06 04 12 - Armenian Navy Band has won the “Audience Award”

Armenia’s favorite exotic ensemble, the Armenian Navy Band has won the “Audience Award” of the prestigious BBC Awards for World Music. Two months ago, ANB were selected as finalists, by votes of fans via Internet.

Four groups, including ANB (three others were from Brazil, Iraq and Italy), were judged by a panel of music critics and the Armenians came out on top.

The 12-member orchestra (www.albakultur.de/alba/armenian) is led by percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan and has become popular for its “avant-garde folk” interpretations of traditional Armenian songs. On April 7, in London, Tuncboyaciyan appeared at the BBC Awards ceremony and gave a 20-minute performance.

The group is expected to hold a press conference April 12 in Yerevan.

ArmeniaNow congratulates:

Arto Tunçboyaciyan - percussion, vocals, sazabo
Anahit Artushyan - kanon
Armen Ayvazyan - kamancha
Armen Husnounts - tenor & soprano sax
David Minasyan - trombone
David Nalchajyan - alto sax
Tigran Suchyan - trumpet
Norair Kartashyan - blul, duduk, zurna
Vartan Grigoryan - duduk, zurna, clarinet
Arman Jalalyan - drums
Vahagn Hayrapetyan - piano, keyboards
Artyom Manukyan - bass, cello

V.V