‘Echoes of Our Ancestors 2’ Draws More Than 5,000 to Celebrate Armenian Culture at the Greek Theatre
Updated: 4 days ago
More than 5,000 people gathered at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles for a large-scale musical and visual production celebrating Armenian history, faith, culture and identity.
“Echoes of Our Ancestors 2: Heroes & Saints,” presented Sept. 3 by the People of Ar Cultural Foundation, brought together a symphony orchestra, internationally known musicians, dancers, choirs and immersive video displays for a journey through centuries of Armenian civilization.
The production traced Armenian history from Noah’s Ark to the modern-day diaspora, honoring religious figures, national heroes, artists and community organizations working to preserve Armenian culture today.
The show was created and directed by Arman Nshanian and produced by Asko Akopyan. It followed the world premiere of “Echoes of Our Ancestors” at the Greek Theatre in 2025.
A world-class symphony orchestra led by conductor Sergey Smbatyan accompanied a wide range of Armenian performers, including headliner Serj Tankian, the lead singer of System of a Down.
The lineup also included Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities, Inga and Anush Arshakyan, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Gevorg Hakobyan, Masha Mnjoyan, R-Mean, Katil Band, DJ Serjo and Vahagn M, Misho, Karnig Sarkissian, Arabo Ispiryan, Suren Arustamyan and Albert Armenakyan, Armenia’s 2025 Junior Eurovision representative.
Choreography and dance were presented by Ludvig Ispiryan and the Zvartnots Dance Ensemble. The Haikian Choir, Arevik Children’s Choir and Sound of Children Choir also took part.
Modern and traditional music, dance, ballet and visual storytelling transformed the Greek Theatre stage into scenes representing different periods of Armenian history. Performers also moved through the aisles, bringing the production closer to the audience. The show opened with the appearance of a horse onstage.
More than 20 Armenian organizations participated in the production, representing present-day efforts to support the community and continue the work of earlier generations.
“Our ancestors survived, created, sacrificed and carried this world to us. Now it is our turn,” Nshanian said. “One day we, too, will become the ancestors. The only question is: What will our echo be?”
Akopyan described the production as an extraordinary achievement and praised the artists, crew, supporters and community members who helped bring it to the stage.
“The energy, emotion and connection we experienced that evening was truly mind-blowing,” Akopyan said. “Seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate our Armenian history, faith, culture and resilience was deeply moving.”
For Silvia Kavoukjian, a leader of People of Ar who focused on the children’s choirs, the production carried a deeply personal meaning.
“As a child, I made a promise to my grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide: I would never let go of my identity, my language, my culture or my faith,” Kavoukjian said. “Today, through People of Ar, we are keeping that promise alive.”
She said the foundation’s concerts and productions help Armenians rediscover their identity, honor the values passed down by previous generations and carry them forward.
That mission resonated with audience members, including one mother who attended with her 11-year-old daughter.
“I felt like this should be done again and again to keep Armenian identity alive, especially for our youth, who could learn about our history and know where we are coming from,” she said after the show. “Thank you a thousand times for this opportunity.”
Greek Theatre General Manager Kristen Sten said the venue was honored to host the production for a second consecutive year.
“We are proud to support the People of Ar Cultural Foundation and this meaningful event, which continues to bring people together through shared traditions, storytelling and connection,” Sten said.
The performance presented Armenian history not only as a story of survival, but also as a living legacy carried forward through music, faith, art and the next generation.
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