Guardians of Music: Armenian Music in Detroit | Ara Topouzian | TEDxOaklandUniversity

In 1915, over 1.5 million Armenians were massacred by order of the Turkish government. Many escaped and came to America to start a new life. 100 years later, the Detroit Armenian community continues to survive along with the preservation of its culture. This year, observance of the Armenian Genocide is taking place around the globe and Ara Topouzian, an accomplished world music artist, produced a film documentary about the history of Armenian music in Detroit. He will share how he is helping preserve this music as well as demonstrate his passion of Armenian music by performing on the kanun, an ancient harp with over 76 strings.
Ara Topouzian is an Armenian-American musician whose proficiency at the kanun (Middle Eastern harp) has made him a nationally-recognized artist. Ara has performed in concerts, music festivals, and at many celebrated venues across the United States. Topouzian’s traditional musical style keeps to his Armenian heritage but has expanded to include music from around the Middle East, as well as jazz, fusion, new age, and blues. The recipient of numerous awards, his music has been heard and sold around the globe. In 2012, Topouzian won the Kresge Artist Fellowship, awarded by the Kresge Arts of Detroit, followed by the Knight Arts Challenge from the Knight Foundation awarded in 2013, and most recently Ara produced the film documentary, Guardians of Music: A History of Armenian Music in Detroit.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@Mygreenterritoy]

So beautiful thank you for sharing our history so grateful for your work and your music medicine and btw this is one of the best Ted talks I ever watched got me emotional also

[@arlettekhederlarian9319]

Merci Monsieur Topouzian, pour nous avoir presente si fierement , salut du Canada

[@JanDurgen]

Thank you Ara Topouzian !!! I loved listening to your video as well as your music. It's so wonderful that you are keeping the Armenian history/music alive with your amazing contribution. It's so important, and it amazes me that you can do this as well as work. Thank you again, as I have little knowledge of my Armenian heritage, except from my grandmother who fled Turkey in the early 1900s (They entered through NY, traveled to Fresno, CA). I'm proud of the Armenian blood I have, and I just hope my nieces and nephews will learn enough about the resilient, intelligent & beautiful people of Armenia. (Armenians take care of one another like FAMILY). I just think that is so rare in today's world. Without family, civilization declines. May the young Armenians never forget that...

[@RailGoddess]

Very nice presentation. I learned a lot from viewing this video. Thank you for posting. Cathy Stanfill of Huntington Beach, CA

[@arminehakobyan9949]

Thank you for sharing and keeping Armenian culture.

[@Susanc06]

Thank you for sharing 😀

[@talosheeg]

Shnorhagal em Ara!!!

[@patrast4464]

Tremendous

[@GAGA-kr5rg]

My mother is a Topouzian! Regards!

[@rrasgar]

Sad story

[@nb4ag]

xoxoxox :(