“Deleyaman”

From April 19 to 30 Naregatsi Art Institute hosted “Deleyaman” (France) which was in Yerevan for the first time and performed in concerts not only at Naregatsi’s hall but also in Alavardi, Goris, Shushi & Gyumri. “Deleyaman also participated in the Commemorative event organized by NAI on April 24.

About “Deleyaman”

Friends of long date, coming from different horizons, Aret Madil the founding member of Deleyaman and Beatrice Valantin, came together in the fall of 2000. Along with Gerard Madilian, they began working on what was to become their 1st album. In the following months, Mia Björlingsson joined the band to complete the line up. After listening to the band’s demo, Nech an independent label based in Paris signed Deleyaman in early 2001. Two albums have been released since then and the third Deleyaman album is due for release may 15, 2006 (Nech).

Aret Madil   Vocals, keyboards, saz, guitar, percussions

Aret Madil an american of armenian origins, born and raised in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey), now living in Normandy (France). The Armenian communities' migration wave of the mid seventies brings him to Los Angeles at the age of 13 with his family. At the age of 18, he forms the post-punk duo "Wog". A first album is released in 1983 produced by Spot from the infamous SST records (Black Flag, Hüsker Du, Minutemen) 1988 sees the release of a second album on a small independent label "clandestine operations". Wog’s main influences were: Joy Division, the Stranglers, Magazine and Wire but what he has also kept from his childhood years, is the music of the multi cultural city, Istanbul. He feels marked by the spiritual aspect of the music of his birthplace and the sacred oriental chants.

Beatrice Valantin    Vocals

Beatrice Valantin is born to a Protestant family. Her early musical influences were Bach, Haendel, Schubert and baroque liturgical music. In contrast, her later influences are the gypsy chants, the fados as well as Pink Floyd and Leonard Cohen.

Mia Björlingsson     Drums

Mia Björlingsson is a Swedish expatriate; the influence of the seventies is subtly present in her particular style in the studio and on stage. Her influences include Neil Young, Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix.

Gerard Madilian      Duduk, shêvi

Gerard Madilian of Armenian descent is a traveler with a particular interest for the Caucasian countries, their culture and musical heritage. Through his journeys he has acquired a profound knowledge about the diverse instruments of these lands.