Classical Californians: Mary Kouyoumdjian

Photo of Mary Kouyoumdjian by Desmond White

Our next Classical Californian is composer and documentarian Mary Kouyoumdjian, whose works often incorporate recordings of people telling their stories. One such piece, Paper Pianos, was a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Music. She's worked with ensembles such as Kronos Quartet and Alarm Will Sound, and in addition to concert works, has composed for film, dance, and multimedia. Her own family's story of relocation - first from Armenia, to escape from genocide, and later from Beirut during the Lebanese civil war to the Bay Area - has been a powerful influence in shaping her musical career.

Frederic Chopin: Nocturne in C-sharp minor - Clara Rockmore, theremin; Nadia Reisenberg, piano

Steve Reich: "America Before the War" from Different Trains - Kronos Quartet and tape

Traditional Armenian Folk Song: "Groung" - Zabelle Panosian

Anna Clyne: Shorthand - Karen Ouzounian, cello; The Knights conducted by Eric Jacobsen

Lennon, McCartney, Ono (arr. Matt Marks): "Revolution No. 9" - Alarm Will Sound conducted by Alan Pierson

Fairuz (arr. Sulayman and Shine): "Li Beirut" - Karim Sulayman, tenor; Sean Shibe, classical guitar