LOS ANGELES—Acclaimed French-Armenian singer Vicken Tarpinian will perform a limited-engagement series of concerts at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale, California, next month. The events, scheduled for early- through mid-May, will include a set dinner from Phoenicia Restaurant’s award-winning menu.
“We’re extremely pleased that our patrons will have the opportunity to see Vicken perform live while enjoying our Mediterranean ambience,” said Ara Kalfayan, owner and manager of Phoenicia Restaurant.
“I’ve been an admirer of Vicken’s music for many years,” Kalfayan continued. “And I thought it would be great for us to host a concert series here in the heart of the Los Angeles Armenian community, where Vicken has a huge following.”
Recognized as one of today’s most accomplished interpreters of Armenian folk and patriotic music, Tarpinian was the co-founder (with Harout Bezjian) of the 1970s acoustic-folk group HARTAR. In more recent years he co-founded the group ARTAR, with guitarist Aren Emirze. These collaborations, as well as Tarpinian’s solo work, have yielded a string of beloved albums, including his latest CD, titled Nor Tar.
Tarpinian’s music continues to earn high praise from critics and a worldwide audience alike, thanks to his smooth, distinctive voice, polished arrangements, and modern renditions of folk gems. Tarpinian is also noted as a composer in his own right.
Commenting on his upcoming concert series at Phoenicia Restaurant, Tarpinian said: “For a musician such as myself, the ultimate joy is to perform in front of a gathering of fans who are devotees of the Armenian folk tradition.”
“I also love the fact that the concerts will be held at Phoenicia Restaurant, which is a wonderfully intimate venue,” he continued. “I think Phoenicia provides an ideal setting for live performances of Armenian folk songs, which are at turns reflective, moving, and tremendously life-affirming — and of course never less than colorful. I very much look forward to sharing them once again with my Los Angeles fans.”
Accompanied on stage by pianist Patrice Peyrieras, Tarpinian will perform an extensive program of popular favorites, including songs from the Nor Tar album. The six concerts at Phoenicia Restaurant will comprise a special program on the night of May 9, in celebration of Mothers’ Day.
“This will be indeed a special night for me, because it will give us all an opportunity to honor Armenian mothers, who are the true bastions of Armenian culture, especially in the diaspora,” Tarpinian said.
Tarpinian will perform on Thursday, May 6; Friday, May 7; Sunday, May 9; Wednesday, May 12; Thursday, May 13; and Friday, May 14. The events will start at 7 p.m. with the serving of dinner.
Tickets range from $50 to $75 per person and include a set dinner of appetizers, entrées, soft drinks, coffee, and dessert. Early reservations recommended.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call Phoenicia Restaurant at (818) 956-7800.