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Venues and publications have permission to use any of the above photos on this page only for promotional use.
READ about Ara in HOUR Detroit Magazine (Go to page 9)
LISTEN to Ara on the Craig Fahle Show, WDET 101.9FM, NPR Radio Detroit
READ about Ara winning the 2012 Kresge Artist Fellowship
READ about Ara winning the 2022 Michigan Heritage Award
READ about Ara in the Armenian Weekly
READ about Ara in the Detroit Free Press
“I was told that there was a really outstanding kanunist in the Detroit area. I Googled “Kanun – Detroit” – and the name “Ara Topouzian” was all over my screen. After listening to various audio samplings of his work on the web, I thought – “this guy should really be able to do it”. He not only did it – he killed it! During the three days of rehearsing and the performance Ara’s aura and musical magic helped transform this event into musical heaven. Bravissimo, Ara Topouzian!!” — Composer Doug Richards, Virginia Commonwealth University
“Ara Topouzian’s eyes are almost as black as the distinctive dark coffee of his grandparent’s ancestral home in Armenia. He casts them upward as he tries to pinpoint the captivating sound of the kanun, the 76-stringed laptop harp he’s strummed for countless audiences.” — Rachel Premack, HOUR Detroit Magazine
“Topouzian has built a remarkable career as a solo and ensemble musician”. — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press
“Thank you so much for your work with us! We really enjoyed having you and your shows were amazing and well loved by the audience”. — Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
“Ara Topouzian’s music was described as “enchanting” “enlightening” and “inspiring” by our audiences at the Blacksmith Shop Concerts in Manchester, MI. Besides hearing Armenian music for the first time, we also heard historical stories that provided the background behind the music and the reasons Ara and his colleagues continue the traditions. Thank you for helping us to understand your culture through your beautiful music”. — Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization
“Ara Topouzian has brought his beautiful music and history of the Armenian culture to the Novi Library on a number of occasions. Guests are not only fascinated by the instruments, but also leave with experiencing something new and exciting. A great program for libraries!” — Julie Farkas, Library Director, Novi Public Library
“Armenian music and culture are alive in this fantastic program featuring Ara Topouzian. Any time Ara performed at Troy Public Library, we had a standing room only crowd who thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned something in the process. I highly recommend Ara as a performer and as an all-around great guy, he’s easy to work with and the audience loves him.” — Cathy Russ, former Library Director, Troy Public Library