There's something magical about hearing your grandmother's lullaby sung by voices that understand not just the melody, but the soul behind it. That's the experience awaiting audiences when Zulal takes the stage at Arts at the Armory in Somerville this March.
AIWA New England has chosen the perfect way to celebrate International Women's Month: by bringing together the community for an afternoon of music that honors the women who have preserved Armenian culture through generations. On March 8th at 2:00 PM, the acclaimed female vocal trio Zulal will perform at the historic Arts at the Armory venue, transforming the space into a bridge between ancient Armenian villages and contemporary New England.
The Voice of Armenian Heritage
Zulal has spent years perfecting an art form that many feared would fade into silence. The trio specializes in traditional Armenian folk songs, many of which were passed down orally through generations of women—mothers teaching daughters, grandmothers sharing with granddaughters. These aren't just songs; they're vessels carrying the joys, sorrows, and resilience of Armenian women across centuries.
What sets Zulal apart is their commitment to authenticity while embracing contemporary arrangements. They've researched extensively, traveling to Armenian villages and consulting with ethnomusicologists to ensure that every note, every ornament, every breath reflects the true spirit of the tradition. Yet they're not museum curators—they're living artists who understand that tradition must breathe and evolve to survive.
A Celebration of Women's Voices
The timing of this musical performance by Zulal carries special significance. Scheduled for March 8th, the concert aligns with International Women's Day, making it a powerful statement about the role of women in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. AIWA New England, an organization dedicated to empowering Armenian women and supporting humanitarian causes, couldn't have chosen a more fitting way to mark the occasion.
The theme "Celebrating The Women In Our Lives" resonates deeply within the Armenian community. It acknowledges the countless women who maintained cultural traditions even when circumstances threatened to erase them. It honors the mothers who sang these songs while kneading bread, the grandmothers who hummed them while embroidering, the aunts who taught them during long summer visits.
An Afternoon at Arts at the Armory
The venue itself adds another layer to this cultural experience. Arts at the Armory, located at 191 Highland Ave in Somerville, has become a beloved gathering place for diverse communities throughout Massachusetts. The historic building, once a military armory, now serves as a vibrant arts center where traditions from around the world find expression and appreciation.
Somerville's rich multicultural landscape makes it an ideal setting for this celebration of Armenian heritage. The city has long welcomed immigrant communities, creating spaces where cultural traditions can flourish alongside one another. For Armenian families throughout Massachusetts, this concert offers a rare opportunity to introduce younger generations to their musical heritage in a professional, engaging setting.
Why This Concert Matters
In an era when streaming services offer infinite musical choices, why does a concert of traditional Armenian folk songs matter? Because some experiences can't be replicated through earbuds. There's a communal power in gathering together, in hearing these ancient melodies fill a shared space, in seeing the faces of fellow community members as they recognize a song their own grandmother once sang.
For younger Armenian-Americans, concerts like this provide a tangible connection to a heritage that might otherwise feel abstract or distant. For older generations, they offer validation that the traditions they've worked to preserve remain vital and valued. And for those outside the Armenian community, they provide a window into a rich cultural tradition that has survived against tremendous odds.
The performance by Zulal represents more than entertainment—it's an act of cultural preservation, a celebration of resilience, and a gift to future generations. When these three voices harmonize, they're not just making beautiful music; they're ensuring that the voices of Armenian women past, present, and future continue to be heard.
Tickets for this special afternoon are available now, and given Zulal's reputation and the intimate nature of the venue, early reservation is recommended. Whether you're deeply connected to Armenian culture or simply appreciate world music performed at the highest level, this concert promises an afternoon that will resonate long after the final note fades.
