SATURDAY, JUNE 28
SUNSET SERENADE
ETHNOSONIC LIVE AT HARMONY HALL
Music
BIO
Toronto's most compelling world music ensemble, Ethnosonic, is redefining the boundaries between ancient tradition and contemporary innovation. Founded in March 2024 by visionary composer Aslan Gotov and virtuoso bassist Viktor Khomenko, alongside duduk player Sar Kamlér as co-creator and manager, the ensemble has rapidly established itself as a powerful force in Canada's music landscape.
Ethnosonic's distinctive sound emerges from the masterful fusion of diverse world folk traditions—including Circassian, Armenian, Ukrainian, and Balkan influences—with contemporary jazz and funk sensibilities. The eight-piece ensemble features the visionary keyboard artistry and arrangements of artistic director Aslan Gotov, the rhythmic precision of drummer Adam Mansfield, the melodic interplay of guitarist Inal Gotov and reed specialist Alex Boychouk, the textural depth of accordionist Val Chitac, and the vocal artistry and keyboard support of professional soprano Anastasia Pogorelova. At the heart of their sound lies Kamler's haunting duduk, an ancient Armenian woodwind that serves as both bridge and beacon between worlds.
The band's artistic vision crystallized in their landmark May 2024 recording session, capturing four original compositions that showcase Kamler's compositional prowess enhanced by Gotov's sophisticated arrangements. Their debut singles—the ethereal "Little Paradise" and the groove-driven "Funky Sar"—introduced audiences to their unique sonic universe in late 2024, followed by the atmospheric "Swan's Dream" and the rhythmically complex "Mountain Dance" in early 2025.
Recognition arrived swiftly: the Ontario Arts Council awarded Ethnosonic a prestigious grant in October 2024, acknowledging their significant contribution to Canada's cultural landscape. This support has enabled the ensemble to focus on their highly anticipated debut album, scheduled for release in October 2025, culminating in an official launch concert at Toronto's legendary Hugh's Room on November 30, 2025.
From their premiere at Drom Taberna in October 2024 to their sold-out "Duduk, Jazz & Winter Nights" concert at the 389-seat City Playhouse Theatre in January 2025, Ethnosonic has demonstrated remarkable audience appeal. Their 2025 performance calendar reflects their rising profile, featuring appearances at the prestigious Luminis Vocal Festival (June 20), their own "Sunset Serenade" concert at Harmony Hall, the Mississauga World Music Festival (July 26), and a coveted Friday night headlining slot at Drom Taberna on October 3.
Ethnosonic's artistry transcends mere fusion—it represents a profound dialogue between past and present. Each composition honors the emotional depth and cultural wisdom of ancient folk traditions while embracing the harmonic complexity and rhythmic sophistication of contemporary music. Their performances create immersive experiences where the duduk's ancient voice guides listeners through landscapes both familiar and revolutionary, proving that cultural preservation and artistic innovation are not opposing forces, but complementary expressions of the same creative spirit.
In an era where authenticity often conflicts with accessibility, Ethnosonic has discovered the rare formula that honors both, creating music that speaks to the soul while moving the body, bridging generations and cultures through the universal language of rhythm, melody, and shared human experience.
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