Arts & Entertainment
Farmington Hills Resident to Perform with Virginia University Symphony
Ara Topouzian will debut an original composition for the kanun.
World music artist Ara Topouzian, a Farmington Hills resident, has been invited to perform with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Symphony on Jan. 24 in Richmond, VA.
Topouzian will perform the U.S. premier of an original composition by VCU music professor/composer Doug Richards entitled “Ben Seni Variations.” The 30-minute piece was specifically written for the kanun, a Middle Eastern harp, and weaves traditional Middle Eastern folk elements with Western European Art Music and jazz.
Along with the 60-piece symphony, Topouzian will be joining seven additional jazz soloists and the Ensemble Appassionata, an 18-member string ensemble from Montreal, Canada.
Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to perform such piece of work alongside some of the most prestigious musicians in jazz and classical music today,” Topouzian said.
The Michigan-born, Armenian-American musician's proficiency at the kanun has made him a nationally-recognized and award-winning artist. He has performed at music festivals and many celebrated venues with top world music artists.
Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
For more information about Topouzian, visit aratopouzian.com. To learn more about the Jan. 24, 8 p.m. concert in Virginia, visit vcu.edu.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.