The Golden Age of Armenian-American Band Music

Master oud player, musician, and composer Ara Dinkjian takes us on a nostalgic journey to uncover the roots and evolution of the distinctively Armenian-American folk music bands in the United States. During the dynamic period of resettlement of Genocide survivors in America, these musicians produced a unique sound that blended “old-country” standards and American influences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For those who came of age to the soundtrack of musical giants like the Vosbikians, George Mgrditchian, Richard Hagopian, Harry Minassian, Onnik Dinkjian and Johnny Berberian, to name but a few, Dinkjian offers fascinating facts and insights about how the legacy of this golden age of Armenian-American music continues to define the Armenian identity across generations.

Originally published Մայիս 2024.

About the speaker

Ara Dinkjian

Ara Dinkjian is a renowned Armenian-American musician and composer known for his mastery of the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument. His musical journey began early, influenced by his father Onnik Dinkjian, a prominent Armenian-American folk singer. The Hartt School graduate is the founder of the band Night Ark and is credited with pioneering a blend of traditional folk melodies with modern compositions. His discography includes solo albums like "An Armenian in America" and "Conversation with Manol," showcasing his virtuosity and innovation in the World Music category. His melody “Homecoming (Dinata, Dinata)” was performed during the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Dinkjian is recognized for promoting cultural understanding through his live performances in as many as 28 countries, in addition to his masterclass workshops worldwide. His one-man crusade to collect the earliest recordings of Armenian-American songs, derived from authentic “old-country” favorites, represents a significant breakthrough in Armenian heritage preservation. Over 6,000 78rpm recordings produced in the U.S. and overseas are slated to be inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress in 2024, thanks to Dinkjian’s tireless efforts.

Ara Dinkjian