Experience the living pulse of Armenian folk culture through a captivating performance by Lernazang Ensemble, a collective of musicians, dancers, and ethnomusicologists dedicated to preserving and reimagining Armenian music and dance. Featuring the evocative sounds of duduk, oud, dhol, and voice, alongside Armenian dance, the ensemble brings to life the music and movement of Western Armenia (Anatolia) and the Southern Caucasus. Their approach aims to revitalize Armenian folk heritage by blending deep cultural research with striking artistic expression.
Members of the audience are invited to engage with the artists in a Q&A following the performance to learn more about the traditions, history, and contemporary significance of Armenian music and dance.
About the Artists
Lernazang is a nonprofit organization, cultural collective, and performance ensemble based in Los Angeles. Their mission is to decolonize Armenian dance and music aesthetics while strengthening Armenian cultural heritage in the diaspora.
Founded in 2017, Lernazang provides community dance classes, workshops, and performances throughout the Los Angeles area. Performing in the Armenian azgagrakan style, Lernazang merges critical academic inquiry and ethnographic research with intergenerational transmission in order to reshape Armenian identity in the post-genocide diaspora. Through an artistic approach that is grounded in both historical perspective and contemporary critique, Lernazang's music and dance grapple with current social issues while enriching the cultural landscape of LA.
