Mariam Kharatyan, Vigen Balasanyan & Alessandra Bossa - RE-CREATION (2026)

Medieval hymns like Havun, Havun (Bird, Bird) by Grigor Narekatsi (10th century) and Nor tsaghik (New Flower) by Nerses Shnorhali (12th century) were seamlessly blended with improvisations, allowing the audience to experience these spiritual works in a fresh, modern context. Balasanyan’s mastery of the blul brought the haunting, ancient melodies to life, while Bossa’s live remixing techniques wove contemporary textures into the traditional framework.

The performance also featured a selection of folk songs documented by Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935), including Matniqy Matovs Cher (The Ring Misfit My Finger), Tun Ari (Come Home), and Kanche Krunk (Call, Crane). These lyrical love songs, performed with a deep reverence for their origins, were transformed through live electronics and piano into complex, layered compositions. Kharatyan’s emotive playing breathed life into Komitas’ works, while Bossa’s remixing and vocal effects introduced an unexpected yet harmonious element to the traditional melodies.

The RE-CREATION project’s emphasis on improvisation and live remixing gave the concert a dynamic, spontaneous energy. The fusion of classical piano, Armenian folk instruments, and live electronics created a unique soundscape that felt both ancient and futuristic. Bossa’s live electronic manipulations were particularly innovative, adding depth and texture without overshadowing the traditional instruments.

Vigen Balasanyan’s performances on duduk and blul provided a strong connection to Armenian cultural heritage, while Kharatyan’s virtuosic piano playing anchored the performance in classical music traditions. The interplay between these elements, guided by each performer’s artistry and improvisational instincts, allowed for a fresh reinterpretation of Armenian music.

Mariam Kharatyan, piano
Vigen Balasanyan, duduk, blul
Alessandra Bossa, live electronics, voice

Tracklist
01 Lullaby (Trio version)
02 For Our Salvation (Trio version)
03 Bird, Bird (Trio version)
04 New Flower (Trio version)
05 The Ring Misfit My Finger (Trio version)
06 Come Home (Trio version)
07 He Walked Shining (Trio version)
08 You Are A Plane Tree (Trio version)
09 Call, Crane (Trio version)
10 Lullaby (Duo version)
11 For Our Salvation (Duo version)
12 Bird, Bird (Duo version)
13 New Flower (Duo version)
14 The Ring Misfit My Finger (Duo version)
15 Come Home (Duo version)
16 He Walked Shining (Duo version)
17 You Are A Plane Tree (Duo version)
18 Call, Crane (Duo version)