Years of war and conquests have shaped the peoples of the Balkan region — and their strong sense of culture and heritage is what at once unites and divides them. Nations are drawn together through empathy and understanding, and united by their shared experience. Syldason, the marimba and voice duo of Longy percussionist Sylvie Zakarian and Daniela Tosic explore the common elements of our human experience that let us bridge the gap between our identities. Hear music in folk and classical traditions from a wide range of Balkan composers throughout the ages. Take in the unique sound of the marimba and get a fresh perspective on the history that has bound together and divided Balkan peoples.
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You Are Welcome Here | Sylvie Zakarian, percussionist | Faculty Artist Recital
Saturday • March 12, 2022 | 7:30 pm
Free – $20.00
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Armenian-Bulgarian Sylvie Zakarian began her foray into music on the piano, but a chance encounter with a xylophone at age 10 became a life-long passion. Today, she is the winner of international music competitions and prizes, and has given critically acclaimed performances at venues including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall Theater in New York, Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, Berklee Performance Center, Cutler Majestic Theater and the Citi Performing Arts Center in Boston. As part of the Classic FM European Summer Festival, Sylvie returned to her native country after 20 years to play in the concert hall of the State Music Academy in Sofia that launched her career.
Zakarian, performing on what is an unconventional instrument for a woman, ardently works to involve the solo marimba into the classical repertoire through the transcription of works from other instruments’ established repertoire. In addition, she has commissioned new music for marimba and is always eager to perform original compositions. Highlights include the premiere of Dzon, homage to composer and former Arlingtonian Alan Hovanness, on the occasion of the 100th year of his birth, written exclusively for Zakarian by Pasquale Tassone; Concerto for Marimba by Scott Ethier, as well as the Boston premier of Melancholy Beauty an Oratorio by Georgi Andreev.
Zakarian holds an ARCM in percussion performance from the Royal College of Music in London, as well as a Master’s Degree in Marimba Performance from The Boston Conservatory – all with honors. Among her accomplishments during her years of residence in the United Kingdom include winning the ARCO scholarship for a solo performer by The Good Offices of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Zakarian’s early performances were played in prestigious venues including The Royal Overseas League and The Chelsea Festival. She made her British radio debut on the BBC’s “Classic FM”, followed by a solo recital on BBC Radio 3’s “Young Artist’s Forum.”
In addition to her performing engagements, Sylvie is a sought-after teacher and clinician. She is a Conservatory Faculty of the Longy School of Music of Bard College; Chair of Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion at the Winchester Community Music School; and is an affiliate instructor at the Office for the Arts at Harvard University. In these venues she presents workshops, conducts ensembles, and teaches individual percussion. In addition Sylvie has conducted master classes in setting from the Longy School of Music, to the State Academy of Music in Bulgaria, as well as the Komitas State Conservatory in Armenia.
While this event is open to the public, you must pre-register in order to gain access in person. Registering for the performance is an important step to ensure the ability of contact tracing. No walk-ups will be allowed at Longy for performances.
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