Armenian Folk Tales and Music by the Sayat Nvaq Ensemble and Marilyn McPhie

Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 3pm

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Join us for an afternoon of traditional stories and music by the Sayat Nvaq Ensemble and storyteller Marilyn McPhie. They will present a weave of words and song that will transport you to the enchanted world of Armenian traditional culture. 

Sayat Nvaq Ensemble is a San Francisco Bay Area group that delves into the rich traditions of Eastern Armenian music. The group draws its inspiration equally from the two main pillars of Armenian secular music: the classical, troubadour poet traditions of the Ashougs and Gousans such as Sayat Nova, Ashot, Djivani, & Sheram; as well as the popular, regional village music found throughout the countryside. The ensemble invites audiences, both old and new, to share their deep appreciation of this unique and evocative musical tradition.

Shea A.J. Comfort – duduk, shvi and ploul

Leslie Bonnett – voice and violin

Briget Boyle – harmonium and voice

Gary Haggerty - oud Haig Kassabian – dhol

Khatchadour Khatchadourian – voice and duduk

Marilyn McPhie has been telling stories professionally since 1985 and has performed for groups from preschool to adult, from Massachusetts to California. She has told stories for assemblies, classes and festivals, has lectured for several colleges and universities and has performed for schools, libraries, museums, civic and church groups and corporate and private gatherings. She has directed a troupe of student storytellers and has written reviews for national storytelling and parenting publications. 

Marilyn McPhie has a degree in English and French literature and is the President of the Storytellers of San Diego and a California State Liason for the National Storytelling Network. She lives in San Diego, California in an area known as Penasquitos, which means "little bluffs" — an appropriate home for a storyteller.


Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

1317 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702