“Echoes of Our Ancestors”: Arman Nshanian Brings Together Sergey Smbatyan, Serj Tankian, Tigran Hamasyan, Sona Rubenyan, Nune Yesayan and More

On September 12, 2025, the world premiere of “Echoes of Our Ancestors” will take place at the prestigious Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The artistic director of the production is filmmaker and actor Arman Nshanian, producer Asko Akopyan, and principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan.

The project unites Armenian artists from across the globe – from local cultural figures to world-renowned names.

According to Nshanian, “Echoes of Our Ancestors” is not a conventional concert. It blends elements of a musical, theatrical play, and historical narrative, creating a unique synthesis where music and history intertwine.

“When the question arose – what story should we tell – the answer was clear: our story. Nothing today feels more relevant and profound than the path of the Armenian people and our cultural resilience. This is how ‘Echoes of Our Ancestors’ was born,” says Nshanian.

The idea was first shared with his wife:

“My wife is always my first audience. Every new and daring idea, I present to her first. When I told her about this project, she immediately responded with enthusiasm. During our conversation, the title was born – Echoes of Our Ancestors. The word ‘echoes’ in English means resonance, but in Armenian, we wanted to give it deeper meaning – ‘The Call of Our Ancestors.’ That is what this project truly is: the voices of our ancestors sounding from the past into the present.”

The production is based on twenty pivotal episodes from Armenian history, presented through a combination of music, theatre, visual arts, and dance. The creative process began with Nshanian’s closest circle. Producer Asko Akopyan joined from the very first day, followed by composer Andranik Berberyan, who serves as music producer. Together, they built and refined the entire “musical map” of the show.

The performance incorporates symphonic and folk orchestras, LED screens and visuals, and both modern and traditional choreography.

One of the first to join was Serj Tankian.

“Serj had already worked with us as the composer for our film ‘Amerikatsi,’ so there was an existing bond. When Asko presented this project to him, he not only agreed immediately but became deeply involved in every stage. His presence is both ideological and artistic,” Nshanian emphasizes.

Performers were chosen not only for their musical mastery but also for their ability to embody historical eras, values, and symbols. As Nshanian notes, “They are not simply performers – they are actors.”

The lineup includes Serj Tankian, Tigran Hamasyan, Inga and Anush Arshakyan, Sebu, Garnik Sargsyan, Sona Rubenyan, Sevak Amroyan, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Barsegh Tumanyan, Nune Yesayan, Armen Movsisyan, Perch Karazian, Suren Arustamyan, Lyudvig Ispiryán, the Haykian Choir, the Zvartnots Dance Ensemble, and others.

The choice of venue – the world-famous Greek Theatre – was deliberate.

“Despite its 6,000-seat capacity, it maintains an intimate atmosphere. That was exactly what we needed. I never doubted this performance belonged on that stage. From the beginning, our vision was clear: this story had to be told under the open sky, directly beneath the stars. As a tribute to our ancestors, it had to resonate the way ancient ballads once did – naturally, in open space, before the people,” explains Nshanian.

Securing the venue, however, was not easy.

“For months, Asko Akopyan and I tried to establish contact. Finally, through persistence and with the support of the city authorities, we managed to reach the right channels, sign the agreements, and move forward,” he recalls.

For Nshanian, this has been one of the most challenging projects of his career:

“This is perhaps the boldest and most complex undertaking of my life. Honestly, it would have been impossible without support. From day one, producer Asko Akopyan has stood by me with selfless dedication. We are also deeply grateful to Sirvard Kavukchyan for her unwavering support.”

The project has also been embraced by major institutions and individuals. Nshanian highlights the support of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, as well as devoted Armenian families and patrons such as Tiran and Gohar Ohanyan, Shushan Karapetyan, and many others.

Today, all of them are united under the People of Our Cultural Foundation as members of its council.

“We are not merely creating a performance – we are building a platform that sustains Armenian culture. Our mission is to continue creating for the benefit of our nation and heritage, to ensure that Armenian culture does not fade but flourishes and thrives for generations, as it always has,” Nshanian affirms.

Following its world premiere, the production will embark on a global tour, with performances in Yerevan, Canada, Russia, France, South America, and New York. In Armenia, the show will be presented outdoors and free of charge – as a tribute to the ancestors, homeland, and people.

Its central message is clear: to remember where we come from, and to be proud that we are here.