YASH-AR

A musical collaboration formed by Arto Tunçboyacıyan and Yaşar Kurt three years ago, Yash-Ar derives its name from the Turkish word ‘living’ and from the first parts of the artists’ names. The band’s debut album, Against Hatred and Animosity (Nefrete Kine Karşı), which arose from their mutual desire to unite against hatred, intolerance and all kinds of discrimination, was recorded in Yerevan with musicians from the Armenian Navy Band. The album is comprised of three songs in Armenian and six in Turkish, with the title song “Nefrete Kine Karşı” dedicated to the memory of Hrant Dink. The band’s first performance was for the Peace for Rock Festival (Barışa Rock) held in Istanbul in 2007. A Tribute Concert for Hrant Dink will be their first in the United States.