Armenian by choice: Daniel Decker to perform in Yerevan on Oct. 10 (video)
Armenian sharakans (chants) and Komitas are your treasure. An Armenian priest introduced me to this divine music, and I realized that I need to study, learn, sing and record it,” American singer and composer Daniel Decker says. Born in Puerto Rico, Daniel moved to New York while still a baby. In 2005, Daniel Decker was officially invited to participate in a concert dedicated to 90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide. Today, he is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. “The name of my CD “I am Armenian By Choice” has become a motto for me. Armenians are unique and strong people spread around the world. The Armenian passport and the ending “yan” [Deckeryan] are a way to express my support to Armenian people and a message to the world that I stand by Armenians… Your songs are very emotional; they convey the pain in your history,” the singer said in Yerevan. “I have your songs in many countries, trying to tell people about the Armenian Genocide, especially those people who have not heard about this tragedy.” Composer and singer Daniel Decker will perform with the Armenian State Orchestra of National Musical Instruments on October 10. “My Armenian friends and [Turkish Armenian singer] Sibil will perform at the concert. I always wanted to cooperate with Sibil,” he said. Daniel Decker is planning to give another concert in Artsakh in spring. He is also going to shoot a film about the genocide.
