmVO5JwmZ2U



An alternate date is April 20, at 8:00 pm, Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, NJ. Booking early is recommended directly on this site or my calling, + 201.836.8923 as space is limited.
http://www.puffinculturalforum.org/events/event/245-evocations-of-armenia.html

For further in formation and interviews with Armani and Bakamjian please contact: admin@pemart.org
ALL PRESS and PUBLIC ARE CORDIALLY INVITED.