First times are always thrilling experiences, and it’s no different when we’re talking about the first appointment with an event that will light up and energise a city like Yerevan all day and well into the night for an entire week.

Kicking off on Monday, 9th September, Yerevan Music Week will feature an incredible line-up of musical talent through to Sunday, 15th September. For the very first time, this festival will unite both rising stars and renowned musicians from around the globe on Yerevan’s stages, while also offering a dynamic platform for industry professionals—producers, managers, and agents—to connect through conferences, discussions, and networking opportunities.

Organised by Music of Armenia, the week-long agenda highlights an expansive range of music, showcasing both innovative approaches and traditional influences from Armenia and the Caucasus region. This event is part of a larger effort to revitalise Armenia’s musical heritage by combining preservation with innovative interpretations. It also focuses on nurturing local emerging talent through educational programs, workshops, and performance opportunities, helping young musicians evolve within both traditional and contemporary musical landscapes, ultimately transforming the global perception of Armenian music.

Yerevan Music Week will officially kick off on Monday, 9th September, featuring DJ Manifiesta from Lisbon, who will ignite the atmosphere with his eclectic mix of global beats. Known for his energetic fusion of global bass, folktronica, downtempo, and Balkan sounds, he will ensure the festival starts on an upbeat note. That evening, Armenia’s TmbaTa Orchestra will also grace the stage, weaving Armenian folk music with international influences to revitalise traditional melodies with a contemporary flair.

Tuesday, 10th September, will see Araqell reinterpret Armenian folk music by integrating ancient melodies with modern electronic rhythms. Following this, Georgian artist (and Rhythm Passport favourite) Tamada will take the stage, merging storytelling with music through “Georgian futurism”. He combines electronic sounds with ancient Georgian traditions, crafting a narrative-driven atmosphere reminiscent of a Georgian feast’s master of ceremonies, truly living up to his name.

On Wednesday, 11th September, Armenian musician Miqayel Voskanyan and the Albanian ensemble Grupi Polifonik Karakteristik i Himarës will present a unique performance. They will merge traditional tar melodies with the layered harmonies of Albanian iso-polyphony, fostering a rich and mesmerising musical exchange. This act, developed during their residency at the Himara International Music Festival and supported by the European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), is part of their ongoing Waves of Himara project.

The following day, Thursday, 12th September, will feature French artist Dailo, who will blend Armenian and Greek traditional music into a melodious journey that transcends cultural boundaries. Portuguese artist Malotira will follow, delivering a performance steeped in Portuguese, Mediterranean, and Balkan musical traditions. Later, Beirut-based indie band sandmoon will perform, blending indie and dream pop with Middle-Eastern tones to create an atmospheric, melodic sound influenced by bands like Stereolab and Cigarettes After Sex.

Friday, 13th September, Yerevan’s own Marine Manasian will hold an open-air concert, infusing traditional Armenian music with modern elements through her deeply personal compositions. This will be followed by Mariam Mnatsakanyan and IYULINA, who will meld piano melodies with electronic sounds and traditional motifs, offering an evocative mix of Armenian and Yakutian influences.

On Sunday, 15th September, Semad will delve into folktronica, downtempo, and house music, exploring the intersection of Armenian folk and deep electronic beats. The festival will conclude with a performance by Germany’s Deniz Mahir Kartal, a virtuoso of traditional Anatolian and modern instruments, showcasing his broad musical versatility.

Then, get ready to add Yerevan to your music festival map, as this vibrant week-long event is set to bring new energy and creativity to one of the world’s oldest cities.

For the latest updates, lineup, and schedules, follow Yerevan Music Week on Instagram.
To buy tickets and passes for the festival, visit this LINK