The Pagan Roots of Armenian Folk Music

Folk musical traditions across the world are rich with songs of play and ritual. In this video, members of the musical powerhouse Zulal explore the pagan roots in Armenian folk music. The stories and customs that pre-date Christianity still remain close to the hearts of the people and continue to be celebrated today, imbued with new meaning and bestowed a new place in the Christian calendar and tradition.

Originally published May 2017.

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Zulal A Cappella Folk Trio

Zulal, the a cappella folk trio of Armenian-American women, takes melodies from the Armenian folk tradition and weaves intricate arrangements that pay tribute to the rural roots of the music while introducing a sophisticated lyricism and energy to these songs. Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian and Anaïs Tekerian have been singing together since 2002 and have performed in such esteemed venues as the Getty Museum, Berklee College of Music, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and Symphony Space in New York. The trio has also performed for Cirque du Soleil and the Silk Road Project, scored the film Stone Time Touch and has three critically acclaimed albums to its credit.

Zulal A Cappella Folk Trio