with Special Guest Ara Dinkjian

In Armenian, zulal means “clear water.” Zulal, an a cappella trio, takes Armenia’s village folk melodies and weaves intricate arrangements that pay tribute to the rural roots of the music while introducing a sophisticated lyricism and energy. The trio celebrates the trials and joys of old Armenian village life: girls cast fortunes by the moon’s light, morning smoke rises from the tonir, young brides weave golden threads through their hair as others spin wool into gossip. These images of the past come to life in Zulal’s arrangements, hearkening back to a simpler time, providing tokens of comfort in our increasingly complex, modern world. Zulal’s singers, Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian and Anaïs Tekerian, have performed in venues around the world, as well as in Cirque du Soleil and The Silk Road Project.

“Zulal, an a cappella trio of Armenian-American women who refract ancestral folk songs through the prism of the collegiate close-harmony group, and do so to spectacular effect.” -New York Magazine

Ara Dinkjian is also considered one of the best oud players in the world. His songs have been recorded by world famous instrumentalists and singers in fourteen different languages, demonstrating that music does indeed unite people and cultures. His hit song “Dinata, Dinata” was performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympics.