One of the few US-based groups performing works from the ancient, rich secular vein of classical Armenian music, the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble plays a unique mix of traditional vocal and dance music from the 16th through the 19th centuries, from both Eastern and Western Armenia. Under the direction of Fresno resident John Chookasezian, this ensemble of master musicians performs on traditional instruments, weaving together stories of the songs and their composers with beautiful renditions of each musical piece.

The ensemble features John on clarinet and his wife Barbara as principal vocalist, along with Vergine Alimian on kanun (lap harp), Henrick Avoyan on dohol (traditional hand drum), Valod Grigorian on kemenche (violin), Andranik Mouradian on keyboards, Surik on oud (lute) and tarr (double-bodied lute), Garen Sarkissian on shivi (flute) and Albert Vardanyan on duduk (wooden flute).

With two live albums, Traditional Music and Echoes From the Past, plus a string of honors like Armenia's National Gold Medal Award and a sold-out appearance at the Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, the ensemble aspires to preserve and perpetuate the music of the Armenian people. "It is our vision," says John, "That in the future our children's grandchildren will also know this beautiful music."