GURDJIEFF ENSEMBLE: ZARTIR

Levon Eskenian’s arrangements have redefined G.I. Gurdjieff’s music, highlighting its diverse influences from Armenia, Greece, the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Gurdjieff, the philosopher, composer, choreographer, and one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century, was born in Gyumri, Armenia, to a Greek father and Armenian mother. Through Eskenian’s adaptations for Middle Eastern instruments, listeners experience a vibrant immersion into Gurdjieff’s compositions, while also situating Gurdjieff within Armenian bardic traditions like those of the legendary Sayat-Nova, Ashugh Jivani, and Baghdasar Dpir. This interpretation brings to life the cultural roots that shaped Gurdjieff’s music and philosophy.
Their latest album, Zartir, released on the prestigious ECM Records, continues this journey, with The New York Times describing their music as “powerfully hypnotic,” delivering a vivid and culturally specific experience.