A-CAPELLA: Zulal. Armenian A Cappella Trio (myspace.com)

www.myspace.com/zulaltrio

'Zulal', an Armenian a cappella trio, is named for the quality of clear water and delivers a musical experience that is likewise fluid, clean and unconfined. Zulal takes Armenia's village folk melodies and weaves intricate arrangements that pay tribute to the music's rural roots while introducing a contemporary lyricism and energy. Three different female voices blend to create a vocal landscape in which stories of village life and ritual are set forth for the listener. Zulal's singers, Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian and Anaïs Tekerian have been singing together since 2002, and have emerged as compelling voices reflecting a rich musical heritage. The trio has performed in such esteemed venues as Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of the City of New York, the Alex Theatre, and the Longy School of Music along with performances for Cirque du Soleil, The Near East Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.

Website: www.zulal.org

Teni Apelian

Teni's love for a cappella blossomed in a Jazz Choir at Carnegie Mellon, where she graduated with a Master's in Arts Management and a BA in Professional Writing. Originally from Philadelphia, she has lived in various spots on the east coast and now resides in New York, NY. Teni is thrilled to be part of Zulal, a group that has brought life to her foremost passions and which has allowed her to explore both spirit and sound with two talented women.

Yeraz Markarian

Yeraz Markarian has enjoyed singing from a young age, and participated in an all-female a cappella group at Barnard College, Columbia University as a "bass". A native New Yorker, she has a background in advertising and currently works in cancer research while she is studying for her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Yeraz is proud to take part in rediscovering Armenian folk music, and is overjoyed that what began as an innocent conversation among friends has led to the creation of Zulal.

Anaïs Alexandra Tekerian

Anaïs Tekerian studied theatre at Yale University, where she sang with and directed the Yale Slavic Chorus. Originally from San Francisco, Anaïs now lives in New York, performing in plays and films in and around the city. She is also a poet and a piano teacher. Anaïs is thrilled to be exploring the musical heritage of her ancestors with Zulal.