Students of the "Efo" Dhol Academy Presented the Nuances of the Armenian Dhol at the Puteaux Conservatoire (pictures)

The sounds of the Armenian dhol recently reunited Parisian art lovers once again. The latest tour in France by Armenian musician-dhol player Sergey Khachatryan (Efo) and the students of the "Efo" Dhol Academy turned into a true cultural dialogue, which this time encompassed not only the concert stage but also academic audiences.

One of the most significant episodes of the tour was the professional meeting held on November 5 at the Puteaux Conservatoire (Conservatoire de Puteaux), where Efo conducted a masterclass for the conservatory's students and professors. Through this masterclass, Efo conveyed the peculiarities of the Armenian instrument and the musical subtleties of the performing arts to his European colleagues, earning high praise from the local musical elite.

It is noteworthy that the faculty of the Puteaux Conservatoire gave special attention and high marks to the book-manual "The Key of Dhol" authored by Efo. In Armenia, this work has long become a staple for both the new generation and skilled musicians alike.

In the textbook, the author presents in detail the most important features and skills for playing the Armenian dhol. The manual’s particular value lies in the illustrative examples of performance techniques presented in the form of metro-rhythmic models, which are typologically linked to the nature of dhol playing.

This exceptional work, which includes textual descriptions and images, was presented to European specialists through videos and a rich appendix, and was qualified by them as a perfect educational manual. For creating such an innovative methodology for teaching the dhol, Efo was awarded a certificate of honor by the Puteaux Conservatoire.

"Such interest shown in the book proves once again that we are on the right path. Our goal is to place the teaching of the Armenian dhol on a scientific foundation and make it accessible to the world," Efo noted in a conversation with us.

The day after the seminar, on November 6, it was the stage's turn. Under the leadership of Sergey Khachatryan, the students of the "Efo" Dhol Academy presented the traditional dhol with a fresh and modern breath. The Parisian audience had the opportunity to feel the powerful energy characteristic only of Armenian rhythm. The long-lasting applause at the end of the concert proved one important reality: Armenian culture is one of the most sought-after and interesting directions in the world today.

"For our students, this was a great experience—to represent our national instrument in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Seeing the enthusiasm of the French students and the audience, I can confidently say that the Armenian rhythm knows no borders and is perceivable by all nations," Sergey Khachatryan noted, summarizing the Parisian visit.

The "Efo" dhol Academy continues its triumphal march, telling the world about Armenia and Armenian musical art through the most powerful and sincere language: music.

Author Vardan Manukyan