Echoes of Our Ancestors 2: Heroes and Saints, A Success at the Greek Theater

LOS ANGELES — Following the overwhelming success of its world premiere at the Greek Theatre in 2025, People of AR Cultural Foundation embarked on Echoes of Our Ancestors 2: Heroes & Saints – an entirely new musical and visual experience for a second year.

The 2026 show – again created by director Arman Nshanian and produced by Asko Akopyan – celebrated the enduring spirit, faith, courage, and cultural legacy of the Armenian people, highlighting the defining moments, legendary figures, and spiritual foundations of the country’s history from Noah’s Ark to the participation of present-day Diaspora in just over two hours on one stage nestled in the hills of Los Feliz.

A world-class symphony orchestra under internationally acclaimed conductor Maestro Sergey Smbatyan met celebrated international musical artists (including headliner Serj Tankian of System of a Down fame). Immersive video design set the stage and the storytelling behind a mix of modern and traditional dance and ballet.

The entire combined production transported audiences across centuries of Armenian civilization from its start to today, honoring the heroes whose courage defended a nation, the saints whose faith shaped its soul, artists who curated its culture and over 20 modern organizations’ participation continuing many good causes currently.

More than a concert, Echoes of Our Ancestors 2: Heroes & Saints was a celebration of identity, resilience, faith, and cultural pride—a tribute to the enduring spirit of a people whose legacy continues to inspire generations around the world. This sentiment could be felt amongst the large crowd of over 5,000 at the Greek Theatre, especially during acts where the performers immersed themselves through the aisles in song, dance and visuals. The show even kicked-off with a horse!

One guest (who brought her 11-year old daughter) following the show said: “I felt like this should be done again and again, to keep Armenian identity alive…especially for our youth, who could learn about our history and know where are we coming from. Thank you a thousand times for this opportunity!”

The show featured an extraordinary lineup of Armenian talent for one night only, on the same stage, with several unique collaborations, including:

• Serj Tankian (headliner)
• Arto Tuncboyaciyan
• Sebu of Capital Cities
• Inga & Anush Arshakyan
• Isabel Bayrakdarian
• Gevorg Hakobyan
• Masha Mnjoyan
• R-Mean
• Katil Band
• DJ Serjo & Vahagn M
• Misho
• Karnig Sarkissian
• Arabo Ispiryan
• Suren Arustamyan
• Albert Armenakyan (Junior Eurovision 2025)

Highlighted choreography and dance was presented by Ludvig Ispiryan, the Zvartnots Dance Ensemble, Haikian Choir, Arevik Children’s Choir and Sound of Children Choir.